Shrimp & Orzo (1-Pan, 20-Minute Dinner) Recipe

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If you’re craving something that bursts with flavor but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen, this Shrimp & Orzo (1-Pan, 20-Minute Dinner) is your new go-to meal. It’s an absolute weeknight hero that combines succulent, perfectly seared shrimp with tender orzo pasta soaked in a luscious blend of garlic, white wine, and chicken broth, all rounded out by fresh lemon and Parmesan. This dish looks impressive, tastes incredible, and comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. It’s a true celebration of simplicity and bold flavors in one satisfying package.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, bringing its own texture, color, and flavor to create a harmonious, mouthwatering dinner that feels both fresh and comforting. These basics are easy to find and come together effortlessly for this one-pan wonder.

• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve that perfect sear on the shrimp.
• Unsalted butter: Gives the dish a silky mouthfeel and deepens the flavor.
• Large shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star protein, tender and juicy for a quick cook time.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
• Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth.
• Garlic: Infuses the dish with fragrant, savory notes.
• Orzo: This tiny pasta brings a lovely bite and soaks up all the delicious broth.
• Dry white wine (or additional broth): Introduces acidity and complexity, brightening the overall dish.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that keeps the orzo tender and tasty.
• Cherry tomatoes: Provide pops of sweetness and color for freshness.
• Fresh lemon juice: Lifts the dish with a zesty brightness that ties everything together.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds umami richness and creamy texture at the finish.
• Fresh parsley: Offers a grassy, vibrant note and a garnish that makes each plate pop.

How to Make Shrimp & Orzo (1-Pan, 20-Minute Dinner)

Step 1: Sear the Shrimp

Start by warming olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season your shrimp with kosher salt and black pepper, then cook it quickly, about 1 to 2 minutes per side, until it just turns opaque—be careful not to overcook! Remove the shrimp and set it aside. This quick sear locks in the shrimp’s natural sweetness and creates a flavorful crust that stands up to the orzo later.

Step 2: Toast the Orzo and Garlic

Using the same pan (don’t wash it to keep all that shrimp flavor!), toss in minced garlic and orzo. Stir them around for 1 to 2 minutes so the orzo gets lightly toasted and fragrant. This step deepens the orzo’s flavor and makes the final dish deliciously nutty.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Next, pour in the white wine or extra chicken broth, stirring and scraping up every tasty bit stuck to the bottom of the pan. Then add 2 cups of chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil before reducing to a simmer. Cover the pan and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid mostly absorbed. If things start to dry out, a splash more broth will keep everything perfectly creamy.

Step 4: Finish with Shrimp and Fresh Ingredients

Return the shrimp to the pan along with halved cherry tomatoes, fresh lemon juice, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley. Stir gently, combining all those vibrant flavors into one harmonious dish. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt or pepper if needed. The shrimp finish cooking in the warmed broth, tomatoes soften slightly for juiciness, and the Parmesan melts in, bringing everything beautifully together.

How to Serve Shrimp & Orzo (1-Pan, 20-Minute Dinner)

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra freshly chopped parsley and a dusting of Parmesan cheese make this dish feel special and fresh. You can also add a wedge of lemon on the side for guests to squeeze over, pulling even more brightness into every bite.

Side Dishes

This Shrimp & Orzo (1-Pan, 20-Minute Dinner) is wonderful when served with a crisp green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. The freshness and crunch from these sides contrast the creamy orzo, creating a balanced and irresistible meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner, serve straight from the skillet at the table—a cozy, family-style approach everyone will love. If you want to impress, plate a portion in shallow bowls, garnishing artistically with parsley and parmesan for a restaurant-quality presentation that’s surprisingly easy to replicate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Shrimp & Orzo (1-Pan, 20-Minute Dinner) leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the shrimp and orzo together — the flavors meld even more after sitting for a while, making for a tasty next-day meal.

Freezing

While shrimp and orzo can be frozen, the texture may change slightly after thawing. If you want to freeze your leftovers, place them in a freezer-safe container and use within one month for the best taste. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the dish on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture. Stir frequently until heated through, being mindful not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture and achieve that perfect sear. Frozen shrimp work great and make this dish even easier to whip up anytime.

What if I don’t have white wine?

No worries! Simply substitute the wine with an equal amount of chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor. The dish will still taste incredible and remain just as easy to make.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can swap the shrimp for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or roasted zucchini and still enjoy the comforting orzo base. Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth keeps the flavors light and veggie-forward.

Is one pan enough to cook everything?

Yes! This Shrimp & Orzo (1-Pan, 20-Minute Dinner) is designed for simplicity and minimal cleanup. Cooking everything in one pan melds the flavors perfectly and saves you time in the kitchen.

How do I know when the orzo is done?

The orzo should be tender but still slightly firm to the bite, not mushy. Taste it near the end of cooking, and if it needs more time, let it simmer a few minutes longer with a bit of extra broth if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp & Orzo (1-Pan, 20-Minute Dinner) has quickly become one of my favorite quick meals to pull together on busy nights without sacrificing flavor or freshness. It’s packed with delicious layers of taste, colors, and textures that make mealtime exciting and stress-free. Give it a try — I promise this vibrant, cozy dish will turn into a staple in your dinner rotation just like it did for me!

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