One Pot Shrimp & Orzo Pasta With Lemon Garlic Cream And Herb Panko Crumble

Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both impressive and incredibly easy? Look no further! This One-Pot Shrimp & Orzo Pasta with Lemon Garlic Cream and Herb Panko Crumble is a flavor explosion in every bite. We’re talking tender shrimp, perfectly cooked orzo, a luscious lemon garlic cream sauce, and a crunchy, herbaceous panko topping. The best part? It all comes together in just one pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and is sure to become a new family favorite. Get ready to experience pasta night elevated!

What You’ll Need

• 300g (10.5oz) Raw Shrimp, Peeled and Deveined: We’re using raw shrimp as the star protein. Ensure they are peeled and deveined for convenience. You can use any size shrimp you prefer, but medium or large work best in this dish.
• 250g (9oz) Orzo Pasta: Orzo, often called ‘risoni’, is a rice-shaped pasta that cooks beautifully in one pot. Its small size allows it to absorb all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
• 2 Tbsp (30ml) Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its rich flavor and health benefits. It’s used to sauté the aromatics and create a base for the sauce.
• 1 Small Onion, Finely Diced (≈80g / ½ cup): The onion forms the aromatic foundation of the dish, providing a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. Dicing it finely ensures it cooks evenly and blends seamlessly into the sauce.
• 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Garlic is essential for that classic Italian flavor. Freshly minced garlic provides the most potent aroma and taste.
• 1 Lemon, Zest and Juice: Lemon brightens the entire dish with its zesty acidity. We’ll use both the zest (the outer peel) for concentrated lemon flavor and the juice for a refreshing tang.
• 240ml (1 cup) Vegetable Broth: Vegetable broth provides the liquid needed to cook the orzo and create the sauce. Using a good quality broth will enhance the overall flavor.
• 120ml (½ cup) Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds richness and creates a luxurious, velvety sauce. You can use a lower-fat cream if desired, but the sauce won’t be as thick and creamy.
• 30g (2 Tbsp) Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and helps emulsify the sauce, creating a smooth and glossy texture.
• 30g (¼ cup) Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are Japanese-style breadcrumbs known for their light and airy texture. They create a wonderfully crispy crumble topping.
• 2 Tbsp (30g) Toasted Pine Nuts, Finely Chopped: Pine nuts add a delicate nutty flavor and a pleasant textural contrast to the crumble. Toasting them enhances their flavor.
• 2 Tbsp (8g) Fresh Parsley, Chopped: Fresh parsley provides a vibrant herbaceousness that complements the lemon and garlic.
• 1 tsp (5g) Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky warmth and a beautiful color to the dish.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to Taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
• Pinch of Red-Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red-pepper flakes. Adjust the amount to your preference.

Substitutions & Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking! Here are a few ideas:

• Shrimp: You can substitute the shrimp with chicken, scallops, or even leave it out for a vegetarian version.
• Orzo: If you don’t have orzo, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe.
• Vegetable Broth: Chicken broth can be used instead of vegetable broth for a richer flavor.
• Heavy Cream: For a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half or even milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.
• Pine Nuts: Walnuts or almonds can be used as a substitute for pine nuts in the crumble.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect One-Pot Shrimp & Orzo

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and softened. This builds the foundational flavor of the dish.
2. Bloom the Garlic & Spice: Stir in the minced garlic and smoked paprika. Cook for just 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. Blooming the spices in the oil releases their aromas and enhances their flavor.
3. Sear the Shrimp: Add the raw shrimp to the pot, season generously with salt and pepper. Sear for 2 minutes per side, until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Don’t overcrowd the pot; work in batches if necessary to ensure proper searing. Remove the shrimp from the pot and set aside on a plate. This prevents overcooking later.
4. Toast the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta directly to the same pot. Toast, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes. This step is crucial! Toasting the orzo enhances its nutty flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy during cooking.
5. Simmer the Orzo: Pour in the vegetable broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente (firm to the bite) and most of the liquid has been absorbed. If the orzo absorbs the liquid too quickly, add a splash more broth.
6. Create the Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and butter. Continue stirring until the butter is melted and the sauce becomes glossy and coats the pasta evenly. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red-pepper flakes (if desired). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed – this is where you can really customize the flavor.
7. Combine & Heat Through: Return the cooked shrimp to the pot. Gently mix everything together and heat through for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the shrimp is warmed through without overcooking.
8. Prepare the Herb-Panko Crumble: While the pasta finishes, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs, finely chopped toasted pine nuts, and chopped fresh parsley. Toast, stirring constantly, until golden brown and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
9. Fold & Finish: Fold half of the herb-panko crumble into the shrimp-orzo mixture. This adds texture and flavor throughout the dish.
10. Plate & Garnish: To plate, twirl a generous mound of the creamy shrimp-orzo onto a wide plate. Drizzle with any remaining lemon-garlic sauce. Sprinkle the remaining herb-panko crumble over the top. Garnish with a few fresh parsley leaves and a lemon wedge.

Why One-Pot Pasta is a Game Changer

One-pot pasta dishes, like this One-Pot Shrimp & Orzo, aren’t just about convenience; they’re about flavor development. Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce allows the starch released from the orzo to create a naturally creamy and emulsified sauce. This eliminates the need for excessive amounts of cream or butter, resulting in a lighter yet incredibly flavorful dish. The continuous simmering also infuses the orzo with the flavors of the broth, lemon, and garlic, creating a harmonious blend.

The Importance of Quality Shrimp

The quality of your shrimp significantly impacts the final result. Opt for wild-caught shrimp whenever possible, as they tend to have a firmer texture and more pronounced flavor. If using frozen shrimp, ensure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before searing. Properly seared shrimp should be pink, opaque, and slightly caramelized – this adds a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Customizing Your Herb-Panko Crumble

The herb-panko crumble is a fantastic way to add texture and freshness. Feel free to experiment with different herbs! Dill, chives, or even a touch of oregano would all be delicious additions. You can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to the crumble for an extra layer of savory flavor. For a spicier crumble, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Tips for Perfectly Al Dente Orzo

Achieving perfectly al dente orzo is key to the success of this dish. Start checking the orzo for doneness around the 8-minute mark. It should be firm to the bite but not crunchy. Remember that the orzo will continue to cook slightly even after you remove the pot from the heat. If you prefer a softer texture, cook for a minute or two longer, but be careful not to overcook it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?

Yes, chicken broth can be substituted for vegetable broth. It will add a slightly different flavor profile, but it will still be delicious.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best served immediately, you can prepare the shrimp-orzo mixture ahead of time and reheat it gently. However, the panko crumble is best made fresh to maintain its crispness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, this recipe is not gluten-free due to the orzo pasta and panko breadcrumbs. You can substitute gluten-free orzo and panko breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Shrimp & Orzo Pasta with Lemon Garlic Cream and Herb Panko Crumble is a weeknight dinner dream! It’s quick, easy, flavorful, and satisfying. The bright lemon notes, creamy sauce, and crunchy panko topping create a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for easy access later!

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