One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe

If a swoon-worthy dinner is what you’re craving, look no further than this One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta. Imagine juicy shrimp nestled into creamy, sun-dried tomato orzo, all simmered in one pot for a fuss-free meal that looks and tastes gourmet. The flavors are bold, the cleanup is minimal, and best of all, it’s the kind of dish that’ll have everyone at the table sighing with delight after the very first bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—every ingredient brings its own sparkle, from bright herbs to plump shrimp. With just a handful of basics, you’ll turn everyday groceries into something spectacular, and each component works in harmony to create depth, color, and creamy texture.

• Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for juicy bites that soak up all the vibrant sauce.
• Orzo pasta: This rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and delivers an extra-creamy texture that makes the dish feel ultra-indulgent.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Bright, tangy, and a pop of color—they infuse the sauce with depth and a hint of sweetness.
• Chicken broth: Gives the orzo its full-bodied flavor and cooks it to tender perfection; swap for vegetable broth if you prefer.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves add aromatic warmth and a little zing to round out the sauce.
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luscious and silky, binding all the flavors together.
• Parmesan cheese: Nutty, salty, and essential for a gorgeous finish that’s perfectly savory.
• Olive oil: For sautéing and infusing subtle fruitiness; it also helps develop a rich base flavor.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional, but they deliver just the right nudge of heat to balance out the creamy, rich sauce.
• Fresh basil: Torn just before serving for a bright, aromatic burst and a lovely green finish.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out all the best in each ingredient.

How to Make One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Shrimp

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a dash of red pepper flakes if you like a little warmth. Sear the shrimp just until they turn pink and slightly golden on both sides—about 1-2 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook! Once done, set them aside on a plate to keep them juicy.

Step 2: Sauté the Flavor Base

Add a bit more olive oil to the same pot and toss in your garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Let everything sizzle for a minute or two, stirring constantly—this step lets the garlic bloom and the tomatoes release their tangy sweetness, creating a fragrant base that will infuse the pasta.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Sprinkle the orzo into the pot and toss it gently in the garlicky, tomato-rich oil. Toasting the orzo for a couple of minutes layers in nutty flavor and will help the pasta retain its perfect al dente bite.

Step 4: Simmer and Creamify

Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer, stirring often. The orzo will start to plump up as it absorbs the broth—this takes about 8-10 minutes. Once the orzo is almost tender and most of the broth has been absorbed, stir in the heavy cream and a generous shower of Parmesan cheese. The sauce transforms into a creamy, dreamy base.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Return the shrimp to the pot, nestling them into the creamy orzo. Let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are heated through and every bite looks irresistible. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Just before serving, swirl in the fresh basil for a pop of color and aroma that brings the whole One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta together.

How to Serve One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta

Garnishes

A scattering of freshly grated Parmesan, a touch more basil, and maybe a few sliced sun-dried tomatoes elevate the visual appeal and aroma. A tiny drizzle of good olive oil right before serving adds gloss and brings out the richness of the sauce.

Side Dishes

Pair your pasta with a crisp, lightly dressed green salad or sautéed broccolini for freshness and color. A loaf of warm, crusty bread is practically mandatory—you’ll want something to scoop up every drop of that luscious sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in shallow bowls topped with a whole shrimp and a sprig of basil for extra flair. For date night, serve right from the pot at the table with a spoon for scooping—family-style feels cozy and elegant at once!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, so leftovers can be just as delicious as the day you made it.

Freezing

While you can freeze portions of this dish, keep in mind that the cream sauce may separate a bit upon thawing. If you do freeze, wrap tightly and consume within a month for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of extra broth or cream to revive the sauce. Microwave reheating works too—just use short bursts and stir often to keep the shrimp from overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking for the best texture and flavor. Frozen shrimp are a great freezer staple and work wonderfully in One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Absolutely. Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use a plant-based cheese alternative if you’re skipping dairy—the sauce will still be rich and luscious.

What if I don’t have orzo?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini or even pearl couscous can work well in a pinch, though the unique creaminess of orzo is hard to beat in One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely—baby spinach, chopped asparagus, or peas are delicious stirred in with the cream and cheese. Just be sure to add tender greens right at the end so they stay bright and fresh.

Can this meal be made gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute gluten-free orzo or small pasta. Just watch the cooking time, as some gluten-free pastas cook a bit faster but still soak up all that beautiful flavor.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is pure weeknight (or date night!) magic—creamy, full of flavor, and genuinely easy to pull off. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it earns a permanent place in your dinner rotation.

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