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To make this dish, gather these items: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups spinach leaves - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish You can swap orzo with other small pasta like couscous or quinoa. Instead of shrimp, use chicken or tofu for a different taste. If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, diced tomatoes work well too. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese. You can add more greens like kale or arugula if you prefer. When choosing shrimp, look for ones that smell fresh and light. They should have a firm texture and a shiny appearance. Avoid any shrimp that smells strong or has a dull color. For pasta, pick a brand that uses high-quality durum wheat. Check for a smooth texture and avoid any that feels sticky. Fresh ingredients make the dish taste better and shine on your plate. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make Parmesan Shrimp Orzo Skillet, start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it smells great. Next, toss in the shrimp. Season them with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they start turning pink. After that, add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them for another 2 minutes until they soften. Now, stir in the orzo pasta and mix well. Pour in 2 cups of water or chicken broth for extra flavor. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and cover the skillet. Cook for about 10-12 minutes until the orzo is soft and has taken in most of the liquid. Once done, mix in the spinach and cook just until it wilts, which takes about 1-2 minutes. Finally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish. Toss everything to combine until it looks creamy. Taste and add more salt or pepper if you want. Serve warm with fresh basil on top. The key to a great dish is timing. Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink, not longer. This keeps them tender. When adding the orzo, make sure the water or broth is hot. This helps the pasta cook evenly. Stir occasionally, so it doesn’t stick to the pan. Using fresh ingredients also makes a big difference. Fresh garlic, ripe tomatoes, and good-quality Parmesan cheese enhance the flavor. Lastly, don’t skip the spinach. It adds both color and nutrients to your meal. One common mistake is overcooking the shrimp. If you cook them too long, they can get rubbery. Another mistake is not stirring the orzo enough. This can lead to sticking and uneven cooking. Be careful when adding salt; the Parmesan cheese is salty. Taste before adding more salt. Lastly, don't rush. Allow the flavors to blend by letting it cook covered for the right time. To get the best shrimp, use fresh ones. Look for shrimp that smell like the sea. They should be firm and shiny. Cook the shrimp just until pink. Overcooked shrimp become tough. For the orzo, make sure to stir it well. This keeps it from sticking together. To boost flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice. Fresh herbs like basil and parsley brighten the dish. You can also mix in some grated parmesan cheese. It adds creaminess and a rich taste. For a spicy kick, try adding more red pepper flakes. To save time, prep your ingredients first. Chop the garlic and tomatoes before you start cooking. You can also use pre-cooked shrimp. This cuts down cooking time by several minutes. If you use broth instead of water, it adds flavor quickly. Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp: Use fresh shrimp instead of frozen for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Flavor Boost: For added depth of flavor, consider using chicken broth instead of water when cooking the orzo. Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix different cheeses, like mozzarella or feta, with the Parmesan for a unique twist. Garnish Wisely: Garnish with not just fresh basil but also a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dish and enhance the flavors. {{image_2}} To make this dish lighter, swap regular orzo for whole wheat orzo. This change boosts fiber and nutrients. You can also use less oil. Just one tablespoon can still give great flavor. Consider using low-fat cheese or nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Both options cut calories while keeping that cheesy taste. For a vegetarian version, skip the shrimp and add more veggies. Try zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. These add flavor and texture. You can also use chickpeas for protein. They pair well with orzo and add heartiness. Just sauté them with garlic for a tasty boost. Use seasonal veggies to change flavors. In spring, add fresh peas or asparagus. In summer, use diced bell peppers or corn. Fall brings great options like butternut squash or kale. Winter veggies like Brussels sprouts can also shine in this dish. Just adjust cooking times for heartier ingredients. Store your Parmesan Shrimp Orzo Skillet in an airtight container. Let it cool before you seal it up. This helps keep the dish fresh. Use leftover meals within three days for the best flavor. You can freeze this dish for later. First, make sure it cools completely. Then, divide it into portions and place them in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Reheat your orzo skillet gently. Use the microwave or a skillet on low heat. If using the microwave, add a splash of water to keep it moist. Stir often to heat evenly. If using a skillet, cover it with a lid to trap steam. This keeps the dish tasty and creamy. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place them in cold water. This will help them defrost quickly. Make sure they are peeled and deveined before cooking. The taste will be just as good as fresh shrimp. This dish pairs well with a simple salad. A light green salad with lemon dressing works great. You can also serve garlic bread on the side. Another option is steamed vegetables. These sides balance the rich flavors of the orzo. This recipe is not gluten-free due to the orzo. However, you can use gluten-free orzo. Look for brands made from rice or corn. Just follow the same cooking steps. This way, you can enjoy a gluten-free version. This blog post covered everything you need for a Parmesan Shrimp Orzo Skillet. We went over ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for great taste. I shared ways to adapt the recipe for your needs, including healthier options. Proper storage can keep your meal fresh, too. In conclusion, this dish is simple and tasty. You can easily make it your own. Enjoy cooking and share this delightful meal with others!

Parmesan Shrimp Orzo Skillet

A delicious one-pan dish featuring shrimp, orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables, topped with Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups spinach leaves
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
  • Add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp start to turn pink.
  • Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes until they soften.
  • Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to combine. Pour in 2 cups of water (or chicken broth for more flavor) and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  • Stir in the spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the dish, tossing to combine until creamy.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  • Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

For added flavor, use chicken broth instead of water.
Keyword one pan, orzo, pasta, quick meal, shrimp