One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta

One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish that combines succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked orzo pasta, and a creamy, flavorful sauce, all made in one pan. This recipe delivers incredible depth of flavor and a smooth, velvety texture that’s sure to leave you craving more. The combination of shrimp with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, satisfying dish, while the lemon juice and fresh herbs provide a fresh, zesty finish. Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner or a family meal, this dish will be a crowd-pleaser.

Cooking everything in one pot simplifies cleanup while allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. The creaminess from the heavy cream and the tang from the lemon juice make each bite irresistibly delicious. The shrimp adds a touch of elegance and luxury to the dish, while the orzo pasta provides a satisfying base that soaks up all the delicious sauce. You’ll fall in love with this easy, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pot Wonder – Easy cleanup with everything cooked in a single pan, saving you time and effort.
2. Flavor-Packed – The combination of shrimp, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan creates a mouthwatering taste profile.
3. Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or last-minute guests.
4. Creamy and Comforting – The creamy sauce envelops the orzo, making this dish rich and satisfying without being overly heavy.
5. Versatile – Adjust the spice level, herbs, or even protein to customize the dish to your preferences.

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Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• Large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Olive oil

For the Orzo & Sauce

• Butter
• Garlic (minced)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• Orzo pasta
• Chicken broth (or seafood broth)
• Heavy cream
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Lemon juice
• Fresh basil or parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the shrimp and substitute with roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
• Seafood Lovers: For a seafood medley, add scallops, clams, or lobster to the recipe.
• Dairy-Free Version: Replace the heavy cream and Parmesan with coconut cream and dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free version.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp: For a richer flavor, swap the sauce for a lemon garlic butter sauce by using more butter and fresh garlic.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Season the Shrimp

In a medium bowl, season the shrimp with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

Add the orzo pasta to the pan, stirring to combine with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Pour in the chicken broth (or seafood broth) and bring to a simmer. Cover the pan and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and become creamy.

Step 6: Combine the Shrimp and Orzo

Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss to combine with the orzo and sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to reheat the shrimp.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.
• Use Homemade Broth: For the best flavor, use homemade chicken or seafood broth, or a high-quality store-bought version.
• Adjust the Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
• Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley adds a burst of flavor and color to the dish, so don’t skip the garnish!
• Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning and spices to your taste. Add a little more garlic or Italian seasoning for extra depth of flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this dish hot, with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce or a light green salad for balance. You can also pair it with roasted vegetables or a side of sautéed spinach to round out the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen up the sauce.

Freezing

Although this dish can be frozen, the texture of the shrimp and orzo may change. To freeze, store the shrimp and pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to reheat, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Reheating

To reheat, place the dish in a pan over low heat and add a little broth or cream to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of pasta besides orzo?

Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini, farfalle, or penne, but orzo works best for its small size and texture.

2. Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.

3. Can I make this dish without the sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, you can skip them or substitute with roasted red peppers for a similar depth of flavor.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time (such as cooking the shrimp and preparing the sauce) and then assemble and finish the dish when you’re ready to serve.

5. What can I use instead of heavy cream?

For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream works well.

6. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or peas can make this dish even more nutritious and colorful.

7. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Parmesan cheese is the most common choice for this recipe, but you could also use Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.

8. Is this dish spicy?

The dish has a mild heat from the red pepper flakes, but it can be adjusted based on your preference. Omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a non-spicy version.

9. Can I use seafood broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, seafood broth will enhance the shrimp flavor and add a richer taste to the dish.

10. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free orzo pasta or any small gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is a stunning yet simple dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The rich, creamy sauce and tender shrimp are perfectly complemented by the orzo pasta, making this recipe an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner or a family gathering, this dish will quickly become a favorite. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s an easy and delicious choice for any meal.

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