One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleaser dinner that combines irresistible flavors with the easiest cleanup ever, One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is about to become your new go-to. This dish brings together plump shrimp, creamy orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, and a blend of herbs all in one skillet—no complicated steps, and barely any dishes to wash! The combination delivers a weeknight miracle: restaurant-level flavor with a cozy homemade touch. Whether you’re impressing guests or just treating yourself, this is the meal that might just make someone fall in love… with your cooking!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta recipe shines because its ingredient list is approachable but packed with big flavor. Every item plays a starring role, creating a harmonious balance of creamy textures and bright pops of color in every bite.

• Shrimp: Choose large, peeled and deveined shrimp for a plump, juicy bite that cooks up quickly and soaks in all the sauce.
• Orzo pasta: This rice-shaped pasta gives a creamy, risotto-like texture without the constant stirring—perfect for a one-pot wonder.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Their tangy sweetness perks up the whole dish and adds gorgeous bursts of color.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the entire pot with bold aromatic flavor; don’t skimp here!
• Chicken broth: The main liquid component, chicken broth cooks the orzo and amplifies the savory backbone of the sauce.
• Heavy cream: Just enough to create a silky, rich coating on every grain of orzo.
• Parmesan cheese: Finishing with Parmesan gives a salty, nutty depth and helps create that irresistible creamy sauce.
• Spinach: Gently wilts into the dish, providing color and extra nutrients without overpowering the flavor.
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing; be sure to use a good-quality olive oil for best results.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional but highly recommended for a subtle heat that ties everything together.
• Italian seasoning: This blend of dried herbs creates the background flavor that’s perfectly balanced—no need for a dozen spice jars.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for finishing and adjusting all the flavors right at the end.

How to Make One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp

In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until they’re just pink and starting to curl. Transfer them to a plate—you’ll return them to the pot at the end to keep them perfectly tender.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Lower the heat to medium and add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring for just a minute until fragrant. This quick step blooms the flavor, infusing your oil and setting the stage for the rest of the dish.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo

Pour the dry orzo into the pan and stir well, letting it toast gently for a minute. Deglaze with the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom—this is where the flavor magic happens. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, ensuring that orzo soaks up all the goodness.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Once the broth is mostly absorbed by the orzo, pour in the heavy cream and toss in a generous handful of spinach. Stir as the cream turns everything luxuriously silky and the spinach wilts into the pasta, adding some lovely green flecks throughout.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Return the shrimp to the pan along with any juices that have collected. Sprinkle over the Parmesan cheese and continue to cook for another minute or two, just until everything is glossy and perfectly combined. Adjust for salt and pepper right at the end, then serve up your gorgeous One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta straight from the pot!

How to Serve One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta

Garnishes

Finish with a flurry of extra Parmesan, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley for freshness. A drizzle of good olive oil right before serving brings everything together and makes the dish utterly irresistible.

Side Dishes

While this One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta truly stands on its own, it’s lovely with a crisp green salad, some crusty garlic bread, or a simple lemony asparagus side. Each adds just the right amount of texture and freshness without stealing the show.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pasta straight from your prettiest Dutch oven for a rustic, homey vibe, or portion it into shallow bowls and top each with an extra shrimp or two as a special touch. For date nights, add a lemon wedge and a sprig of fresh herbs to each plate—it’s a little flourish that feels extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors continue to blend, letting you enjoy every creamy, garlicky spoonful the next day.

Freezing

For best results, freeze the cooked orzo and sauce separately from the shrimp. Store each in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Frozen shrimp can become rubbery if overcooked, so consider adding them fresh when reheating if possible.

Reheating

Gently reheat the pasta on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Add the shrimp at the end just long enough to warm through, keeping them tender and juicy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While orzo gives that signature creamy bite, small shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti work well too—just keep an eye on liquid amounts and cook times.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

You can replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a quality non-dairy cream substitute, and swap in nutritional yeast or a plant-based Parmesan for the cheese. The result is still luscious and satisfying!

Can I add more vegetables?

Of course! Bell peppers, peas, or zucchini can be stirred in with the sun-dried tomatoes or folded in at the end for extra color and nutrition. Just adjust amounts so the pan doesn’t get overcrowded.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

If you’re out of sun-dried tomatoes, try swapping in roasted red peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, or even a spoonful of tomato paste for a similar sweet-savory punch.

Can I make One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the entire dish up to a day in advance, storing it in the fridge. For the best flavor and texture, reheat gently and finish with a splash of cream and fresh herbs right before serving.

Final Thoughts

One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is the kind of recipe that feels instantly special yet fits seamlessly into your regular dinner rotation. I hope you’ll give it a try—it might become your favorite way to wow the people you love, or just to treat yourself to something truly delicious!

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