One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta: A Flavorful Dinner That Will Steal Your Heart

If you’re looking for a dish that’s rich in flavor, easy to make, and sure to impress, then One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is your answer. This dish brings together succulent shrimp, creamy orzo pasta, and a delicious sun-dried tomato sauce that is bursting with flavor. The creamy broth, enhanced by garlic, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning, creates a comforting, savory base that beautifully complements the shrimp and orzo.

Not only is this dish simple to prepare, but the best part is that it’s made all in one pot, making cleanup a breeze! Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner, a weeknight meal, or looking to impress guests, this dish will have everyone asking for the recipe. With the balance of creamy, savory, and slightly spicy elements, One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pot Wonder

This recipe is made in just one pot, which means minimal cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.

2. Flavor Explosion

The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning gives this dish a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the shrimp.

3. Creamy and Comforting

The addition of heavy cream makes the orzo pasta incredibly creamy, while the shrimp adds a satisfying, tender protein that makes this dish hearty and filling.

4. Quick and Easy

With only 30 minutes of cooking time, this dish is perfect for a quick dinner, yet elegant enough for a special occasion.

5. Versatile

You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili flakes or switch up the greens with other vegetables to suit your preferences.

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

For the Sauce:

• Low-sodium chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Orzo pasta (uncooked)
• Italian seasoning
• Sun-dried tomatoes (drained and julienned)
• Parmesan cheese
• Baby spinach
• Fresh parsley or sliced basil leaves for garnish

Variations

Gluten-Free Option

To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta. Rice would also work well as an alternative.

Extra Spice

For those who enjoy heat, add more crushed red chili pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.

Vegetables

Add more vegetables to the dish like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for added texture and flavor.

Dairy-Free

For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or a non-dairy cream substitute and skip the parmesan cheese.

Shrimp Substitute

While shrimp is the star of the dish, you can easily substitute it with chicken or even scallops, depending on what you have on hand.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Shrimp

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the sun-dried tomato oil over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pot and set them aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red chili pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant. Add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, orzo, and Italian seasoning. Let the orzo cook in the simmering broth for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 3: Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach

Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt into the sauce.

Step 4: Combine with Shrimp

Return the cooked shrimp to the pot and stir gently to combine. Sprinkle in the parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley or sliced basil leaves. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use large shrimp for a more substantial bite. If you’re using smaller shrimp, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook very quickly, so remove them from the pot as soon as they turn pink and opaque to avoid rubbery shrimp.
• Save some pasta water in case you need to thin out the sauce or orzo as it cooks.
• Stir frequently while cooking the orzo to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
• Use high-quality broth for the best flavor. Homemade or low-sodium store-bought chicken broth works great.

How to Serve

This dish is hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. For a lighter option, serve it with a side of roasted asparagus or grilled zucchini to complement the rich, creamy flavors of the shrimp and orzo.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.

Freezing

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Store the shrimp and orzo mixture in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat on the stove, adding more broth or cream as necessary.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat the pasta on the stove over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to keep the sauce creamy.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking.

2. Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the orzo with other types of small pasta like couscous, farfalle, or penne. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

3. Can I make this dish without heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option or use a lower-fat cream alternative.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more red chili pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can make the sauce and cook the shrimp ahead of time, then assemble everything just before serving.

6. Can I use dried sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, you can use dried sun-dried tomatoes. Just make sure to soak them in hot water for about 20 minutes before using them in the recipe.

7. How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Make sure to not overcook the shrimp. They only need 2-3 minutes on each side to cook properly.

8. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the dish.

9. Can I use Parmesan cheese for a vegan version?

No, but you can use a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast as a substitute for the Parmesan.

10. Can I substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth?

Yes, vegetable broth can be used if you prefer a vegetarian version of this dish.

Conclusion

One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is a simple yet decadent dish that’s sure to wow your family and friends. With juicy shrimp, tender orzo, and a creamy, flavorful sauce, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion. Easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and requiring minimal cleanup, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to make a meal that will have everyone asking for more!

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