If you are looking for a comforting yet elegant meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles, this One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines succulent shrimp, creamy orzo, and a luscious Parmesan sauce all cooked in a single skillet, making clean-up a breeze without sacrificing any flavor. Every bite delivers a rich, silky texture paired with bright herbs and tender pasta, promising to become your go-to weeknight favorite or impressive dinner guest pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients that work harmoniously to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component adds something unique—from the shrimp’s sweetness to the orzo’s buttery softness and the fragrant garlic that rounds it all out.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp ensure a tender and juicy seafood base.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing shrimp and adding a gentle fruity aroma.
- 1 cup orzo pasta: Small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds depth and a fragrant punch to the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The star ingredient making the sauce rich, silky, and decadent.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Balances the cream with subtle savory notes and helps cook the pasta perfectly.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Offers nutty, salty flavor while thickening the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Infuses herbaceous warmth that complements seafood beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for brightening flavors and seasoning the dish just right.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of fresh green color and a mild herbal finish.
How to Make One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and sauté them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn a vivid pink and curl up nicely. The shrimp cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking. Once done, remove the shrimp from the pot and set them aside. This quick sear locks in the juiciness and forms a lovely foundation for your dish.
Step 2: Cook the Orzo
Keeping all those wonderful shrimp-flavored bits in the pot, toss in the minced garlic and cook it for a minute until it’s beautifully fragrant but not browned. Next, stir in the orzo pasta, followed by the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the sauce thickens into a creamy, luscious coating. This step is where the magic happens, marrying all the ingredients into a velvety comfort dish.
Step 3: Combine
Once the orzo is perfectly tender and the sauce has thickened, nestle your beautifully cooked shrimp back into the pot. Gently toss everything together so the shrimp are evenly distributed and coated with the creamy sauce. The flavors will marry beautifully at this stage, enhancing every bite.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Finish the dish by seasoning with dried basil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. These simple seasonings bring balance, a hint of herbaceous flair, and the perfect brightness to the creamy, cheesy base. Serve the dish hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a vibrant pop of color and fresh flavor.
How to Serve One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add fresh contrast, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley right before serving. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a light dusting of extra Parmesan to boost brightness and savoriness, making this warm creamy dish even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite hearty on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables like asparagus or green beans. A crusty loaf of garlic bread or warm focaccia also complements the creamy orzo perfectly, rounding out the flavors with crunchy texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a sophisticated touch, serve the One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and a lemon wedge on the side. For family-style dining, a rustic wooden board with the pot in the center surrounded by the sides encourages a cozy, inviting atmosphere. You can even drizzle a bit of chili oil or sprinkle red pepper flakes for a subtle heat twist that wakes up the creamy dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors meld nicely overnight, but the texture of the sauce may thicken, so a quick stir or gentle reheating with a splash of broth helps restore the creamy texture.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers if needed. Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove, adding a little broth or cream to loosen the sauce and bring back that luscious consistency.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low to medium heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating helps recapture the fresh-from-the-stove creaminess. Avoid overheating to keep the shrimp tender and prevent the sauce from breaking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that could dilute the sauce. Using fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp works well and keeps the dish accessible year-round.
Is orzo the only pasta that works here?
Orzo is preferred for its quick cooking time and perfect size to blend with the creamy sauce, but you can try small pastas like ditalini or acini di pepe. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to match the pasta used.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for flavor. The dish will have a slightly different texture but remains rich and delicious.
How spicy is the recipe?
The base recipe is mild and creamy, focusing on savory flavors. However, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to taste for a kick of heat that pairs wonderfully with the richness.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Certainly! Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas can be stirred in during the simmering stage to add color, nutrition, and more textural contrast. Just be careful not to overcrowd the pan to maintain that perfect creamy consistency.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe a try because it effortlessly blends comfort and sophistication in one satisfying pot. Whether you’re looking to impress company or treat yourself after a busy day, this recipe delivers creamy, flavorful joy with minimal fuss. It’s easy to make, hard to forget, and guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation.
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One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy, flavorful One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is a quick and easy dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Tender shrimp are cooked in olive oil, then combined with orzo pasta simmered in a rich sauce of heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Finished with dried basil and fresh parsley, this comforting dish is ready in just 25 minutes and serves four.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta and Sauce
- 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
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and are just 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 fragrant. Stir in the orzo pasta, heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan cheese. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine: Return the cooked shrimp to the pot with the orzo and toss gently to combine, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Season and Serve: Season the dish with dried basil, salt, and pepper according to your taste. Serve the creamy shrimp and orzo hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- For a lower-fat version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a light cream alternative.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long on heat.
- Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving can enhance the flavors.
- Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor but can be adjusted or omitted for dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
