One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is the dreamy, saucy seafood dinner you’ve been searching for made effortlessly in a single pan.
Hi, I’m Jack welcome to my kitchen at Cooks Foody!
If you’re tired of dry, bland seafood or complicated pasta recipes that leave your sink overflowing with dishes, I get it. That’s why I created this one pot wonder. Juicy shrimp, tender orzo, and a rich garlic-parmesan cream sauce that will quite literally have people proposing after one bite!
As a recipe developer and food enthusiast, I’ve designed this dish to blend gourmet flavor with weeknight simplicity. In this post, we’ll break down the ideal shrimp type, step-by-step prep, cooking tips, flavor swaps, and more. Let’s dive into this creamy seafood sensation!
Why This Meat Recipe Works: One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta
- Uses affordable, easy to find shrimp and pantry staples
- Marinate in 15 minutes for maximum tenderness
- Perfect for weeknights or weekend date nights
This dish is comforting, decadent, and made with simple ingredients no seafood mastery required.
Choosing the Right Meat for One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta
Best Cuts for This Recipe
- Large shrimp (peeled & deveined) Ideal size for juicy texture without overcooking.
- Tail on or tail off based on preference.
Buying Tips
- Choose wild caught over farmed for better flavor.
- Look for firm texture and no fishy smell a sign of freshness.
Substitutions
- Swap shrimp with scallops or diced chicken breast.
- For a vegetarian version, use mushrooms and chickpeas instead.
Ingredients & Prep for One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta
Meat Prep Essentials
- Pat shrimp dry and toss with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and seasoning.
- Optional: Let marinate for 15 minutes for extra flavor.
Marinades/Rubs (Beam Blend)
Simple Shrimp Marinade:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper
Pantry Staples
- Orzo pasta
- Chicken broth
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Red pepper flakes
- Heavy cream + Parmesan cheese
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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta
Pre-Cooking Prep for One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta
- Peel and devein shrimp.
- Mince garlic and chop sun-dried tomatoes and parsley.
Cooking Method for One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add shrimp and cook 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add remaining oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Stir in orzo, toast for 1 minute, then pour in chicken broth.
- Simmer uncovered until orzo is al dente (8–10 minutes).
- Lower heat, stir in heavy cream, parmesan, and shrimp.
- Simmer another 2 minutes until sauce thickens. Garnish with parsley.
Doneness Check for One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta
- Shrimp should be pink and opaque (internal temp ~120–130°F).
- Orzo should be tender but not mushy.
Resting for One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta
Let sit for 2–3 minutes so sauce thickens and flavor settles before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Meat: One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Edition
Avoiding Overcooked Shrimp
- Cook shrimp first and add back at the end to avoid rubbery texture.
Tool Recommendations
- Nonstick deep skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Fine microplane for parmesan
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to revive texture.
Flavor Variations for One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta
| Variation | Description | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Spicy Twist | Add heat with cayenne or chili oil | Extra red pepper flakes, chili oil drizzle |
| Keto/Paleo | Swap orzo for riced cauliflower | Heavy cream, riced cauliflower, more shrimp |
| Global Flavors | Infuse international flair | Curry powder + coconut milk or chipotle + lime zest |
Serving Suggestions for One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta
- Sides: Garlic bread, grilled asparagus, or Caesar salad.
- Wine Pairings:
- White wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
- Beer: Blonde ale or citrusy wheat beer
FAQs: One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes thaw in cold water and pat dry thoroughly.
How do I fix overcooked shrimp?
Slice and mix into the sauce, or blend into a creamy pasta topping.
Is this recipe safe for pregnant women?
Yes if using fully cooked shrimp and pasteurized dairy.
Conclusion
Ready to impress your guests or your partner with one dish? Fire up your skillet and try this One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta tonight!
Print
One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Creamy & Irresistible 2025
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add remaining olive oil and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds, then add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Stir in orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed, stir in heavy cream and parmesan.
- Return shrimp to the pan. Simmer 2–3 more minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes