Make a shrimp orzo bake with me
Make a shrimp orzo bake with me! is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 410 calories per serving. Recipe by Cucina Palermo's Cooking Show on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 28 min | Total: 68 min
Cost: $22.45 total, $5.61 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Orzo (dry, uncooked)
- 1 lb Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined, 16‑20 count)
- 1 bunch Asparagus (trimmed and cut into 2‑inch pieces)
- 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
- 1 unit Shallot (thinly sliced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach (roughly chopped)
- 3 cups Chicken Broth (low‑sodium)
- 0.5 cup White Wine (dry, optional)
- 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for pan and shrimp)
- to taste Salt (sea salt)
- to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated, optional, added before final bake)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 425°F (220°C) and let it fully preheat while you prepare the ingredients.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 425°F
Prepare Vegetables
Trim the asparagus and cut into 2‑inch pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice the shallot, mince the garlic, and chop the parsley. Roughly chop the spinach.
Time: PT10M
Marinate Shrimp
In a small bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil, half of the chopped parsley, half of the minced garlic, a pinch of salt and pepper. Let sit while you assemble the pan.
Time: PT5M
Assemble the One‑Pan Dish
Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil onto the sheet pan and spread it evenly. Arrange the asparagus pieces, then sprinkle the uncooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, sliced shallot, remaining garlic, and spinach. Pour the chicken broth and white wine over everything. Season with salt, pepper, and the remaining parsley. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
Time: PT5M
First Bake (Orzo Cooking)
Place the covered pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 425°F
Add Shrimp and Optional Cheese
Remove the pan from the oven, uncover, and gently stir the mixture. Arrange the marinated shrimp on top in a single layer. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over the shrimp and sprinkle the grated Parmesan if using.
Time: PT2M
Final Bake (Shrimp Finish)
Increase the oven temperature to 450°F (232°C) and bake uncovered for 8‑10 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: 450°F
Rest and Serve
Remove the pan from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, then serve directly from the sheet pan or transfer to a serving dish.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 410
- Protein
- 25 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Pescatarian, Contains gluten, Contains dairy (optional)
Allergens: Shellfish, Dairy (if cheese added), Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Orzo: Rice pasta, small pasta shapes
- Instead of Large Shrimp: Scallops, chicken breast strips
- Instead of Asparagus: Green beans, broccoli florets
- Instead of Cherry Tomatoes: Regular tomatoes, diced
- Instead of Shallot: Red onion, yellow onion
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Basil, cilantro
- Instead of Fresh Spinach: Kale, arugula
- Instead of Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth, water with bouillon
- Instead of White Wine: Extra chicken broth, apple juice
- Instead of Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Vegetable oil
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano, nutritional yeast
Equipment Needed
- Sheet Pan
- Aluminum Foil
- Mixing Bowl
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups
- Spoon or Spatula
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Marinate shrimp to infuse flavor
- Cover the pan during the first bake to steam the orzo
- Do not overcook the shrimp in the final bake
- Add cheese before the final bake if desired
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑quality extra virgin olive oil for a richer flavor profile.
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving for brightness.
- Toast the orzo lightly in the pan with a drizzle of oil before adding broth for a nuttier taste.
Troubleshooting
Orzo is undercooked after the first bake.
Add an extra ¼ cup of broth, cover again, and bake for another 5‑7 minutes.
Shrimp become rubbery.
Reduce the final bake time to 7 minutes and check for pinkness; shrimp cook quickly.
Dish is too watery.
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to evaporate excess liquid.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 2 months; reheat thoroughly before serving.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Chop all vegetables up to a day ahead and store in the fridge.
- Marinate the shrimp and keep refrigerated; add to the pan when ready to bake.
- The complete bake can be made ahead, cooled, and reheated for quick meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Shrimp Orzo Bake in Italian cuisine?
While not a traditional Italian classic, Shrimp Orzo Bake blends the Italian love for pasta with Mediterranean seafood traditions. It reflects the modern, convenience‑focused Italian‑American cooking style that emphasizes one‑pan meals for busy households.
What regional variations of shrimp and pasta dishes exist in Italy?
In coastal regions such as Sicily and Campania, shrimp is often paired with short pastas like linguine or orzo in light tomato or wine‑based sauces. Some recipes add saffron, olives, or capers for a distinct southern flavor.
How is Shrimp Orzo Bake traditionally served in Italian family meals?
When served in an Italian home, the bake is typically presented straight from the sheet pan, accompanied by a simple green salad and crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
What occasions or celebrations is a shrimp‑based pasta bake like this associated with in Italian culture?
Seafood pasta dishes are popular for festive occasions such as Ferragosto, family gatherings, and holiday feasts, especially in coastal towns where fresh shrimp is abundant.
What authentic ingredients are essential for an Italian‑style shrimp orzo bake and what can be substituted?
Key ingredients include high‑quality extra virgin olive oil, fresh parsley, garlic, and a dry white wine. If wine is unavailable, extra chicken broth works, and Parmesan can be swapped with Pecorino Romano or omitted for a dairy‑free version.
What other Italian dishes pair well with Shrimp Orzo Bake?
A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted garlic focaccia, or a simple caprese salad complement the richness of the bake and keep the meal balanced.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Shrimp Orzo Bake at home?
Common errors include overcooking the shrimp, not covering the pan during the first bake (which leaves the orzo dry), and using too much broth, which makes the dish soupy. Follow the timing and covering steps closely.
Why does this Shrimp Orzo Bake recipe use a covered bake for the first 20 minutes instead of boiling the orzo separately?
Covering the pan traps steam, allowing the orzo to absorb the broth and flavors directly, which creates a richer, one‑pan dish and reduces cleanup compared to boiling the pasta separately.
Can I make Shrimp Orzo Bake ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can assemble the bake, cover, and refrigerate it before the first bake. Bake as directed, then cool and store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to two months.
What does the YouTube channel Cucina Palermo's Cooking Show specialize in?
Cucina Palermo's Cooking Show focuses on approachable Italian‑style home cooking, featuring quick one‑pan meals, traditional regional recipes, and tips for using fresh Mediterranean ingredients.
How does the YouTube channel Cucina Palermo's Cooking Show's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?
The channel emphasizes simplicity and minimal cleanup, often using a single sheet pan or skillet, while still honoring authentic flavors. It blends classic Italian techniques with modern, time‑saving shortcuts that appeal to busy home cooks.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
