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One-Pan Creamy Shrimp Orzo

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A quick weeknight dinner that will have you (and the entire fam) coming back for more. I love that it's creamy without the heavy cream thanks to the secret ingredient...GOAT CHEESE! Orzo cooks so quickly and has the best flavour.

One Pan Creamy Shrimp Orzo: A Quick, Flavor-Packed Dinner

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both delicious and effortless, this one pan creamy shrimp orzo recipe is an absolute winner. With tender shrimp, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked orzo all made in a single pan, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.

This dish combines the silky texture of orzo pasta with succulent shrimp and a luscious creamy sauce that’s bursting with garlic and herb notes. It’s a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal you can make at home in about 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love One Pan Creamy Shrimp Orzo

The magic of this recipe is its simplicity and speed. Cooking everything in one pan means fewer dishes to wash, less hassle, and a quicker cooking time. The orzo cooks right in the creamy sauce, absorbing all the rich flavors from the garlic, lemon, and tomatoes.

Shrimp cooks quickly and stays tender, while the sauce gets thick and velvety thanks to a touch goat cheese This dish is not only delicious but also elegant enough for a dinner party, yet easy enough for a casual weeknight meal.

Simple Ingredients for a Crowd-Pleasing Dish

This recipe calls for basic pantry staples like orzo pasta, shrimp, garlic, chicken broth, goat cheese and cherry tomatoes. You can customize it by adding spinach or fresh herbs.

Using fresh shrimp ensures the best flavor and texture, but frozen shrimp works well too—just thaw it before cooking. The combination of garlic, tomatoes, and goat cheese makes the creamy sauce delicious, light and fresh.

How to Make One Pan Creamy Shrimp Orzo

Start by cooking the shrimp until they are nicely charred. Then cook the garlic and cherry tomatoes in olive oil.  Add the orzo and toast it briefly before pouring in chicken broth to cook the pasta right in the pan. Once the orzo is nearly tender, stir in goat cheese & return shrimp into the pan.

Tips for the Best One Pan Creamy Shrimp Orzo

  • Use medium or large shrimp for the best texture and ease of cooking.

  • Don’t overcook the shrimp; they only need a few minutes to turn pink.

  • Stir the orzo occasionally while it cooks to prevent sticking.

A Creamy, Comforting Meal Ready in Minutes

This one pan creamy shrimp orzo recipe is a go-to for anyone who loves flavorful, easy dinners with minimal cleanup. It’s rich and comforting but still fresh and bright, making it perfect for any night of the week.

Try this recipe and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal made effortlessly in your own kitchen!

How To Make One-Pan Creamy Shrimp Orzo

The Ingredients

  • Orzo
    A small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up flavors beautifully, making it perfect for creamy dishes.
    Substitutes: Arborio rice (for a risotto-style dish), couscous, or small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or pastina.

  • Shrimp
    Tender, juicy seafood that cooks quickly and adds a delicate, slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
    Substitutes: Scallops, firm white fish like cod or haddock, or for a vegetarian option, firm tofu or chickpeas.

  • Paprika
    Adds mild smoky flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
    Substitutes: Smoked paprika for a deeper smoky taste, chili powder for heat, or cayenne pepper (use sparingly for spice).

  • Garlic powder
    Provides concentrated garlic flavor that enhances the savory notes without overpowering.
    Substitutes: Fresh minced garlic (use about 1 clove per ¼ teaspoon garlic powder), garlic salt (reduce other salt accordingly), or shallot powder.

  • Chili flakes (optional)
    Adds a subtle spicy kick for those who like heat.
    Substitutes: Cayenne pepper, hot paprika, or omit if you prefer mild flavors.

  • Broth
    Chicken or vegetable broth adds moisture and rich savory depth, helping to cook the orzo and infuse flavor.
    Substitutes: Water with bouillon cubes, mushroom broth, or seafood stock for extra depth.

  • Cherry tomatoes
    Sweet, juicy bursts of flavor that add freshness and color to the creamy pasta.
    Substitutes: Grape tomatoes, diced Roma tomatoes, or sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor.

  • White onion
    Adds sweetness and mild sharpness when sautéed, creating a flavorful base.
    Substitutes: Yellow onion, shallots, or red onion for a slightly different flavor profile.

  • Garlic
    Fresh garlic cloves provide aromatic depth and a punch of savory flavor.
    Substitutes: Garlic powder (use sparingly), garlic paste, or roasted garlic for a milder taste.

  • Goat cheese
    Creamy, tangy cheese that melts into the dish, adding richness and a slight tartness.
    Substitutes: Feta cheese, cream cheese, ricotta, or mascarpone for a milder, creamy texture.

What You Need

The Steps

  • Prep your veggies: slice cherry tomatoes in half lengthwise, dice onion, and mince garlic
  • Pat dry shrimp
  • In a medium bowl, add shrimp and toss with spices (paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using)
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat; once hot add oil
  • Cook shrimp spread apart for 2 minutes per side (make sure to do this in batches so they don't overcrowd the pan)
  • Remove shrimp from heat and set aside
  • Add another splash of oil to the skillet and toss in onion and garlic; cook, stirring for 2 minutes
  • Add in cherry tomatoes and let everything cook for 5 minutes, or until the tomatoes start to soften and burst
  • Add uncooked orzo and water (and/or broth) and stir
  • Continue cooking, stirring often for 6 minutes until the orzo starts to absorb the liquid
  • Once orzo is cooked through, stir in goat cheese and return the shrimp
  • Give everything a good stir and serve right away

Recipe Tips

  • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For best results when reheating the dish, add a splash of water or broth.

 

One-Pan Creamy Shrimp Orzo

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups orzo
  • 1 lb shrimp
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • ½ tsp chili flakes optional
  • 4 cups water or broth or a mix of the two
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes
  • ½ white onion
  • 1 clove garlic
  • ⅓ cup goat cheese

Instructions

  • Prep your veggies: slice cherry tomatoes in half lengthwise, dice onion, and mince garlic
  • Pat dry shrimp
  • In a medium bowl, add shrimp and toss with spices (paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using)
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat; once hot add oil
  • Cook shrimp spread apart for 2 minutes per side (make sure to do this in batches so they don't overcrowd the pan)
  • Remove shrimp from heat and set aside
  • Add another splash of oil to the skillet and toss in onion and garlic; cook, stirring for 2 minutes
  • Add in cherry tomatoes and let everything cook for 5 minutes, or until the tomatoes start to soften and burst
  • Add uncooked orzo and water (and/or broth) and stir
  • Continue cooking, stirring often for 6 minutes until the orzo starts to absorb the liquid
  • Once orzo is cooked through, stir in goat cheese and return the shrimp
  • Give everything a good stir and serve right away

Notes

  • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For best results when reheating the dish, add a splash of water or broth.

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Recipe creator, toddler mama & wellness enthusiast. Happy&Full is a blog all about quick and easy recipes for every day living! Eating well (and feeling well) doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

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