This One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is a simple yet luxurious dish that combines succulent shrimp, a creamy sauce, and tender orzo pasta. Perfect for date nights or any evening when you want to impress your loved ones (or simply treat yourself), this dish is packed with flavor and easy to make in just one pot. The creamy Parmesan sauce is rich, while the shrimp and orzo absorb all the savory goodness, making every bite a flavorful experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This one-pot shrimp and orzo pasta is the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors. The shrimp cook quickly in the same pot, soaking up all the flavors from the creamy sauce, and the orzo pasta becomes wonderfully tender, absorbing all the delicious liquids. With minimal cleanup and a dish that’s ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or even a dinner to impress someone you love. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and packed with flavor!
Ingredients
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1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 cup orzo pasta
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink. Remove shrimp from the pot and set aside.
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In the same pot, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Stir in the orzo, heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened.
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Add the cooked shrimp back into the pot and toss to combine.
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Season with dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste.
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Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4 servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Add Vegetables: You can easily add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition. Add them when cooking the orzo.
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Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a spicy twist.
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Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a refreshing citrus note that pairs wonderfully with the shrimp and cream.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free orzo or another gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftover shrimp and orzo pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in a microwave-safe container or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work just as well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and orzo ahead of time. Store the shrimp separately and combine everything just before serving.
3. Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute the orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, penne, or farfalle. Adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you use.
4. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half for a lighter version of the dish, but the sauce may not be as rich and creamy. You can also substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
5. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth if you want to make this dish vegetarian.
6. Can I add cheese other than Parmesan?
Yes, you can use Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or any other hard, salty cheese. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly based on the cheese you choose.
7. How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?
Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery if cooked too long.
8. Can I make this recipe with chicken instead of shrimp?
Yes, you can replace the shrimp with chicken. Cook chicken breast or thighs, then slice them into pieces and add them back into the dish.
9. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use a dairy-free Parmesan cheese substitute for a fully dairy-free version.
10. Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes! Add more red pepper flakes to the garlic or stir in some hot sauce for extra heat.
Conclusion
One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is a flavorful, creamy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its quick prep time, minimal cleanup, and bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors, it’s the ideal meal to impress your loved ones or enjoy a cozy dinner on your own. The shrimp, orzo, and creamy Parmesan sauce come together beautifully for a dish that will truly win hearts. Make it tonight and enjoy a deliciously indulgent meal!
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One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta
One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta for a Flavorful Love Affair: A Dreamy Dinner
Description: This One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is a luxurious, creamy, and flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp, tender orzo, and a rich Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s the perfect quick meal for date nights, special occasions, or a cozy dinner. Simple, delicious, and sure to impress!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup orzo pasta
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
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Cook the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink. Remove shrimp from the pot and set aside. -
Cook the Orzo:
In the same pot, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the orzo, heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened. -
Combine:
Add the cooked shrimp back into the pot and toss to combine. -
Season and Serve:
Season with dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
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Add Vegetables: Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.
-
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to bring some heat.
-
Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest for a refreshing citrus note.
-
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free orzo or another gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
