Hey there, my friend 
. If you love shrimp, tomatoes, and pasta, then you are in for a treat. This garlic shrimp and tomatoes on parmesan orzo is creamy, rich, and loaded with flavor.
The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fancy without spending hours in the kitchen. I’ll walk you through every step, so let’s get cooking.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Colander
Important Info
- Servings: 4 bowls
- Estimated Cost to Make This Recipe: Around $15, depending on ingredient prices
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories per Serving: About 450
- Cook Method: Stovetop
- Season: Anytime
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
- Diets: Not suitable for vegan or dairy-free diets
How to Make Garlic Shrimp and Tomatoes on Parmesan Orzo
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this dish and how to prepare it.
Ingredients You Need
For the Parmesan Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Garlic Shrimp and Tomatoes:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Orzo pasta | Small pasta like couscous or risotto rice |
| Parmesan cheese | Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano |
| Heavy cream | Half-and-half or milk with butter |
| Cherry tomatoes | Diced Roma or grape tomatoes |
| Olive oil | Butter or avocado oil |
| Fresh parsley | Basil or cilantro |
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Drain if needed, then stir in butter, parmesan, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Cover and set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. Season with paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Add Lemon Juice and Parsley: Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and stir in chopped parsley.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy parmesan orzo onto plates. Top with garlic shrimp and tomatoes. Enjoy immediately.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen shrimp works if you thaw them properly.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp—once they turn pink, they’re done.
- If the orzo gets too thick, add a splash of warm broth or milk to loosen it.
- Want extra creaminess? Stir in a little more heavy cream before serving.
- A little lemon zest on top can brighten the whole dish.
What to Serve with Garlic Shrimp and Tomatoes on Parmesan Orzo
This dish pairs well with:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted asparagus
- Steamed green beans
- A simple side salad
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
I like serving this in shallow bowls so the creamy orzo holds the shrimp and tomatoes perfectly. A sprinkle of extra parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil takes it to the next level.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This is a great weeknight dinner, but it’s also fancy enough for a date night. It’s perfect for summer gatherings because it’s light yet satisfying.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If you are serving it immediately, keep it covered to retain warmth.
- Don’t leave it out for more than 2 hours to avoid bacterial growth.
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
Freezing
- You can freeze the shrimp and tomatoes separately for up to 2 months.
- Orzo pasta does not freeze well as it can become mushy when reheated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use small pasta like couscous or even rice if you prefer. The texture may change, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the parmesan with nutritional yeast and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps them sear properly instead of steaming in the pan.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, but if your kids don’t like spice, skip the red pepper flakes. The creamy parmesan orzo is usually a hit with children.
Can I add more veggies?
Of course. You can throw in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
Meta Description
Garlic shrimp and tomatoes on parmesan orzo is a creamy, quick, and easy dinner ready in 25 minutes. Perfect for busy nights and full of rich flavors.