This One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is creamy, savory, and packed with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and tender shrimp. Everything comes together in one pan, making it an easy weeknight dinner with plenty of comforting flavor and minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and flavorful: Garlic, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning create a rich, savory sauce.
- Simple one-pot cooking: The orzo cooks right in the same pan, so cleanup is quick and easy.
- Family-friendly: Tender shrimp, creamy orzo, and mild Italian-inspired flavors make this a satisfying dinner for the whole family.
- Perfect for busy nights: It comes together quickly without requiring a long list of complicated steps.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, thawed, drained, and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil, reserved from the jar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces orzo, about 2 cups uncooked
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and julienned
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Fresh parsley, minced, or fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Toss the shrimp with the sun-dried tomato oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook just until pink and cooked through, turning as needed. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- If the shrimp released excess liquid, carefully drain it and quickly wipe the pan dry.
- Add the butter to the pan and allow it to melt. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 2 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, orzo, Italian seasoning, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
- For this One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta, stir the Parmesan cheese and baby spinach into the cooked orzo. Continue stirring until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the creamy sauce.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and gently stir to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley or sliced basil before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Pat the shrimp dry: Removing excess moisture helps the shrimp sauté instead of steam.
- Avoid overcooking shrimp: Cook them only until pink and opaque, then remove them from the pan.
- Stir the orzo: Give it an occasional stir while it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts more smoothly and gives the sauce a richer texture.
- Control the spice: Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes for a milder dish, or add a little more for extra heat.
- Add a splash of broth: If the orzo becomes thicker than you prefer, stir in a small amount of warm chicken broth.
- Halal-friendly: Use halal-certified chicken broth and Parmesan cheese made without animal-derived rennet when required for your dietary preferences.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: One Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly when halal-certified broth and suitable Parmesan are used
Notes
For a lighter version, replace some of the heavy cream with additional chicken broth. You can also swap baby spinach for kale, arugula, or another quick-cooking leafy green.
Serve this creamy shrimp orzo with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. A little extra Parmesan and fresh herbs on top add even more flavor.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 610
- Protein: 39g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 27g
Nutrition will vary depending on the specific shrimp, Parmesan, cream, broth, and other ingredients used.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes. Thaw frozen shrimp completely, then drain and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.
Can I make this shrimp orzo without heavy cream?
Yes. Use additional chicken broth for a lighter version. The Parmesan will still add creaminess and richness.
What type of orzo should I use?
Standard dried orzo works best. Since cooking times can vary between brands, check the package directions and test the orzo for tenderness toward the end of cooking.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely. Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.
Can I use another protein instead of shrimp?
Yes. Cooked chicken, turkey, or another quick-cooking protein can work well. Adjust the cooking time according to the protein you choose.
Why is my orzo too thick?
Orzo continues absorbing liquid as it sits. Stir in a small splash of warm chicken broth until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
Storage
Refrigerator: Allow leftovers to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezer: For best texture, this dish is better enjoyed fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen because the cream and cooked orzo can change texture after freezing.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low to medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water and stir until warmed through. Avoid overheating the shrimp, as they can become tough.
Similar Recipes
One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp thawed, drained, and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil reserved from the jar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces orzo about 2 cups uncooked
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and julienned
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Fresh parsley minced, or fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Toss the shrimp with the sun-dried tomato oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook just until pink and cooked through, turning as needed. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- If the shrimp released excess liquid, carefully drain it and quickly wipe the pan dry.
- Add the butter to the pan and allow it to melt. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 2 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, orzo, Italian seasoning, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
- For this One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta, stir the Parmesan cheese and baby spinach into the cooked orzo. Continue stirring until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the creamy sauce.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and gently stir to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley or sliced basil before serving.
Notes
Conclusion
This One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta brings together tender shrimp, creamy Parmesan orzo, sweet-tangy sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh spinach in one comforting meal. It is easy enough for a busy weeknight but flavorful enough to serve when you want something a little special. With one pan and simple ingredients, you can have a satisfying homemade dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.