One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe
This One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta combines tender shrimp, creamy orzo, and a rich, flavorful sauce that’s packed with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. It’s a delightful dish that’s not only delicious but also super simple to prepare in just one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights or even special occasions.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
- Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if desired. Set the shrimp aside while you prepare the orzo.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
- In a large skillet or deep pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the garlic from burning.
3. Cook the Orzo:
- Stir in the orzo and let it toast for about 1-2 minutes in the oil, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. This will add extra flavor to the orzo.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let the orzo cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender.
4. Add the Cream and Parmesan:
- Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine and create a creamy sauce. If the sauce looks too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.
- Add the lemon juice and Italian seasoning, stirring to blend all the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Cook the Shrimp:
- Push the orzo to one side of the pan and add the seasoned shrimp to the other side. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and cooked through. You can also stir them into the orzo to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve:
- Once the shrimp is cooked, gently toss everything together to combine the shrimp and orzo in the creamy sauce. Remove the pan from heat and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness.
Tips and Variations:
1. Use Different Proteins:
- If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can easily swap it with chicken, scallops, or even chunks of salmon for a delicious variation.
2. Extra Veggies:
- You can also add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus to the dish for more color, texture, and nutrients. Add them in when you sauté the garlic or stir them into the orzo towards the end of cooking.
3. Vegan Option:
- To make this dish vegan, substitute the shrimp with tofu or plant-based meat alternatives and use coconut milk or almond cream instead of heavy cream. Swap the parmesan with nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
4. Gluten-Free Version:
- Swap the orzo for gluten-free pasta or quinoa for a gluten-free version of this dish.
5. Adjusting the Creaminess:
- If you prefer a creamier dish, add more heavy cream or even a spoonful of mascarpone cheese for extra richness.
Serving Suggestions:
One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is a satisfying meal on its own, but you can complement it with a few simple sides:
- Fresh Green Salad:
A crisp salad with a light lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the creamy richness of the pasta. - Garlic Bread:
Serve warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette on the side to soak up any leftover sauce. - Roasted Vegetables:
Roasted asparagus, zucchini, or a medley of vegetables adds extra flavor and balances the creaminess of the dish.
Storage and Reheating:
In the Fridge:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back the creamy texture.
In the Freezer:
- This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the cream sauce and shrimp. However, if you do freeze it, make sure to thaw it completely before reheating and add extra liquid to prevent it from drying out.
Conclusion:
One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is the perfect marriage of flavors and textures, combining creamy, savory, and slightly tangy elements with the succulent taste of shrimp. The best part is that it all comes together in one pan, making it not only incredibly tasty but also a breeze to prepare and clean up. Whether you’re making this for a cozy weeknight meal or serving it to impress your guests, it’s bound to be a hit!
One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe
This One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta combines tender shrimp, creamy orzo, and a rich, flavorful sauce that’s packed with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. It’s a delightful dish that’s not only delicious but also super simple to prepare in just one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights or even special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or large)
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Add the Orzo and Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Stir in the orzo pasta and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Toast the orzo in the garlic for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the Liquid:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
5. Simmer and Cook:
Cover the skillet and let the orzo cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
6. Add the Parmesan Cheese:
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. The sauce should become creamy and smooth.
7. Return the Shrimp:
Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and stir to combine. Let everything cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil and parsley, if desired. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Customize the Spice: If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. If you love spicy food, feel free to add more.
- Substitute for Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be less creamy.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use the oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor, or rehydrate dry sun-dried tomatoes in warm water before using.
- Add Vegetables: You can also toss in fresh spinach, peas, or roasted bell peppers to add more veggies to the dish.