Description

One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is a vibrant, creamy, and flavorful dish combining tender shrimp, quick-cooking orzo, and a lightly spicy tomato sauce. Prepared entirely in one pot, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, offering bold flavors and minimal cleanup in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp

12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp

Pasta

1 cup dry orzo pasta

Aromatics & Seasonings

3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Liquids

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons olive oil

Cheese & Herbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Instructions

Sauté Shrimp and Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add peeled shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook Orzo in Tomato Base: Pour in crushed tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine. Add the dry orzo pasta, ensuring it is fully submerged in the liquid. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until orzo is tender and creamy.
Combine and Finish: Return the cooked shrimp to the pot with the orzo. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or red pepper flakes if needed. Let heat together for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors before serving.

Notes

Choose fresh shrimp for better texture and flavor.
Do not overcook the orzo; it should be tender but slightly al dente.
Stir often while cooking orzo to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Use a quality broth to enhance the sauce’s depth.
Finish with fresh herbs to maintain bright flavor and vibrant color.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One-Pot Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 180 mg

Keywords: shrimp pasta, one pot meal, orzo, creamy tomato sauce, quick dinner, spicy shrimp, easy weeknight recipe