One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta: A Flavorful, Elegant Dinner

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is the perfect blend of flavors and textures. The shrimp is tender and juicy, the orzo is perfectly cooked in a flavorful broth, and the parmesan cheese gives it that extra creamy richness. With just one pot to clean, this meal is as easy to make as it is delicious. The sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning add depth of flavor, while the red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this dish is a surefire way to make dinner feel special.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
3. Toast the Orzo: Add the orzo to the skillet and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Simmer the Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce: Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until creamy and well combined.
6. Combine Shrimp and Pasta: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir to combine. Let everything simmer for 2–3 more minutes until the shrimp is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields 4 servings.
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

1. Add Vegetables: For extra color and nutrition, add some spinach, peas, or bell peppers along with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
2. Spicy Option: If you like more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño to the mix.
3. Substitute the Shrimp: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, this recipe works well with chicken breast, scallops, or even a vegetarian option like mushrooms.
4. Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a dairy-free version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the orzo and shrimp separately in advance. When you’re ready to eat, combine them and reheat.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, farfalle, or penne, though orzo provides the best texture for this dish.

How can I make this dish lighter?

To make this dish lighter, use low-fat or non-dairy cream and substitute a small amount of parmesan for a lighter sauce. You can also reduce the amount of oil used to cook the shrimp.

Can I freeze this dish?

This dish is best served fresh and may not freeze well due to the creamy sauce. However, you can freeze the shrimp and orzo separately and then combine them once defrosted.

How do I know when the orzo is cooked perfectly?

Orzo should be tender but not mushy. Check the orzo at the 10-minute mark and taste it to ensure it’s cooked to your liking.

Conclusion

One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s quick to make, full of rich flavors, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special celebration, this dish will impress with its delicious combination of shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy parmesan sauce. With just one pot and minimal cleanup, it’s a meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is enjoyable to eat!

One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta: A Flavorful, Elegant Dinner

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

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Description

One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta combines juicy shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy parmesan sauce with orzo pasta. This indulgent, flavorful dish is quick to make and perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup orzo pasta

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

2 tbsp olive oil

2 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
3. Toast the Orzo: Add the orzo to the skillet and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Simmer the Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce: Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until creamy and well combined.
6. Combine Shrimp and Pasta: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir to combine. Let everything simmer for 2–3 more minutes until the shrimp is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.

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Notes

For extra nutrition, add spinach, peas, or bell peppers along with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.

Increase the red pepper flakes for a spicier dish, or add diced jalapeños for an extra kick.

If you prefer a lighter dish, use low-fat or non-dairy cream and substitute a smaller amount of parmesan.

To make this gluten-free, swap out the orzo for gluten-free pasta.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 860mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 185mg