Creamy Shrimp Orzo (30-Minute One-Pan Dinner)
If you love fast, comforting dinners that feel restaurant-worthy but require almost no fuss, this Creamy Shrimp Orzo will quickly become a weeknight staple. It’s rich, silky, ridiculously flavorful, and made in just one pan — no straining, no juggling pots and pans, and no complicated steps. Better yet, it’s ready in 30 minutes from start to finish.
This dish combines tender sautéed shrimp, perfectly cooked orzo, bright lemon, garlic, Parmesan, and a dreamy cream sauce. The result? A cozy meal that eats like an elevated gourmet risotto but cooks with the ease of a simple pasta skillet. Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting friends, or meal-prepping for the week, this one-pan shrimp orzo is guaranteed to impress.
Why This Dish Works
The magic behind this recipe lies in how orzo cooks. Despite looking like grains of rice, orzo is actually a tiny pasta — and pasta cooked directly in broth releases starch, creating a naturally thick, creamy sauce without needing a roux. Combine that with the juices from the shrimp, a splash of cream, and freshly grated Parmesan, and you’ve got a decadent but balanced dish with depth, richness, and bright, satisfying flavors.
Plus, shrimp cooks quickly, making it perfect for a fast, efficient recipe. The whole dish uses minimal ingredients and everyday pantry staples while still feeling luxurious.
Ingredients
(Use dashes as requested)
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper
For the Orzo
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 ¼ cups chicken broth (or seafood broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional but recommended)
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Season and Sear the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss shrimp with paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and let it melt, scraping up any browned bits from the shrimp. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Toast the Orzo
Add the dry orzo to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast in the butter. This adds depth and prevents mushiness.
4. Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.
5. Add Cream and Parmesan
Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Add the grated Parmesan and allow it to melt into the sauce. Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
6. Add Spinach and Lemon
Stir in spinach, letting it wilt. Add lemon juice and lemon zest. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Add Shrimp Back In
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, folding it gently into the creamy orzo. Let everything warm through for about 1 minute.
8. Serve
Top with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, or a squeeze of lemon. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Success
1. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated Parmesan ensures a silky, restaurant-quality sauce.
2. Adjust Creaminess to Your Liking
The dish will continue to thicken as it cools. Add a splash of broth or cream before serving if you prefer it looser.
3. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp cooks lightning-fast. Overcooking leads to rubbery texture, so remove it from the pan as soon as it turns opaque and pink.
4. Flavor Boost Options
- A splash of white wine when sautéing garlic
- A pinch of Cajun seasoning
- Roasted cherry tomatoes mixed in at the end
- Basil instead of parsley
Variations
1. Creamy Chicken Orzo
Swap shrimp for sliced chicken breast or thighs. Cook fully before proceeding with the recipe.
2. Greek-Style Shrimp Orzo
Add olives, feta, oregano, and chopped tomatoes. Finish with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.
3. Lighter Version
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce Parmesan to ⅓ cup.
4. Spicy Shrimp Orzo
Add extra red pepper flakes or stir in a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste.
What to Serve With Creamy Shrimp Orzo
This dish is satisfying on its own, but pairs beautifully with:
- Roasted asparagus
- A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic knots or crusty bread
- Steamed broccoli
- A chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
Storage & Reheating
Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
Freezing: Not recommended due to dairy separation and shrimp texture.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Regular Rotation
- One pan means easy cleanup
- Ready in 30 minutes
- Comfort food with freshness and brightness
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
- Customizable for different tastes
- Restaurant flavor with home-cooking convenience
This Creamy Shrimp Orzo hits every note: creamy, savory, comforting, bright, and absolutely mouthwatering. Once you try it, it’ll become one of those dishes you crave regularly — and luckily, it’s easy enough to whip up anytime.
Creamy Shrimp Orzo
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season shrimp with paprika, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Sear in olive oil for 1–2 minutes per side, then remove from pan.
- Add butter to skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in broth, cover, and cook 8–10 minutes until liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Add cream and Parmesan, stirring until creamy.
- Stir in spinach, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Return shrimp to pan and warm through.
