Cozy Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe Everyone Adores

Whip up a magical one pot marry me shrimp and orzo pasta that could spark romance faster than Cupid’s arrow.

Passionate flavors dance together in this delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Seafood enthusiasts will adore how quickly this meal comes together with minimal cleanup.

Succulent shrimp nestle among tender orzo, creating a symphony of textures that feels luxurious yet effortless.

Creamy herbs and zesty seasonings elevate each delectable bite into a culinary love letter.

Weeknight dinners just got a seriously delicious upgrade with this irresistible recipe.

Serve this show-stopping meal and watch how quickly everyone falls head over heels for your cooking skills.

What Draws Everyone to One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta

• This one-pot wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Transform ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that feels luxurious yet remains incredibly simple to prepare, impressing family and guests with minimal cooking skills required.
• Adaptable to various dietary preferences, this dish can easily be customized with different proteins or made vegetarian by swapping shrimp for a plant-based alternative, making it a reliable go-to recipe for diverse palates.
• Minimize cleanup with a single-pan cooking method that saves time on both preparation and dishwashing, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet meal without the typical kitchen hassle.

What You’ll Need for One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that provides the primary protein with a sweet and delicate flavor, best when fresh or high-quality frozen.
• Chicken Broth: Rich liquid base that adds depth and enhances overall flavor profile, low-sodium preferred for better seasoning control.

• Orzo: Small rice-shaped pasta that absorbs flavors beautifully and creates a creamy, comforting texture, choose high-quality Italian brands.

• Butter, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create luxurious sauce with rich and smooth consistency, opt for full-fat versions for best results.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Spices and herbs that build complex flavor layers, use fresh garlic for most intense taste.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Provides cooking medium and bright finishing touch, choose extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated sweet-tangy ingredient that adds depth and Mediterranean character, packed or jarred varieties work well.

• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Bright herb that adds fresh color and aromatic finish, chop just before serving.

Cooking Instructions for One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

• In a bowl, combine
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder

Sprinkle the seasoning blend over shrimp and coat evenly. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and look plump. Transfer shrimp to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes
• Chopped sun-dried tomatoes

Sauté the ingredients for one minute until the aroma fills your kitchen. Toss in orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Liquid

Pour chicken broth into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let the orzo cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta will absorb the liquid and become tender.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything together. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish for brightness. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your romantic one-pot meal.

Expert Tips for One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta

• Boost Shrimp Flavor: Marinate shrimp for 15 minutes in seasoning before cooking to enhance depth and tenderness.
• Quick Orzo Perfection: Constantly stir orzo while toasting to prevent burning and ensure even, golden color development.
• Cream Sauce Rescue: If sauce becomes too thick, gradually add small amounts of chicken broth to restore ideal consistency.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a plant-based alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Temperature Control Trick: Keep heat low when adding cream to prevent separation and maintain smooth, silky sauce consistency.

Proper Storage & Reheating for One Pot Shrimp Orzo Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking, keeping the meal fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Let the dish reach room temperature before transferring to a storage container to prevent condensation and soggy texture.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out the shrimp and orzo.
• Enjoy reheated pasta within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture, as orzo tends to absorb liquid and become less creamy over time.

Dishes to Pair with Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta

• Crisp, unoaked chardonnay or sauvignon blanc complements the creamy, zesty shrimp dish with bright acidity and refreshing undertones that cut through the richness.
• Toasted garlic crostini provides a crunchy texture contrast, helping soak up the luxurious sauce while adding a complementary herbal garlic note to the meal.
• Fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a peppery, tangy element that balances the creamy pasta, creating a light and vibrant accompaniment that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Prosecco or sparkling white wine delivers elegant bubbles that cleanse the palate, matching the dish's delicate seafood and creamy texture with its crisp, playful character.

Creative Variations of Shrimp and Orzo Pasta

• Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace orzo with spiralized zucchini noodles, reducing cooking time and creating a low-carb alternative perfect for keto dieters.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to accommodate dairy-sensitive individuals.
• Vegetarian Mediterranean Remix: Substitute shrimp with roasted chickpeas or white beans, adding extra Mediterranean herbs like oregano and thyme for robust flavor.
• Spicy Cajun Seafood Option: Incorporate Cajun seasoning instead of current spices, using andouille sausage alongside shrimp for a bold, New Orleans-inspired rendition that kicks up the heat.

Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe Q&A

• What makes the shrimp tender and flavorful?

The quick searing at medium-high heat seals in the shrimp’s moisture and creates a delicious golden crust. Seasoning with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder adds depth of flavor before cooking.

• Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Orzo is ideal for this recipe because its small rice-like shape absorbs the sauce perfectly and creates a creamy texture. However, you could substitute with small shells or risotto rice if needed.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe includes red pepper flakes, which provide a mild heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your preference.

• How do I know when the orzo is perfectly cooked?

The orzo is done when it’s tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, typically after 8-10 minutes of simmering. The consistency should be creamy and not too dry or soupy.

One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Irresistible “Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta” delivers a Mediterranean romance of succulent seafood and creamy pasta. Garlicky shrimp nestled in tender orzo promises a quick, luxurious meal that seduces palates with minimal kitchen effort.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cooking and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
• 3 cups chicken broth (or seafood broth)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the shrimp by generously coating with a blend of salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, ensuring each piece is evenly seasoned.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling surface for perfectly seared seafood.
3. Quickly cook the shrimp for approximately two minutes on each side until they transform into a vibrant pink color and become translucent throughout.
4. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a separate plate, preserving their delicate texture and warmth.
5. In the same pan, melt butter and introduce minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, allowing the aromatics to release their intense fragrance.
6. Add orzo to the pan, gently toasting the pasta for 1-2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor profile.
7. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer that will gradually cook the orzo.
8. Reduce heat to medium-low, stirring occasionally and allowing the orzo to absorb the liquid and become tender, which typically takes 8-10 minutes.
9. Incorporate heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, creating a luxurious and creamy sauce.
10. Reintroduce the cooked shrimp to the pan, gently coating them in the rich, velvety mixture.
11. Finish the dish with a bright splash of fresh lemon juice and garnish with chopped basil or parsley for a final burst of color and flavor.

Notes

• Quickly pat shrimp dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden sear and prevent steaming.
• Toast orzo briefly in butter to develop a nutty, rich flavor that enhances the overall dish’s complexity.
• Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and customize seasoning precisely to your taste.
• Substitute dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy texture and cheesy richness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 695
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 39 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg