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If you’re looking for a recipe that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen, the One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe is here to steal your heart. This dish is all about combining tender, perfectly cooked shrimp with creamy, cheesy orzo in one pot, making dinner not only delicious but also incredibly simple. Every spoonful brings a vibrant medley of flavors and textures, proving that comfort food can be quick, elegant, and totally addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Believe me when I say the magic of this One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe happens because of a handful of simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element plays its part to create a harmony of creaminess, freshness, and savory goodness that makes the dish unforgettable.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein that cooks quickly and adds a sweet, ocean-kissed flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the shrimp perfectly to golden tenderness without sticking.
- 1 cup orzo pasta: Small but mighty, this rice-shaped pasta soaks up all the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives an aromatic punch that wakes up the dish instantly.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The silky base of the sauce that envelops every bite with luxuriously rich flavor.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the creaminess while keeping the sauce light.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Brings a salty, cheesy tang that melts right into the sauce for irresistible taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: A fragrant herb that adds subtle earthiness and freshness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors into perfect focus.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: A pop of green freshness and color that brightens everything up.
How to Make One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add your peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn a gorgeous pink and are just firm to the touch. This quick cooking keeps them juicy and tender. Once done, remove the shrimp and set them aside—don’t worry, they’ll be reunited with the sauce soon!
Step 2: Cook the Orzo
Next, in the same pot with all those lovely shrimp flavors, add the minced garlic. Let it cook for about a minute until it’s fragrant and slightly golden. Then, stir in the orzo pasta, heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened into a creamy dream. This step is what makes the dish stand out because the orzo soaks up all the rich, cheesy goodness.
Step 3: Combine the Shrimp and Sauce
Once your orzo is perfectly cooked and saucy, toss the shrimp back into the pot. Stir everything together to combine those gorgeous flavors thoroughly. The shrimp will warm up again and soak in just a bit of the luscious sauce, making each bite a perfect balance of textures.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Now it’s time to elevate the taste with dried basil, salt, and pepper—adjust these to your preference to make the dish truly yours. Give everything one last toss, then plate it up while steaming hot. Garnish generously with fresh parsley to add a beautiful pop of color and freshness that complements the richness of the dish.
How to Serve One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a must for its vibrant color and slightly peppery note that cuts through the creaminess. If you’re feeling fancy, a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few lemon zest shreds adds brightness and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This pasta is a satisfying main, but pairing it with crisp green salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli complements the meal perfectly without overpowering the star flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this in rustic bowls with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan on top. For a dinner party, individual ramekins or cast iron skillets make the presentation feel personal and charming. Fresh herbs scattered right before serving also make it look irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, so it tastes even better as next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked shrimp and orzo separately for longer storage. When freezing, be sure to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickened too much. Microwave reheating works too—just cover and heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture. Pat them dry so they sauté properly without releasing too much water.
What if I don’t have orzo pasta? Can I substitute it?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or couscous. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they may vary slightly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, try coconut cream instead of heavy cream and use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast to mimic the cheesy flavor.
How spicy is this dish? Can I add heat?
This One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe is mild by default, perfect for all palates. If you love a kick, add red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic or sprinkle some chili powder with the seasonings.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight meal?
Definitely! It’s designed to be fast, easy, and all prepared in one pot, making cleanup a breeze and dinner time stress-free.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a recipe that’s as effortless as it is delicious, and the One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe is exactly that. Whether you’re cooking dinner for yourself, impressing a date, or making a cozy meal for your family, this dish hits all the right notes with its rich, creamy texture and vibrant flavors. Give it a try—you might just find your next favorite weeknight staple!
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One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A creamy, flavorful one-pot dish featuring tender shrimp and perfectly cooked orzo pasta in a rich Parmesan sauce, infused with garlic and dried basil. Quick to prepare and perfect for a delightful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Cooking
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pot and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Cook the Orzo: In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Stir in the orzo pasta, heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Combine: Return the cooked shrimp to the pot with the creamy orzo mixture. Toss everything together to ensure the shrimp are evenly coated and heated through.
- Season and Serve: Season the dish with dried basil, salt, and freshly ground pepper to taste. Serve the creamy shrimp and orzo hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.
- Ensure shrimp are not overcooked to maintain a tender texture.
- Chicken broth can be replaced with vegetable broth for a milder flavor.
- Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts best and enhances flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
