One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp
A delightful one-pan dish blending tender shrimp with creamy orzo, enhanced with fresh spinach and zesty lemon juice, ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 14 ounces Shrimp (peeled and deveined) Use fresh or thoroughly thawed frozen shrimp
- 1 tbsp Olive oil For marinating shrimp
- ½ tsp Sweet paprika For seasoning shrimp
- Salt To taste
- Black pepper To taste
For the Orzo
- 3 tbsp Olive oil Divided for cooking
- 2 tbsp Salted butter For added creaminess
- 1 Shallot (finely chopped) Adds a sweet onion flavor
- 3 Garlic cloves (minced) Enhances flavor
- 7 ounces Orzo Main grain component
- ½ tsp Red pepper flakes Adds a spicy kick
- 1 tsp Dried oregano For savory flavor
- 1 tsp Za’atar For Middle Eastern flavor
- 2.5 cups Low sodium chicken broth Base for cooking orzo
- 3.5 ounces Spinach For added nutrients
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice For brightness
- 2 ounces Grated Parmesan Plus more for serving
- 3.5 ounces Crumbled feta For creamy texture
- Toasted pine nuts (optional) For topping
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, combine shrimp with sweet paprika, salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss to coat.
- Set the shrimp mixture aside and chop the shallot and mince the garlic.
Cooking
- Heat the remaining olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Sear for about 1 minute on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the chopped shallot and minced garlic. Cook on low heat, stirring, for about 2 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the orzo and season with oregano, red pepper flakes, and more black pepper.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until orzo is tender.
- Add the spinach and let it wilt for a minute, then mix in lemon juice, grated Parmesan, and crumbled feta. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Return the shrimp with any juices back to the pan, stir to combine, and heat for another minute.
Notes
For best results, use high-quality fresh shrimp and ensure the pan is hot to prevent sticking. Customizable with various veggies and proteins.