Cozy One Pot Marry Me Shrimp And Orzo Pasta Recipe Ideas

Creamy, indulgent one pot marry me shrimp and orzo pasta promises a romantic culinary experience that sparks instant love.

This dreamy dish blends succulent shrimp with tender orzo in a luxurious sauce that melts hearts.

Weeknight dinners never looked so seductive with these perfectly seasoned ingredients.

Each forkful carries a whisper of garlic, herbs, and coastal charm.

Mediterranean-inspired flavors dance across your plate, creating an irresistible melody of taste.

The simple, elegant preparation means minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

You’ll want to serve this show-stopping meal that transforms an ordinary evening into a gourmet celebration.

Why Everyone Loves Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

• Packed with rich ingredients like sun-dried tomato oil, smoked paprika, and parmesan, this dish delivers an incredible taste experience that feels restaurant-worthy at home.
• Suitable for date nights, family dinners, or casual gatherings, this shrimp and orzo recipe appeals to seafood lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike, offering a delightful combination of protein and carbs in one comforting dish.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping spinach for other greens, adjusting spice levels, or using different proteins to match your personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Shrimp Orzo Pasta

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides a delicate and sweet flavor to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and richness to the pasta base.

• Butter: Creates a rich and smooth base for sautéing and adds depth of flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious and creamy texture to the orzo.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty and nutty finish to the entire dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the recipe.
• Red Chili Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and warm spiciness to the dish.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the shrimp.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings a blend of traditional herbs for additional complexity.
• Garlic: Offers a pungent and aromatic base for the sauce.
• Parsley, Basil: Fresh herbs that provide a bright and aromatic garnish.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: Contribute a rich, concentrated tomato flavor.
• Orzo Pasta: Serves as the creamy and comforting base of the recipe.
• Spinach: Adds a fresh and nutritious green element to the dish.

How to Cook One Pot Shrimp and Orzo

Step 1: Sizzle the Shrimp

Toss shrimp with sun-dried tomato oil, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

Heat a skillet over medium heat and quickly sauté the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque.

Transfer shrimp to a separate plate, ensuring they don’t overcook.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Melt butter in the same skillet.

Add minced garlic and red chili flakes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Let the ingredients dance and release their fragrant oils for about one to two minutes.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Orzo pasta
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Reduce heat, cover the pan, and cook for approximately 10 minutes.

Stir occasionally until orzo becomes tender and develops a creamy consistency.

Step 4: Final Flourish

Stir in grated parmesan cheese and fresh spinach.

Let the spinach wilt naturally.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Return shrimp to the pan and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil.

Serve hot and enjoy your delectable one-pot wonder.

Pro Tips for Flavor-Packed Shrimp Pasta

• Marinate shrimp briefly in sun-dried tomato oil before cooking to enhance their natural taste and ensure maximum flavor absorption.
• Keep heat at medium and stir constantly when sautéing garlic to avoid bitter, burnt notes that can ruin the entire dish's delicate flavor profile.
• Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and achieve a perfectly creamy, restaurant-quality texture without clumping.
• Add spinach at the very end of cooking to maintain its vibrant green color and preserve maximum nutritional value while adding a fresh element to the dish.
• Taste and adjust salt levels at the final stage of cooking, allowing all ingredients to meld together and create a perfectly balanced flavor.

How to Reheat and Store Shrimp Orzo Pasta

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish's flavor.
• Pack the cooled shrimp and orzo in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring you label with the date.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and maintain the creamy texture of the orzo.

Pairing Ideas for Shrimp Orzo Pasta

Pairing Flavor Explosions for Marry Me Shrimp Orzo

• Crisp White Wine Companion: Pour a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to cut through the creamy pasta and complement the shrimp's delicate sweetness. The wine's bright acidity perfectly balances the rich, buttery sauce.
• Fresh Herb Salad Sidekick: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add zesty freshness that contrasts the dish's creamy texture. Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts for extra crunch and nutty depth.
• Crusty Garlic Bread Buddy: Serve warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up the luxurious sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast. Choose a rustic sourdough or classic baguette with a golden, crunchy exterior.
• Citrus Sparkle Enhancer: Add a quick squeeze of fresh lemon over the dish just before serving to brighten all the flavors and lift the entire meal's profile with a tangy, refreshing note.

Ways to Twist Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo

• Gluten-Free Delight: Swap orzo with cauliflower rice or quinoa for a gluten-free alternative that maintains the creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan to create a rich, dairy-free version that's equally satisfying.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute shrimp with pan-seared tofu or roasted chickpeas, keeping the same seasonings and cooking method for a protein-packed vegetarian meal.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash in place of orzo to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining the delicious sauce and overall flavor combination.

FAQs

• Why use sun-dried tomato oil?

Sun-dried tomato oil is packed with intense, rich flavor that adds depth to the dish. It helps season the shrimp and infuses the entire recipe with a delicious, concentrated tomato taste.

• Can I substitute orzo with another pasta?

Yes, you can use small pasta shapes like rice pasta, couscous, or small shells. Just adjust cooking time based on the specific pasta you choose to ensure proper tenderness.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from red chili flakes. You can control the spice level by reducing or increasing the amount of chili flakes according to your preference. For a milder version, use less; for more heat, add more.

• What makes the orzo so creamy?

The combination of chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese creates a luxurious, creamy texture. Stirring occasionally during cooking and letting the orzo absorb the liquid helps develop its rich, smooth consistency.

One Pot Marry Me Shrimp And Orzo Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Irresistible one pot marry me shrimp and orzo pasta combines creamy, zesty flavors that spark romance at first bite. Coastal Mediterranean influences create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound shrimp (thawed, drained and patted dry)

Pasta and Liquid Base:

• 8 ounces (about 2 cups) orzo pasta
• 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and julienned)
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 2 cups baby spinach
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Garnish:

• Minced fresh parsley or sliced basil leaves

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Instructions

1. Infuse shrimp with robust flavors by coating them in sun-dried tomato oil, seasoning with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Quickly sauté the shrimp over medium heat until they transform to a vibrant pink, approximately 2-3 minutes. Transfer the delicate protein to a separate plate, preserving their tender texture.
2. Utilize the same skillet to melt butter, then gently toast minced garlic and red chili flakes. Maintain medium heat and stir continuously to prevent burning, allowing aromatic flavors to bloom for about 1-2 minutes.
3. Pour chicken broth, heavy cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, orzo, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and cover. Allow the orzo to cook and absorb liquid for 10-12 minutes, stirring intermittently until achieving a creamy consistency.
4. Incorporate parmesan cheese and fresh spinach into the orzo, stirring until spinach wilts and cheese melts. Adjust seasoning to taste. Reintroduce the sautéed shrimp to the pan, warming them through. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a final burst of color and flavor.

Notes

• Prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery by cooking them briefly and removing from heat before they fully curl.
• Use sun-dried tomato oil strategically to infuse extra depth of flavor into the entire dish.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that maintains creamy texture.
• Swap shrimp with chicken or plant-based protein to accommodate different dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg