A creamy, flavorful Parmesan orzo paired with succulent shrimp and tender asparagus. A quick, satisfying dish perfect for any occasion, bursting with fresh ingredients and rich, savory taste.

It’s a meal that feels special but is simple enough to whip up after a long day.
There’s something so comforting about a one-pan meal that’s both hearty and fresh. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your loved ones with minimal effort.
The tender shrimp, vibrant asparagus, and juicy tomatoes mingle with creamy orzo in a garlicky, Parmesan-kissed sauce. It’s a meal that feels special but is simple enough to whip up after a long day. Let’s get cooking!

A plate that not only tastes fantastic but looks gourmet too!
What sets this dish apart? The creamy texture of the orzo and the pop of flavor from the asparagus and shrimp create an irresistible harmony. Add a sprinkle of parmesan on top, and you have a plate that not only tastes fantastic but looks gourmet too!

A Perfectly Creamy Orzo Dish
This creamy orzo dish is a delightful mixture of tender orzo pasta, juicy shrimp, and crisp asparagus, creating a comforting and flavorful meal.
The richness of the creamy sauce envelops the orzo, while the shrimp adds a burst of flavor. Fresh asparagus not only contributes texture but also a vibrant green color that enhances the overall appeal.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
The choice of ingredients plays a significant role in the success of this dish. Using fresh shrimp and asparagus elevates the flavor profile, while high-quality Parmesan cheese brings depth to the creamy sauce.
Olive oil and garlic provide a savory base, ensuring that each bite is packed with taste. This combination of elements makes for a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and indulgent.
Simple Steps to Culinary Bliss
Creating this dish involves straightforward steps that come together quickly. First, cook the orzo until perfectly al dente, allowing it to maintain a delightful texture.
Sautéing the shrimp until pink and tender gives it a succulent quality, while the asparagus adds a crunch that balances the creaminess. Combining these elements in one pot not only simplifies cooking but also enhances the flavors.
Garnishing for Presentation
A sprinkle of fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan on top transforms this dish into a visually stunning presentation. The green of the parsley contrasts beautifully with the creamy orzo and shrimp.
This attention to detail showcases the dish's gourmet quality, making it perfect for entertaining or a special family dinner. The vibrant appearance invites everyone to dig in.
Perfect Pairings
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A glass of white wine, like a crisp Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors beautifully.
Whether served at a dinner party or as a comforting weeknight meal, the combination of creamy orzo, shrimp, and asparagus is sure to impress your guests or family.
Nutrition Information
This creamy delight is not only delicious but also provides essential nutrients. With a well-balanced serving, it contains approximately 450 calories per portion and boasts a healthy dose of protein from the shrimp.
Whether you're mindful of your diet or simply looking for a nourishing meal, this dish offers a satisfying option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
A Perfectly Creamy Orzo Dish

This creamy orzo dish is a delightful mixture of tender orzo pasta, juicy shrimp, and crisp asparagus, all simmered in a rich and cheesy sauce. It's a comforting, flavorful meal that's sure to impress anyone who tries it.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a hint of warmth)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ lb. asparagus, tough ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups orzo
- ½ cup dry white wine (or substitute with chicken broth)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ⅓ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp:
In a small bowl, toss the shrimp with onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside to let the flavors meld while you prep the veggies. - Sauté the Veggies:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus and tomatoes, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the asparagus is bright green and slightly tender, and the tomatoes soften. Transfer to a plate and set aside. - Cook the Shrimp:
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sear the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the veggies. - Build the Flavor Base:
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, sauté the garlic and onion for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onion is translucent. - Toast the Orzo:
Stir in the orzo and cook for 1-2 minutes, toasting it lightly until it turns golden. This step adds a nutty depth to the dish. - Deglaze and Simmer:
Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the wine reduces by half. - Cook the Orzo:
Add the chicken broth, one cup at a time, stirring frequently. Let the first cup absorb before adding the second. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender but still has a slight bite. - Make it Creamy (Optional):
If you’re craving a richer dish, stir in the heavy cream at this point. Let it warm through for 1-2 minutes. - Bring it All Together:
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp, asparagus, and tomatoes. Let everything heat through for 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. - Serve with Love:
Garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley, dill, and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve warm with crusty bread or a simple green salad on the side.
Why You’ll Love This:
This dish is a celebration of spring flavors and cozy comfort. It’s versatile, so feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or protein. The creamy orzo pairs beautifully with the tender shrimp, and the fresh herbs add a pop of brightness. It’s a meal that feels like a warm hug—perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to savor the smiles around your table! 💛
Instructions
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp and Asparagus Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
-
- 1 lb. jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
-
- 1 tsp onion powder
-
- 2 tsp garlic powder
-
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (for a hint of warmth)
-
- Salt and pepper, to taste
-
- ½ lb. asparagus, tough ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
-
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
-
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
-
- 2 tbsp butter
-
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
-
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
-
- 1 ½ cups orzo
-
- ½ cup dry white wine (or substitute with chicken broth)
-
- 2 cups chicken broth
-
- ⅓ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
-
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
-
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
-
- Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Instructions
-
- Season the Shrimp:
In a small bowl, toss the shrimp with onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside to let the flavors meld while you prep the veggies.
- Season the Shrimp:
-
- Sauté the Veggies:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus and tomatoes, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the asparagus is bright green and slightly tender, and the tomatoes soften. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Veggies:
-
- Cook the Shrimp:
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sear the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the veggies.
- Cook the Shrimp:
-
- Build the Flavor Base:
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, sauté the garlic and onion for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onion is translucent.
- Build the Flavor Base:
-
- Toast the Orzo:
Stir in the orzo and cook for 1-2 minutes, toasting it lightly until it turns golden. This step adds a nutty depth to the dish.
- Toast the Orzo:
-
- Deglaze and Simmer:
Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the wine reduces by half.
- Deglaze and Simmer:
-
- Cook the Orzo:
Add the chicken broth, one cup at a time, stirring frequently. Let the first cup absorb before adding the second. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender but still has a slight bite.
- Cook the Orzo:
-
- Make it Creamy (Optional):
If you’re craving a richer dish, stir in the heavy cream at this point. Let it warm through for 1-2 minutes.
- Make it Creamy (Optional):
-
- Bring it All Together:
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp, asparagus, and tomatoes. Let everything heat through for 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Bring it All Together:
-
- Serve with Love:
Garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley, dill, and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve warm with crusty bread or a simple green salad on the side.
- Serve with Love:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes

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