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- 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup spinach, chopped - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Seasoning essentials: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper For this dish, you need some key ingredients. First, orzo pasta creates a nice base. It cooks quickly and soaks up flavors well. Then, the shrimp adds protein and a sweet taste. Choose fresh shrimp for the best flavor. Olive oil brings richness and helps with cooking. Next, garlic gives a nice aroma and taste. You will also need low-sodium chicken broth. This broth adds depth to the dish without too much salt. Parmesan cheese brings creaminess and a savory touch. Use fresh grated cheese for better melting. Freshness is key, too. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst. Spinach gives a touch of green and nutrients. Finally, fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish. Don't forget the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. These simple seasonings enhance the dish perfectly. Together, these ingredients create a savory delight that is sure to impress. Sautéing the garlic First, grab a large skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it to smell nice but not burn. Toasting the orzo Next, add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir the orzo well to coat it in the garlic oil. Toast the orzo for 2 to 3 minutes. It should turn slightly golden. This step adds flavor to the dish. Adding the broth and simmering Now, pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and cover the skillet. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes. The orzo should absorb the broth and soften. Incorporating shrimp and tomatoes When the orzo is almost cooked, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cover the skillet again and cook for another 5 minutes. The shrimp will turn pink when done. Adding spinach and Parmesan cheese After the shrimp is cooked, stir in 1 cup of chopped spinach and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnishing before serving Remove the skillet from the heat. Let it sit for a couple of minutes. This helps it thicken slightly. Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves. Now, your One-Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is ready to enjoy! - Ensuring the right texture: Cook the orzo until it is just al dente. This keeps it firm and not mushy. Stir regularly while it cooks to avoid sticking. - Avoiding overcooked shrimp: Shrimp cooks fast. Add it to the orzo when it is almost done. Cook it for just 5 minutes until it turns pink. - Substituting other cheeses: If you want a twist, try using feta or goat cheese. They add a nice tangy flavor. - Using fresh herbs for a boost: Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can brighten the dish. Add them right before serving for the best taste. - Best skillet options: Use a large, deep skillet for even cooking. A non-stick skillet helps in easy cleanup too. - Tools for effortless serving: A large spoon or spatula makes serving easy. Consider using a ladle for a neat scoop. {{image_2}} Gluten-free options You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta. Rice or quinoa also works well. Check your broth to ensure it’s gluten-free too. Vegetarian alternative suggestions If you want a vegetarian dish, skip the shrimp. Add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. Tofu or chickpeas can give you protein without meat. Adding different vegetables You can mix in any veggies you like. Try peas, asparagus, or broccoli for a new taste. Each choice adds a nice crunch and color to the dish. Spice it up with cayenne or paprika Want some heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or paprika. This will bring a warm kick to the meal without overwhelming it. Making ahead and freezing You can make this dish ahead of time. Just let it cool, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It lasts up to three months in the freezer. Serving suggestions for leftovers Leftovers are great! You can reheat them in a pan with a splash of broth. Serve with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. To keep your One-Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp fresh, cool it down first. Place leftovers in airtight containers. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. Glass or plastic containers work well. Always label the containers with the date. This way, you can track how long it's been stored. When reheating, the stovetop is best. Place the orzo in a skillet with a splash of broth. Warm it gently over medium heat. Stir often to keep it from sticking. This method helps maintain the creamy texture. You can also use a microwave. Just cover it and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. In the refrigerator, your dish lasts about 3 to 4 days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. Store it in freezer-safe containers. It's best to eat frozen orzo within 2 months for the best flavor. Remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Can I use another type of pasta? Yes, you can use other pasta. However, orzo works best in this dish. If you use other shapes, adjust the cooking time. How do I know when the shrimp is cooked through? Cook shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about five minutes. Make sure they look firm and not translucent. What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese? You can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Both add nice flavor. What is a good low-sodium broth alternative? You can use water with herbs or a homemade broth. This keeps the dish tasty without added salt. What pairs well with One-Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp? Serve with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a full meal. A light white wine also complements this dish. Can I serve this dish cold as a salad? Yes, this dish can be served cold. It makes a great pasta salad for warm days. Just chill it after cooking and add a squeeze of lemon. This blog post covered how to make One-Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp. You learned about the main and fresh ingredients. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking. Tips helped you achieve the best texture and flavor. I also explored dietary variations and storage tips for leftovers. In summary, this dish is easy, flavorful, and flexible. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with your meal!

One-Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Delight your taste buds with this delicious One-Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines creamy orzo, succulent shrimp, and fresh veggies all cooked in one skillet. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a flavorful meal in just 30 minutes. Don't miss out on the chance to elevate your dinner routine—click through to explore this tasty recipe today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup spinach, chopped

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

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 orzo to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the garlic oil. Toast the orzo for 2-3 minutes until slightly golden.

      Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

        Once the orzo is almost cooked, add the shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Cover again and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the shrimp is pink and cooked through.

          Stir in the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

            Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly.

              Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4