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One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe

One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 141 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: One Pot Cooking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Pescatarian

Description

One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta combines succulent shrimp, creamy orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in one pan, creating a comforting and flavorful dish with minimal cleanup. The rich creaminess and blend of seasonings make this a perfect weeknight dinner that’s sure to impress.


Ingredients

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste


Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Stir in the orzo pasta and cook, uncovered, for about 10-12 minutes until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Add the heavy cream and stir in the spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
  5. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, along with any juices from the plate. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and toss to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is creamy and heated through.
  6. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and serve immediately with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs, if desired.

Notes

  • If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, substitute with roasted red peppers or halved cherry tomatoes.
  • To make this dish dairy-free, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and use a plant-based cheese substitute.
  • Feel free to add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for extra color and nutrition.
  • If you don’t have orzo, small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work well too.