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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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