One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp, rich sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan-infused sauce, all cooked together with orzo pasta. Inspired by the famous “Marry Me Chicken,” this dish is irresistible and perfect for date nights or a quick weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A one-pot dish for easy cleanup
- Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners
- Easily customizable with different proteins or add-ins
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Orzo pasta
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, finely chopped
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Italian seasoning
- Spinach or fresh basil (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper
Directions
- Sauté the shrimp: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the aromatics: In the same skillet, add garlic, onion, and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the orzo: Stir in orzo pasta and toast for 1 minute. Add broth, Italian seasoning, and salt. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
- Make it creamy: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add the shrimp back to the pan.
- Garnish and serve: Top with spinach or basil and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Chicken Alternative: Use diced chicken instead of shrimp.
- Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free orzo or rice instead.
- Cheesy Twist: Add extra Parmesan or shredded mozzarella for a cheesier dish.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended due to the creamy sauce.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
What’s the best way to keep shrimp from getting rubbery?
Avoid overcooking—shrimp only need 2-3 minutes per side.
Can I substitute the orzo?
Yes, try rice, couscous, or small pasta shapes.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer longer or add more Parmesan cheese.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free cheese substitute.
What pairs well with this dish?
Garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead for faster cooking.
How do I prevent the orzo from sticking?
Stir frequently while cooking and add more broth if needed.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, deglaze the pan with ¼ cup white wine for extra depth of flavor.
What’s the best shrimp size for this recipe?
Medium or large shrimp (16-20 count per pound) work best.
Conclusion
One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is a creamy, dreamy dish that’s packed with rich flavors and easy to make in just one pan. Whether for a special dinner or a cozy night in, this meal is sure to impress. Try it today and see why it’s called “Marry Me” shrimp!
Print
One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
This one-pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is creamy, garlicky, and packed with flavor! Juicy shrimp, tender orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan come together in a rich, dreamy sauce—perfect for a date night or an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Orzo & Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth (or seafood broth)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Sauté the Shrimp:
- Season shrimp with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Sear shrimp for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
-
Cook the Orzo:
- In the same pan, melt butter and add garlic, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes.
-
Simmer the Sauce:
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
-
Finish with Cream & Shrimp:
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the cooked shrimp back to the pan and toss to coat.
- Finish with lemon juice and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve warm with extra Parmesan and crusty bread!
Notes
- For extra protein, add cooked chicken or scallops.
- Make it lighter by substituting half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Want a spicy kick? Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce!