A deliciously creamy shrimp and orzo dish that comes together in just 20 minutes in one pan. This elegant yet simple meal features succulent shrimp nestled in a bed of tender orzo pasta, all enveloped in a rich, garlicky cream sauce that’s guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that doesn’t compromise on flavor or elegance. With minimal prep and cleanup (thanks to the one-pot approach), you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in just 20 minutes. The combination of tender shrimp, perfectly cooked orzo, and a creamy sauce studded with garlic and herbs creates a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or simply treating yourself, this recipe delivers impressive results with minimal effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Olive oil provides the foundation for this dish, helping to sear the shrimp perfectly while adding a subtle fruity note that complements the seafood beautifully.
Shrimp is the star of this show, offering a delicate sweetness and tender texture that cooks quickly. For best results, choose medium to large shrimp that are already peeled and deveined to save preparation time.
Garlic infuses the entire dish with its aromatic flavor, creating depth and warmth. Fresh garlic is always preferable for its bright, pungent quality that mellows beautifully when cooked.
Orzo pasta is the perfect choice for this recipe with its rice-like shape that absorbs flavors wonderfully while maintaining a pleasant chewiness. If you can’t find orzo, small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells can work as substitutes.
Chicken broth forms the cooking liquid for the orzo, infusing it with savory flavor as it’s absorbed. You can substitute vegetable broth if preferred for a different flavor profile.
Heavy cream transforms the dish from simple to luxurious, creating a silky sauce that coats each grain of orzo and piece of shrimp. You could substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
Dried thyme adds an earthy, slightly floral note that complements both the shrimp and the creamy sauce. If you have fresh thyme, use about three times the amount called for in dried.
Red pepper flakes bring a gentle heat that balances the richness of the cream. They’re optional but highly recommended for that perfect touch of warmth.
Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together. Season thoughtfully, especially since the chicken broth already contains some salt.
Fresh parsley brings a pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor that brightens the finished dish and adds visual appeal.
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the orzo and chicken broth, then bring to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the heavy cream, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 4 generous servings, making it perfect for a family dinner or for entertaining a small group. The entire dish comes together in just 20 minutes, with 5 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time. At approximately 350 calories per serving, it’s a satisfying meal that won’t leave you feeling overly full.
Variations
Mediterranean Version: Add diced sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a Mediterranean twist.
Lemon Herb: Incorporate lemon zest, fresh dill, and a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a bright, citrusy variation.
Vegetables Add-In: For extra nutrition, stir in baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus tips in the last few minutes of cooking.
Lobster Upgrade: Substitute lobster meat for the shrimp for an ultra-luxurious special occasion dish.
Spicy Cajun: Add Cajun seasoning to the shrimp before cooking and include diced bell peppers for a Southern-inspired version.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The orzo will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, making the dish thicker when chilled.
Freezing: This dish is not ideal for freezing as the texture of both the shrimp and pasta will deteriorate upon thawing.
Reheating: To reheat, place in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Warm gently, stirring occasionally until heated through (about 5-7 minutes). Avoid overheating as this can make the shrimp tough.
Microwave Option: For quick reheating, microwave in 30-second intervals at 70% power, stirring between each interval. Add a tablespoon of water or broth to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well in this recipe. Thaw completely before using by placing in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water for a few minutes. Pat dry thoroughly before cooking to ensure proper searing.
What can I substitute for heavy cream if I want a lighter version?
Half-and-half or light cream can be used for a lighter version. For a dairy-free alternative, try full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream, though this will change the flavor profile slightly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare components ahead of time. Cook the shrimp and store separately, then make the orzo base up to the point before adding cream. Reheat the orzo, add cream and seasonings, then incorporate the shrimp just before serving.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Replace the shrimp with mushrooms (particularly cremini or king oyster for texture) and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add nutritional yeast for umami depth.
What’s the best pan to use for this one-pot dish?
A large, deep skillet or shallow Dutch oven with a lid works best. Cast iron, stainless steel, or non-stick are all suitable options, as long as the pan is wide enough to hold all ingredients comfortably.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While orzo is ideal for its quick cooking time and rice-like texture, you can substitute other small pasta shapes like ditalini, stelline, or acini di pepe. Adjust cooking time according to package instructions.
Why is my orzo still hard after the cooking time?
Different brands of orzo may require varying cooking times. If your orzo is still firm after the specified cooking time, add a little more broth or water (1/4 cup at a time) and continue cooking until it reaches your desired tenderness.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving adds wonderful flavor, though it’s not traditional to combine cheese with seafood in Italian cuisine. For a Mediterranean twist, crumbled feta works wonderfully.
How can I tell when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?
Perfectly cooked shrimp turn from translucent gray to an opaque pink with a slight curve (forming a “C” shape). If they curl into a tight ring (an “O” shape), they’re likely overcooked. They should feel firm to the touch but still have a slight spring.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can transform into something truly spectacular with minimal effort. The combination of tender shrimp, creamy orzo, and aromatic garlic creates a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner for family or impressing someone special, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just 20 minutes with only one pot to clean. It’s the kind of versatile, foolproof dish that deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection – one you’ll return to again and again when you need a quick yet impressive meal.
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One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo
A delicious and creamy one-pot dish featuring shrimp and orzo pasta with a flavorful sauce, perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the orzo and chicken broth, then bring to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the heavy cream, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by substituting the orzo with gluten-free pasta.
- Best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Calorie
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
