Description
Have you ever stood in your kitchen, staring blankly at the fridge, wondering what to make for dinner? I’ve been there more times than I can count! That’s why I’m excited to share this delightful One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta recipe with you. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together and makes you look like a culinary superstar, even on your busiest days. Creamy, flavorful, and just downright comforting, this dish is perfect for impressing your loved ones with minimal effort. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth (or seafood broth)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Toss the shrimp in the seasoning mixture until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add red pepper flakes (if using) and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add orzo pasta and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring to combine.
- Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Stir gently to combine everything.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the shrimp to warm through and the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free orzo.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or peas for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg