Orzo Shrimp and Pea Casserole

Creamy, comforting, and packed with vibrant flavors, this Orzo Shrimp and Pea Casserole is a one-dish wonder perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Tender orzo pasta is combined with juicy, paprika-seasoned shrimp, sweet peas, and a luxuriously creamy homemade cheese sauce, all baked to golden-bubbly perfection. A zesty hint of lemon zest and the melty combination of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses elevate this dish to gourmet status while remaining family-friendly. Ready in under an hour, this easy-to-make casserole is sure to become a household favorite. Serve it warm, garnished with fresh parsley, for a satisfying meal that's bursting with flavor and texture. Keywords: orzo casserole, shrimp recipe, easy weeknight dinner, creamy pasta bake, seafood casserole.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with 0.5 teaspoon of salt, 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, and the paprika, and sauté for 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp turns pink and is just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 6

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 0.75 cup of parmesan cheese and 0.75 cup of mozzarella cheese. Season the sauce with the remaining salt, black pepper, and lemon zest.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, sautéed shrimp, peas, and the cheese sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is coated evenly.

Step 8

Spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and pour the orzo mixture into the dish. Spread it out evenly.

Step 9

Sprinkle the top with the remaining parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes.

Step 12

Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1584.2 grams (1584.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2742

Total Fat 116.50g	149%
Saturated Fat 58.80g	294%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 1189mg	396%
Sodium 5768mg	251%
Total Carbohydrate 218.10g	79%
Dietary Fiber 20.80g	74%
Total Sugars 37.00g
Protein 221.80g	444%

Vitamin D 221IU	1107%
Calcium 2590mg	199%
Iron 13mg	72%
Potassium 2443mg	52%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.3%

Protein: 31.6%

Carbs: 31.1%