There’s something truly magical that happens when you bring shrimp, orzo, and creamy, savory flavors together in a single pan – and that is exactly what you get with One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo! This dish is packed with juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp, tender orzo simmered in a silky, Parmesan-kissed sauce, and a pop of sweetness from sun-dried tomatoes. It’s effortless enough for a busy weeknight but delivers restaurant-quality flavor perfect for a special occasion. If you’re looking for a meal that’s guaranteed to impress (and maybe even spark a few dinner proposals!), make this One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo your next go-to recipe.

One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo is how each ingredient is handpicked to bring something delightful to the table. From the briny shrimp and nutty Parmesan to the creamy sauce and fresh herbs, these components work in harmony to create amazing taste, color, and texture with minimal fuss.

Olive oil: Use a good quality olive oil to start your aromatics and give a delicate richness to the entire skillet.
Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh, succulent shrimp are the undeniable stars here – they cook quickly and absorb all the incredible flavors.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the shrimp and balancing all the flavors in your creamy sauce.
Black pepper: Adds subtle, savory warmth and elevates the dish without overpowering it.
Smoked paprika: Lends a gentle, smoky depth and gorgeous color to the shrimp.
Garlic, minced: A non-negotiable for its pungent, aromatic foundation that infuses each bite.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little zing! Add as much or as little heat as you like.
Orzo pasta: This rice-shaped pasta absorbs flavors like a dream and creates that creamy, comforting base.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps things light but flavorful, providing the perfect medium for the orzo to cook.
Heavy cream: Signature creamy texture, making everything silky and luscious without being too heavy.
Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped: Sweet-tart bites that brighten up each forkful with their concentrated tomato flavor.
Parmesan cheese, grated: Nutty, salty, and melty, this cheese is the finishing touch that brings all the flavors together.
Lemon juice: Adds fresh acidity to tie in all the creamy elements and keep things vibrant.
Chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): Not just for looks – these herbs add an aromatic pop of freshness right at the end.

How to Make One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo

Step 1: Season and Sear the Shrimp

Begin by tossing your peeled and deveined shrimp with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This quick marinade infuses every bite with smoky, savory flavor and ensures the shrimp stay juicy. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high and arrange the shrimp in a single layer. Sear them for just 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. This flash cooking method keeps your shrimp tender, not rubbery. Remove the shrimp and set aside – they’ll be the crowning glory at the end.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Toast Orzo

With all those shrimp juices left in the pan, reduce the heat to medium, then toss in the garlic and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling spicy). Sauté briefly until the kitchen smells absolutely irresistible. Next, stir in the orzo and let it toast for a minute. This technique gives the orzo a nutty depth and helps it hold its texture.

Step 3: Simmer with Broth and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and scatter in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking. In about 10–12 minutes, the orzo should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed, creating a beautiful base for the creamy finish.

Step 4: Make It Creamy and Add Shrimp Back In

Now, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and a splash of lemon juice. This trio magically transforms the skillet contents into the creamy, dreamy sauce that makes One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo so memorable. Return your seared shrimp to the pan and let them warm through for 2–3 minutes, soaking up all that flavor. Taste and tweak your seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Serve

Right before serving, shower your skillet with chopped fresh basil or parsley. The herbs brighten up the whole dish and make it pop visually. Dish out generous servings immediately, while everything is at peak creaminess and the aroma is simply irresistible.

How to Serve One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra Parmesan, an extra handful of chopped basil or parsley, and perhaps some cracked black pepper elevate One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo from cozy comfort food to show-stopping centerpiece. The final flourish of fresh herbs not only looks beautiful but adds brightness to balance the rich, savory sauce.

Side Dishes

While One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo is wonderful as a standalone meal, you can never go wrong with a side salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or crusty garlic bread for dunking. These sides complement the creaminess and help round out your table for family or guests.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dramatic touch, serve the One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo straight from the skillet at the center of your table, inviting everyone to dig in family-style. You could also spoon it into shallow bowls and top each with a swirl of basil oil or a wedge of lemon for restaurant flair. For parties, present mini servings in ramekins or small cups as elegant appetizer bites!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The orzo will continue to soak up the sauce as it sits, so you may want to add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to bring back its luscious texture.

Freezing

Freezing is possible, though best if you plan ahead and hold the shrimp separately (they cook quickly and can get rubbery when frozen and reheated). Freeze the orzo and sauce portion in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and adding freshly cooked shrimp.

Reheating

To reheat, place your One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit more cream, milk, or broth to refresh the sauce. Stir gently until heated through, and if possible, avoid microwaving as the shrimp can toughen. For individual portions, microwave in short bursts with a splash of added liquid, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before cooking, so they sear nicely and don’t add excess moisture to the skillet. Frozen shrimp work very well in One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo, making it super convenient.

Can I substitute the orzo for another pasta?

If you don’t have orzo, small pasta shapes like ditalini or even small shells make excellent alternatives. Just adjust the simmer time as needed, since different pastas absorb liquid and cook at different rates.

Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes are totally optional, so you can skip them for a mild meal or add more if you love a little kick. The base dish is creamy and savory, with just a hint of heat if you choose to include it.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Chopped roasted red peppers or even a handful of spinach stirred in towards the end are wonderful substitutes for sun-dried tomatoes. Either option keeps One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo colorful and packed with flavor.

How can I make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version, cut down on the heavy cream by half and use extra broth, or try half-and-half. You can also use less Parmesan or swap in a light cheese – the dish will still have that signature creamy texture, but with a lighter finish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that’s as impressive as it is easy, make One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo a part of your recipe rotation. It’s creamy, garlicky, and packed with vibrant, crowd-pleasing flavors – the kind of meal you’ll find yourself craving all year long. Gather your ingredients and give it a try; you might just declare it love at first bite!

One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 26 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful and easy-to-make one-pot dish that combines succulent shrimp with flavorful orzo pasta in a creamy sauce. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion, this Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo recipe is sure to impress!

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Orzo:

1 cup orzo pasta
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Season the shrimp: Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Sear the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Set aside.
Prepare the orzo: In the same pan, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until orzo is tender.
Finish the dish: Stir in cream, Parmesan, and lemon juice. Add shrimp back to the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes. Adjust seasoning. Garnish with basil or parsley.