One-Pan Spicy Cajun Alfredo Shrimp Orzo
A quick one-pan meal of tender shrimp and creamy orzo pasta infused with a smoky Cajun spice blend and Parmesan cheese. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes pairs pound shrimp, peeled and deveined, orzo pasta, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss 1 pound shrimp with 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, then add to skillet and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1 cup orzo pasta and toast for 1 minute.
- Step 3: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and 1/2 cup heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, cooked shrimp, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss gently until creamy and combined. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Spicy Cajun Alfredo Shrimp Orzo take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pan Spicy Cajun Alfredo Shrimp Orzo?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep orzo pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Spicy Cajun Alfredo Shrimp Orzo?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pan Spicy Cajun Alfredo Shrimp Orzo for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pan Spicy Cajun Alfredo Shrimp Orzo?
American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
