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One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta

One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is a creamy one-pan dinner with shrimp, Parmesan, spinach, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Cook the shrimp first, then simmer the orzo in chicken broth, cream, and seasonings until tender.
Stir in Parmesan and spinach, then return the shrimp to the pan and garnish with fresh herbs.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian-inspired

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

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.