Okay, friends, let me tell you about one of my absolute weeknight go-tos: a truly fantastic Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet! Seriously, this dish is a lifesaver. I’m a busy mom, you know? Finding time to cook a delicious, satisfying meal that everyone in the family actually *wants* to eat can feel like a feat of culinary wizardry. But this recipe? It’s magic! It came about on a particularly hectic Tuesday when the fridge was looking pretty bare. Luckily, I had some shrimp, some orzo pasta and cheddar cheese – the building blocks for deliciousness. And you should see how much my family loves it!. My kids almost lick the skillet clean!
I’ve been whipping up this Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet for a long time now. I’m pretty confident in saying I’ve tweaked the recipe just enough to make it perfect for you.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet
Listen, if you haven’t tried this Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet yet, you’re missing out! This dish is a total winner for so many reasons. Let me break it down for you:
- It’s ready in under 30 minutes. Seriously, speed demon cooking!
- Super easy to make – even if you’re a beginner.
- Packed with flavor! The shrimp, the cheese… yum!
- Totally versatile. You can add your favorite veggies!
- Kid-friendly (and grown-up friendly too!).
- It’s a one-pan wonder, so clean up is a breeze.
Trust me, you won’t regret making this one!
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet
Alright, let’s get down to the good stuff – the ingredients! Don’t worry, the list is short and sweet. You probably already have most of these in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to make this Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet:
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined (I usually buy the pre-peeled ones to save some time!)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or whatever oil you like to cook with)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced (fresh garlic is best!)
- 1 cup of orzo pasta
- 3 cups of chicken broth (low-sodium is my go-to)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (makes it extra creamy!)
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar is my fave!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy!)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for a pretty garnish)
Easy peasy, right?
Ingredient Spotlight: Shrimp and Orzo
Okay, let’s chat about a couple of the stars of our Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet, shall we? First up, the shrimp! These little guys are fantastic, and they’re bursting with protein (yay!). Most of the shrimp we eat here in the US is farmed. You can often find them already peeled and deveined, which is a HUGE time-saver for me.
Then we have the orzo. Orzo isn’t actually a grain, it’s a type of pasta! It’s shaped like a large grain of rice. It’s fantastic for soaking up all the delicious flavors of the chicken broth and heavy cream. Yum!
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet
Okay, friends, this is the fun part! Making this Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet is super simple, I promise. Even if you’re a little nervous in the kitchen, you’ll nail this. Just follow these easy steps, and dinner will be ready in a flash! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it.
Preparing the Shrimp
First things first, let’s get that shrimp ready! If your shrimp are frozen (like mine often are!), make sure you thaw them completely. Pat them dry with paper towels – this helps them brown nicely. Then, in a bowl, toss the shrimp with a generous pinch of salt and a good grind of black pepper. That’s it! Ready to go!
Cooking the Orzo and Shrimp
Now, heat up that olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your seasoned shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and cooked through. Take them out of the skillet and set them aside. Next, toss in the chopped onion, and cook that onion for about 5 minutes, until it softens a bit. Then, add your minced garlic, and cook it for just a minute or so (careful, it burns quickly!). Stir in the orzo, and cook for about a minute. Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and cooked through. You’ll want to give it a stir every now and then to prevent sticking.
Adding the Cheese and Serving
Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and your gorgeous shredded cheddar cheese (or whatever cheese you like!). Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is nice and creamy. Now, put the shrimp back into the skillet and heat them through. Taste, and add a little more salt and pepper, if you like. Finally, garnish with that lovely fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately! Doesn’t that sound and look amazing? Dinner is served! Serve it up with a good crusty bread and a big green salad!
Tips for Success with Your Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet
Alright, listen up, because I’ve made this Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet so many times, I’ve learned a few tricks to help you become a total star! First things first: don’t overcook the shrimp. Seriously, it’s a common mistake! They’ll turn rubbery if you cook them too long. Keep a close eye on them, and take them out of the skillet as soon as they turn that pretty pink color.
Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with the cheese. I love a good cheddar, but you could totally swap it out for Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack (if you like a little heat!), or even a blend of cheeses. Get creative! Next, if you’re out of orzo, use ditalini pasta, it works great! Finally, stir frequently while the orzo is cooking so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of your skillet and burn. And that’s all there is to it! You’re going to love this!
Variations to Try with Your Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet
Okay, so you’ve made the Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet, and it’s amazing, right? But you know what’s even better? Keeping things fresh and exciting with a few simple tweaks! One of my favorites is adding some veggies! A handful of chopped bell peppers and some sliced mushrooms work beautifully. You can also swap out the shrimp, maybe try some cooked chicken or even some Italian sausage. And don’t forget the spices! A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning is always a winner. Get creative and make it your own! You can’t go wrong!
Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet
So, you’ve got your amazing Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet, and it’s time to make it a meal! Wondering what to serve alongside? Well, let me give you a few ideas. Crusty bread is a MUST for soaking up all that delicious cheesy sauce. A big, fresh green salad is always a good idea too. And if you’re feeling fancy, a crisp glass of white wine (like a Pinot Grigio!) goes perfectly! Honestly, though, it’s pretty perfect all on its own!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Okay, so you made a big batch of Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet (smart!). Now, how to keep those leftovers tasting just as good? Super simple! Let it cool down completely, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll be good in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
When you’re ready to eat again, just reheat it gently, either on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. The goal is to heat it through without drying it out. Maybe add a splash of chicken broth to help keep it nice and moist. Easy peasy!
Nutritional Information
Alright, so you’re probably wondering about the nitty-gritty, right? I get it! This is just an estimate, but here’s the skinny on the nutritional info for one serving of my Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet:
- Calories: Around 450
- Fat: About 25g
- Protein: Roughly 30g
- Carbohydrates: About 30g
Keep in mind that these numbers can change depending on the exact ingredients you use, and the size of your ladle when serving it up!