One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe
I love a good one-pot meal, and this Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta has quickly become one of my favorites. It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and incredibly easy to make. Plus, there’s something special about the way shrimp pairs with a rich, garlicky, sun-dried tomato sauce.The first time I made this dish, I was looking for a way to switch up my usual shrimp pasta recipes. I wanted something that felt indulgent but still light enough to enjoy any night of the week. I had heard of Marry Me Chicken, a dish so good that it supposedly makes people want to propose, and I thought—why not try it with shrimp?After a little experimenting, I landed on this version: tender, juicy shrimp, creamy orzo pasta, and a bold, slightly tangy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan. It’s an easy, one-pot meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dish but comes together in just 30 minutes.
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven (for a true one-pot meal)
- Cutting board and knife (for prepping ingredients)
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken or seafood broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onions and cook for 2 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 1 minute.
- Add the orzo pasta and stir to coat it in the flavors.
- Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and spinach (if using).
- Return the shrimp to the pan and stir gently.
- Add the lemon juice, and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Let the dish sit for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.