Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

One Pot “Marry Me” Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 11 reviews

This One Pot ‘Marry Me’ Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is a delicious and creamy dish combining succulent shrimp, tender orzo pasta, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes all cooked together in a single pan for easy preparation and cleanup. The dish features smoky paprika-seasoned shrimp and a rich sauce enhanced with garlic, butter, cream, and parmesan, finished with fresh spinach and herbs for a bright and satisfying meal.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Shrimp Marinade

  • 1 pound shrimp (thawed, drained and patted dry)
  • 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil (reserved from the jar)
  • kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon for shrimp)
  • freshly ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon for shrimp)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Sauce and Pasta

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz orzo (about 2 cups uncooked)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and julienned)
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (additional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (additional)

Finishing Touches

  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • Minced fresh parsley or sliced basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and cook shrimp: Toss the shrimp with sun-dried tomato oil, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and smoked paprika until evenly coated. Heat a pan over medium heat and sauté the shrimp just until they turn pink and are cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side depending on size. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside. If the shrimp releases any liquid in the pan, drain it and wipe the pan dry quickly to prepare for the next steps.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add butter to the same pan and melt over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes and sauté for about two minutes until fragrant, stirring often to prevent burning.
  3. Cook orzo in sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the julienned sun-dried tomatoes, uncooked orzo, Italian seasoning, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Simmer and cook pasta: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook for about 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Finish the dish: Once the orzo is tender, remove the lid and stir in the parmesan cheese and baby spinach until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  6. Add shrimp and garnish: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, stirring gently to combine and warm them through. Sprinkle minced fresh parsley or sliced basil leaves on top as a fresh garnish before serving.

Notes

  • Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
  • If you do not have sun-dried tomato oil, extra virgin olive oil can be used but will alter the flavor slightly.
  • You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter variation.
  • Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/one-pot-marry-me-shrimp-and-orzo-pasta-recipe/