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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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