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
Scale
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
