One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp - Quick Easy Dinner Ideas You'll Love
If you’re like me, you love cooking—but hate the pile of dishes that comes after. That’s exactly why this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp has become my new weeknight hero. It’s creamy, flavorful, and the best part? It falls into that magical category of 5 Minute Prep Dinners. Yes, you read that right.
Picture this: tender shrimp, perfectly toasted orzo, a silky parmesan sauce, and a handful of fresh spinach for good measure. Boom—you’ve got a complete meal in about 30 minutes, and it’s all made in one skillet. One Pot Shrimp recipes are basically the unicorns of weeknight cooking: rare, magical, and ridiculously satisfying.
Looking for Family Shrimp Dinner Ideas that everyone will actually eat (and love)? This one checks all the boxes. Shrimp cooks up fast, the orzo makes it hearty, and the parmesan sauce gives it that comfort-food hug. IMO, it’s one of the best Easy Shrimp Meals For Dinner you can whip up without breaking a sweat.
Plus, there’s hardly any chopping, no stack of dirty dishes, and no weird ingredients. Just simple, tasty pantry staples that turn into something way fancier than the effort it requires. Honestly, when you’re hunting for Quick Easy Healthy Family Dinners, this dish deserves the spotlight.
And let’s not forget versatility. Want to sneak in extra veggies? Toss in kale, peas, or whatever greens you’ve got hanging out in the fridge. Need something for your list of Dinner Ideas Light And Easy? This recipe nails it. If you’ve been Googling “Meals To Cook With Shrimp” or “Easy Meals Shrimp” and winding up overwhelmed, let me save you the trouble—this is the one.
So, what do you say? Ready to make one of the best Healthy Dinner Ideas With Shrimp that’s creamy, comforting, and requires almost zero cleanup? Grab your skillet—let’s cook!
One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp - Quick Easy Dinner Ideas You'll Love
Looking for a dinner that’s hearty, flavorful, and doesn’t destroy your kitchen with a mountain of dishes? This one-pan wonder has it all: tender shrimp, creamy orzo, fresh spinach, and a zesty squeeze of lemon to brighten it up. With minimal prep and simple cleanup, it’s a weeknight win every time.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 pound raw shrimp, large, peeled and deveined, tails removed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (regular or seasoned; I used Momofuku spicy seasoned salt)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 6–8 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water + chicken bouillon base)
- ¾ cup half-and-half
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (adjust to taste)
Directions
- Prep the shrimp – Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and half the black pepper.
- Cook the shrimp – In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Toast the orzo – Lower heat to medium. Add olive oil to the same pan, followed by garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Stir in orzo, a pinch of salt, and remaining pepper. Toast the pasta for 1–2 minutes.
- Make it creamy – Pour in chicken broth and half-and-half. Stir in cayenne, basil, and onion powder. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring often so the pasta doesn’t stick. Add more broth or water if needed until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Finish the dish – Stir in Parmesan and spinach until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts. Add lemon juice, then taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve & enjoy – Plate the orzo, top with shrimp, and garnish with extra Parmesan and lemon if desired.
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