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- 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, rinsed and dried - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese The orzo pasta gives this dish a nice bite. I love using large shrimp because they cook quickly and taste great. Olive oil adds richness, while garlic brings in a warm, tasty flavor. Cherry tomatoes add a pop of sweetness, and fresh spinach gives the meal a healthy touch. Finally, Parmesan cheese makes everything creamy and rich. - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish You can add red pepper flakes for some heat. Fresh basil leaves not only look pretty but also add a burst of flavor. - Sea salt - Freshly ground black pepper I always season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. This step makes the dish taste bright and fresh. Use these to your liking and enhance the flavors! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. 2. Add 2 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute. It should smell great but not brown. 3. Next, toss in 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Season with sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir often until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. 1. Now, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir gently to mix. 2. Cook for another 2 minutes. This helps the tomatoes soften and release their juices. 3. Once the tomatoes are fragrant, it’s time to add 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves. Stir them in until they are just wilted, which takes about 1-2 minutes. 1. It’s orzo time! Add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir well to combine it with the shrimp and veggies. 2. Pour in 2 cups of water or chicken broth. This adds a lot of flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. 3. Lower the heat and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the orzo from sticking. 4. Once the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, fold in 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until creamy and the cheese melts. To make this dish just right, start by tasting as you cook. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. You can add more sea salt or freshly ground black pepper if needed. For a creamy texture, the key is the Parmesan cheese. When you add it, mix well to let it melt into the dish. This adds flavor and a smooth finish. One-pan meals save time and effort. You cook everything in one skillet, so less cleanup is needed. This recipe is quick. You can have it ready in about 25 minutes. To save even more time, prep your ingredients before you start cooking. Chop your garlic and halve the tomatoes ahead of time. Serving this dish in shallow bowls makes it look great. The colors of the shrimp, spinach, and tomatoes pop. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for extra richness. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds flavor and makes the dish inviting. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil leaves for a touch of green. This not only looks beautiful but also enhances taste. Pro Tips Perfecting the Shrimp: Ensure the shrimp are not overcooked by removing them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink and opaque. They will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the heat. Flavor Boost: For extra depth, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic and before adding the shrimp. Let it reduce slightly to enhance the dish's flavor. Orzo Cooking: Stir the orzo occasionally while it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. This will ensure a creamy consistency without clumps. Fresh Spinach: Add the spinach towards the end of the cooking process to maintain its vibrant color and nutritional benefits. It should wilt quickly without losing its texture. {{image_4}} You can easily swap shrimp for other proteins. Chicken works well and adds a hearty bite. Just cut it into small pieces and cook until it's no longer pink. If you want a veggie option, try using mushrooms or even chickpeas. Both add great texture and flavor. You can boost flavor with herbs and spices. Try adding fresh basil, oregano, or a pinch of thyme. For a spicy kick, more red pepper flakes work wonders. Cheese options are also fun to explore. Instead of Parmesan, you could use feta for a tangy twist or a mix of cheeses for depth. If you need gluten-free options, choose rice or quinoa instead of orzo. You can find gluten-free orzo in stores too. For a vegan dish, substitute shrimp with tofu or extra veggies. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. These changes keep the dish tasty while meeting your dietary needs. To keep your Parmesan Shrimp Orzo Skillet fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the dish in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It will stay good for up to three days. Make sure to cool it down before sealing the container. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the orzo from becoming mushy. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently. You can use the microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, warm on medium heat for about 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or broth. Heat over low until warm, stirring often. This keeps the orzo creamy and prevents drying out. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Let the dish cool completely before freezing. Portion it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Label each container with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming. How long does it take to cook orzo? It takes about 10-12 minutes to cook orzo. You cook it in water or broth. Stir it often to prevent sticking. Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them before cooking. This saves time and still tastes great. Is this dish customizable to different tastes? Absolutely! You can add more veggies or swap shrimp for chicken. Adjust spices to fit your taste. This dish has around 450 calories per serving. It includes protein, carbs, and healthy fats. Each serving has about 25 grams of protein and 15 grams of fat. Pair this meal with a light salad or garlic bread. A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, works well too. Enjoy the flavors together! In this post, I explored a tasty one-pan dish that uses orzo, shrimp, and bright veggies. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and highlighted optional add-ins to enhance flavor. You can make this dish work for your needs by swapping proteins or adjusting seasonings. Don't forget to store leftovers well and reheat properly. I hope you feel inspired to try this easy, customizable recipe. Enjoy every bite and share it with others!

Creamy Parmesan Shrimp Orzo Skillet

A delicious one-pan dish featuring shrimp, orzo pasta, and fresh spinach in a creamy Parmesan sauce.
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Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, rinsed and dried
  • 1 2 freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 2 red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)
  • 1 to taste sea salt
  • 1 to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large, deep skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the finely minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
  • Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season them with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Cook for 2-3 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the shrimp turn a lovely pink color and are opaque.
  • Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, stirring gently. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes to allow the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.
  • Once the tomatoes are fragrant, add the orzo pasta, stirring to ensure it’s well mixed with the shrimp and tomatoes. Pour in 2 cups of water or chicken broth to enhance the flavor, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • After the orzo is cooked, fold in the fresh spinach leaves, cooking just until they are wilted, which will take about 1-2 minutes.
  • Finally, sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the entire dish, gently tossing everything together until it becomes creamy and the cheese melts beautifully.
  • Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed to suit your palate.
  • Serve the dish warm, beautifully garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls and drizzle with extra olive oil for richness.
Keyword orzo, parmesan, pasta, shrimp, skillet