Quick Magical One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe

Shrimp lovers rejoice with this marry me shrimp and orzo pasta that promises to steal hearts at first bite.

Creamy, luxurious flavors dance across your plate in a single skillet.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of tender shrimp and perfectly cooked orzo.

The dish blends Mediterranean-inspired ingredients with simple, elegant technique.

Bright herbs and a rich, velvety sauce create an irresistible combination that feels simultaneously comforting and sophisticated.

Weeknight dinners never looked this impressive or tasted this incredible.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this restaurant-quality meal made right in your kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 695 kcal

Servings: 4

One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Ingredients

• Shrimp: Wild-caught or farm-raised shrimp work perfectly, look for firm and translucent pieces with no strong fishy smell. Adds delightful oceanic flavor and tender protein to the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances the dish's taste.
• Paprika: Adds subtle smoky warmth and beautiful reddish color to the shrimp.
• Garlic Powder: Provides deep, aromatic background note without raw garlic intensity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and exciting spicy kick to the pasta.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings harmonious blend of dried herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil.

• Olive Oil: Creates perfect searing environment for shrimp and adds rich Mediterranean touch.
• Butter: Provides creamy richness and helps develop deep golden flavors.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic delivers intense, aromatic base note to the entire dish.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Contributes concentrated sweet-tangy flavor and vibrant color.
• Chicken Broth: Delivers savory liquid base that infuses depth into orzo.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce that coats every ingredient.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty complexity and helps thicken sauce.
• Orzo Pasta: Quick-cooking small rice-shaped pasta that absorbs surrounding flavors beautifully.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens entire dish with fresh, zesty finish.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley

Tools to Cook Shrimp and Orzo All in One Pot

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: Essential for searing shrimp and cooking the entire one-pot dish.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring orzo and mixing ingredients without scratching the pan.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps accurately portion ingredients like chicken broth and spices.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping garlic and fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.

Steps to Simmer One Pot Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

• Sizzle Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large pan. Season shrimp with bold spices and quickly sear until they turn a gorgeous pink color. Set these beauties aside for later.

• Toast Pasta Magic

In the same pan, melt butter and dance some minced garlic and red pepper flakes around. Toss orzo into the pan and let it get golden and toasty.

• Create Dreamy Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and let everything bubble gently. Stir occasionally while the orzo soaks up all those delicious flavors. Cook until pasta is tender and liquid reduces.

• Bring It All Together

Swirl in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to create a luscious sauce. Return shrimp to the pan and coat them in the creamy goodness. Splash some bright lemon juice over the top and sprinkle fresh herbs for a final touch of magic.

Customizations That Go Well With Shrimp and Orzo

• Choose medium or large shrimp for the best texture. Frozen works great – just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent watery results.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a creamy, lactose-free version that's packed with flavor.
• Easily replace shrimp with diced chicken, white fish, or plant-based protein like tofu for a versatile one-pot meal that suits different dietary needs.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference. For mild lovers, reduce or eliminate; for heat seekers, add extra flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Toss in spinach, zucchini, or asparagus during the last few minutes of cooking to increase nutritional value and add extra color and texture to the dish.

Presenting Shrimp and Orzo Pasta for Date Night

• Coastal Dinner Party Vibes: Serve this dish on a large wooden board with rustic bread slices and lemon wedges for a Mediterranean-inspired sharing experience.
• Fresh Herb Garden Twist: Sprinkle extra chopped basil and parsley right before serving to add bright, aromatic freshness that complements the creamy shrimp.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Match this dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the seafood and creamy sauce flavors.
• Quick Side Salad Companion: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to balance the rich, creamy pasta and provide a zesty contrast.

Storage Details for One Pot Shrimp Pasta Dishes

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated portions stay delicious for 2-3 days, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Pack cooled shrimp and orzo in freezer-safe containers. Carefully separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Frozen meals remain tasty for up to 1 month.
• Warm refrigerated portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent orzo from breaking down and maintain creamy consistency.
• Store shrimp and orzo separately if possible. This technique helps prevent pasta from absorbing excess liquid and keeps each component's original flavor and texture intact.

Magical One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Irresistible one pot marry me shrimp and orzo pasta brings Mediterranean charm straight to dinner tables. Creamy, zesty flavors promise romance and comfort with each delectable forkful you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth (or seafood broth)
• 1 ½ cups (270 g) orzo pasta
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (75 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tbsps (28 g) butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
• 1 tsp (5 g) salt
• 1 tsp (2 g) Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ¼ cup (15 g) fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Coat shrimp with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear shrimp for 2 minutes per side until pink, then transfer to a separate plate.
2. Flavor Foundation: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes until aromatic. Add orzo and toast briefly to enhance its nutty essence.
3. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth into the pan, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and allow orzo to cook, stirring periodically, until tender and liquid is mostly absorbed, approximately 8-10 minutes.
4. Creamy Transformation: Incorporate heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, creating a luxurious sauce. Return seared shrimp to the pan, gently tossing to ensure complete coating. Brighten the dish with a splash of lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Watch shrimp closely during searing; 2 minutes per side ensures they remain tender and juicy without becoming rubbery or tough.
• Stir frequently while simmering to prevent sticking and achieve perfect creamy consistency; adjust chicken broth quantity if needed for desired texture.
• Toast orzo before adding liquid to develop nutty, deep flavors and create a more complex taste profile in the final dish.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version; use gluten-free orzo for celiac-friendly adaptation; replace shrimp with chicken or plant-based protein for alternative protein options.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg