Shrimp Parmesan Rice Skillet

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This savory skillet delivers juicy shrimp nestled in creamy Parmesan rice, enhanced with garlic, onion, and fresh herbs for robust flavor. One-pan preparation makes for easy cleanup, while frozen peas add color and sweetness. Finished with a touch of lemon zest and parsley, the dish brings comforting Italian-American character perfect for a pescatarian main course. Personalize spice levels with red pepper flakes and try wine or alternate rice for variety. Each serving delivers satisfying protein and vibrant taste on busy nights.

Updated on Wed, 29 Oct 2025 08:29:00 GMT
Juicy shrimp Parmesan rice skillet topped with fresh parsley and creamy cheese.  Save to Pinterest
Juicy shrimp Parmesan rice skillet topped with fresh parsley and creamy cheese. | yummywithmia.com

A flavorful one-pan dish featuring juicy shrimp, creamy Parmesan rice, and a hint of garlic—perfect for a quick and comforting dinner.

I first tried this recipe on a busy weeknight, amazed by how simple and delicious it came together. It became a go-to for its creamy texture and fresh flavors that my whole family enjoys.

Ingredients

  • Large shrimp: 1 lb (450 g), peeled and deveined
  • Long-grain white rice: 1 cup (200 g)
  • Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth: 3 cups (720 ml)
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: 1 cup (100 g)
  • Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp (30 g)
  • Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Frozen peas: 1 cup (150 g), thawed
  • Fresh parsley: 1/4 cup (10 g), chopped
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp (30 ml)
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp, plus more to taste
  • Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/4 tsp (optional)
  • Lemon zest: Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

Cook shrimp:
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2,3 minutes per side, until just pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Sauté aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Sauté onion for 2,3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Cook rice:
Stir in rice, coating it in the oil and butter. Add broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
Add peas:
Stir in peas and cook, covered, for 3,5 more minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
Finish rice:
Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and parsley. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Return shrimp:
Return shrimp to the skillet, nestling them into the rice. Cover and let stand 2 minutes to rewarm shrimp.
Serve:
Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
One-pan shrimp Parmesan rice skillet, bursting with flavors and easy to prepare.  Save to Pinterest
One-pan shrimp Parmesan rice skillet, bursting with flavors and easy to prepare. | yummywithmia.com

Sharing this shrimp Parmesan rice skillet with my family brings back memories of cozy dinners together—everyone gathers around the table, eager for seconds.

Required Tools

Large skillet with lid, wooden spoon, chef’s knife, cutting board, and grater for the Parmesan and lemon are all you need to prepare this meal.

Allergen Information

This dish contains shrimp and dairy, and may contain gluten depending on broth or cheese. Always verify product labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Each serving provides approximately 450 calories, 17 g total fat, 43 g carbohydrates, and 32 g protein.

Delicious shrimp Parmesan rice skillet, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Save to Pinterest
Delicious shrimp Parmesan rice skillet, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. | yummywithmia.com

This skillet dinner is creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor. Enjoy it as a satisfying weeknight meal in less than an hour.

Common Recipe Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp before cooking to ensure even texture and flavor in the dish.

What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is ideal, but Arborio or brown rice can be used for a creamy or nutty twist.

How do I make it spicier?

Increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of chili powder to boost the heat while cooking.

Is it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free broth and Parmesan to keep the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I substitute the cheese?

Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano cheese may be used for a unique flavor profile instead of Parmesan.

What vegetables can I add?

Try asparagus, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and variety in the skillet.

Shrimp Parmesan Rice Skillet

Creamy Parmesan rice and shrimp mingle with fresh veggies for a satisfying one-pan Italian-American meal.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
25 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes
Created by Mia

Recipe Type Weeknight Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Culinary Origin Italian-American

Total Output 4 Portion Size

Dietary Preferences None specified

What You'll Need

Seafood

01 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Rice and Dairy

01 1 cup long-grain white rice
02 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
03 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
04 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Vegetables & Aromatics

01 1 small onion, finely chopped
02 3 cloves garlic, minced
03 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
04 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Oils & Seasonings

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
03 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
04 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
05 Zest of 1 lemon

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Sear Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until pink. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.

Step 02

Sauté Aromatics: Add the remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet. Sauté onion for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Step 03

Cook Rice: Add rice to the skillet and stir until well coated with oil and butter. Pour in broth, bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.

Step 04

Add Peas: Stir in thawed peas. Cover and continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 05

Incorporate Cheese and Herbs: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 06

Finish with Shrimp: Return cooked shrimp to the skillet, nestling them over the rice. Cover and let stand for 2 minutes to rewarm.

Step 07

Serve: Dish hot, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley.

Tools Required

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Wooden spoon
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Grater

Allergy Warnings

Please review individual ingredients for potential allergens and reach out to a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp) and dairy (Parmesan cheese, butter).
  • Possible gluten presence if broth or Parmesan is not certified gluten-free.
  • Verify all labels for allergen safety.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for reference only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Calories Count: 450
  • Fats: 17 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 43 grams
  • Proteins: 32 grams