One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta

This One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is the perfect combination of rich, savory flavors and easy preparation. The dish brings together tender shrimp, creamy pasta, and a delicious blend of spices that will make everyone ask for the recipe. It’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze, and it’s loaded with ingredients that pair perfectly together. The smoky paprika, sun-dried tomatoes, and a splash of heavy cream create a creamy, flavorful sauce that perfectly coats the orzo and shrimp. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.

The combination of shrimp and orzo pasta makes this dish light yet hearty, while the burst of flavor from the sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning gives it an incredible depth of taste. With minimal prep and cook time, this recipe will quickly become a go-to for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s made in one pot, making it simple and easy to whip up a restaurant-worthy meal right in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One Pot Meal: It’s made in just one pot, so cleanup is a breeze, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for a last-minute dinner.
3. Packed with Flavor: The combination of smoked paprika, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning creates a rich, flavorful sauce that coats the orzo and shrimp beautifully.
4. Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or substitute ingredients to fit your taste preferences.
5. Impressive Presentation: Despite its simple ingredients, this dish looks elegant and is sure to impress family or guests.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp and Orzo:

• Shrimp (thawed, drained, and patted dry)
• Sun-dried tomato oil (reserved from the jar)
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Butter
• Garlic (minced)
• Crushed red chili pepper flakes
• Low sodium chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Orzo pasta
• Italian seasoning
• Sun-dried tomatoes (julienned)
• Parmesan cheese
• Baby spinach

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (minced) or basil leaves (sliced)

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute shrimp with mushrooms or a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian twist.
• Spicy: Increase the amount of crushed red chili pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to give the dish an extra kick.
• Creamy: For an even richer sauce, add more heavy cream or substitute it with half-and-half for a creamy texture.
• Herbs: Try fresh basil, thyme, or oregano for a fresh herb flavor that complements the dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

In a large skillet or pan, heat the sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat. Season the shrimp with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they are just cooked through and pink. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red chili pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo

Add the chicken broth to the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Once simmering, stir in the orzo pasta and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 4: Add Cream and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Return the Shrimp and Add Spinach

Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet along with the baby spinach. Stir everything to combine, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the shrimp is heated through.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Top the dish with the remaining Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so be sure not to overcook it. Once it turns pink and opaque, remove it from the heat.
• Stir Frequently: Stir the orzo while it cooks to ensure it doesn’t stick to the pan.
• Use Low-Sodium Broth: Using low-sodium chicken broth will allow you to control the salt content of the dish.
• Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier dish, add more heavy cream or a splash of milk as needed.

How to Serve

This dish pairs perfectly with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or a light vegetable side, like roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans. It can also be served with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a bit more broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Freezing

While it’s not ideal to freeze this dish due to the texture of the shrimp, the orzo and sauce can be frozen for up to 1 month. If you freeze it, I recommend freezing the shrimp separately and adding them fresh when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, either microwave individual portions or place the entire dish back in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to help revive the sauce’s creamy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain the shrimp before using it in the recipe.

2. Can I use another type of pasta?

You can substitute orzo with another small pasta like farfalle, fusilli, or penne, though the cook time may vary slightly.

3. Is there a substitute for sun-dried tomato oil?

You can use olive oil in place of the sun-dried tomato oil, though it won’t provide the same depth of flavor.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the shrimp may not hold up well to long storage, you can prepare the orzo and sauce ahead of time and add the shrimp and spinach just before serving.

5. How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the amount of red chili pepper flakes or add a few dashes of hot sauce to taste.

6. Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with milk or a non-dairy cream alternative for a lighter version.

7. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a little cornstarch mixed with water or let it simmer for longer to reduce.

8. Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, frozen spinach can be used in place of fresh spinach. Make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the dish.

9. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or another cheese of your choice.

10. How long does this dish take to cook?

This dish takes about 25-30 minutes to prepare from start to finish.

Conclusion

One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy, tender shrimp and savory orzo pasta, accented by sun-dried tomatoes and spices, makes it a standout dish that will impress anyone. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Try it today for a simple yet delicious meal that you’ll want to make again and again!

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