If you’re craving a dinner that feels both elegant and effortless, then I’ve got to share the magic of the One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that effortlessly combines creamy, garlicky comfort with a touch of spice, all cooked in a single skillet. Imagine tender shrimp nestled in a luscious, herby orzo base, perfect for a weeknight meal or impressing guests without the fuss. It’s quick, full of flavor, and everything you want when you want dinner that just clicks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is like gathering pieces of a flavor puzzle—each essential to creating the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color in this dish. From the plump shrimp to the creamy finishing touch, these simple components come together effortlessly.
- Olive oil: Choose extra virgin for a fragrant base that gently cooks the shrimp and garlic.
- Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed, they provide the star protein and a satisfying seafood bite.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a punch of aromatic depth that wakes up every flavor.
- Orzo pasta (1 cup): Tiny pasta pearls that soak up all the savory broth and cream.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): The rich liquid that cooks the orzo and infuses savory warmth.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Makes the dish luxuriously creamy and smooth.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): A subtle herbaceous note that balances the flavors beautifully.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a hint of gentle heat that adds excitement.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, essential for seasoning and enhancing every ingredient.
- Fresh parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that brings color and a mild herbal finish.
How to Make One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the shrimp and cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’ll see them turn a beautiful pink and curl up slightly when they’re perfectly cooked. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside—you’ll bring them back to the party in a minute.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic. It only needs about 30 seconds to cook, but during this time it releases irresistible fragrant notes that act as the foundation for the dish’s flavor. Make sure you stir frequently to avoid burning it.
Step 3: Cook the Orzo
Next, add the orzo directly into the skillet with the garlic and pour in the chicken broth. Bring this to a simmer. This is where the orzo begins to soak up all that savory liquid, cooking until tender—which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the grains from sticking and to help release their lovely starchiness, which thickens the dish naturally.
Step 4: Add Cream and Seasonings
When the orzo is just right—soft and broth mostly absorbed—stir in the heavy cream for that luscious, silky texture. Then sprinkle in dried thyme for a subtle earthiness, add red pepper flakes if you like a gentle kick, and season generously with salt and pepper to taste. This step transforms it into a rich, comforting masterpiece.
Step 5: Return the Shrimp and Serve
Now, gently fold the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Give everything a final stir to marry those flavors perfectly. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving to add a lovely pop of green and freshness that lightens up the creamy delight.
How to Serve One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks—it adds a crisp, herbal brightness that beautifully cuts through the creaminess. If you want to take it up a notch, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving adds a zesty contrast that complements the shrimp wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This cozy, creamy dish shines on its own but pairs magnificently with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus. For something heartier, garlic bread is a great choice to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Recipe in shallow bowls garnished with finely chopped parsley and lemon wedges on the side. For a touch of elegance, add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. And don’t be shy to serve it family-style right from the skillet to keep that warm, inviting vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 days, making this dish a perfect candidate for next-day meals without compromising flavor or texture.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, shrimp and creamy sauces don’t always freeze and thaw perfectly. If you want to freeze, consider freezing the orzo by itself and adding freshly cooked shrimp when reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Recipe gently on low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickened too much overnight. This helps keep the dish creamy and prevents the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking so they sauté nicely without steaming.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk, but the texture won’t be quite as rich and creamy.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
You can swap out orzo for a gluten-free pasta variety or even use riced cauliflower for a low-carb twist.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
Simply omit the red pepper flakes, and the dish will still be flavorful and delicious without any heat.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Swap the shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas for a filling plant-based version that works wonderfully with the creamy orzo base.
Final Thoughts
Give the One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Recipe a try—you won’t regret it. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but doesn’t demand all your time in the kitchen, making it a true favorite anytime you need something impressive yet cozy. Once you taste that creamy sauce with perfectly cooked shrimp and tender orzo, your weeknight dinners will never be the same!
Print
One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and flavorful one-pot shrimp and orzo dish that’s quick to make and perfect for weeknight dinners. This recipe features succulent shrimp cooked with garlic, tender orzo pasta simmered in chicken broth, and enriched with heavy cream and herbs for a comforting, all-in-one meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- Cook Orzo: Add the orzo pasta and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo becomes tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Combine Shrimp and Garnish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently stir to incorporate. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- To keep shrimp tender, avoid overcooking by removing them as soon as they turn pink.
- Fresh lemon juice can be added just before serving for a bright citrus note.
- Use gluten-free orzo pasta if you need this dish to be gluten-free.
