One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

I’ve made this One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta more times than I can count, and every single time, it impresses just as much as the first. The tender orzo simmers in a luscious, flavorful broth while juicy shrimp soak up all the garlicky, herby goodness. With sun-dried tomatoes lending a sweet-tangy edge and a creamy, parmesan-kissed finish, this dish truly earns its “marry me” reputation—bold, comforting, and downright irresistible.

What I love most is how seamlessly everything comes together in just one pot. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner when you want something fast yet elegant. No complicated prep, minimal cleanup, and maximum flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or someone special, this is one of those meals that brings a little celebration to an ordinary evening.

---

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta

This dish is rich and cozy yet fresh and light thanks to the brightness of lemon and herbs. The shrimp cooks quickly in the same pot as the pasta, allowing the orzo to soak up every drop of flavor. It’s creamy without being heavy, luxurious without requiring hours in the kitchen. If you’re looking for a dish that delivers restaurant-quality results with everyday effort, this one will absolutely win you over.

---

YoZatGPT said:

What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

For this One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta, I prefer using large, peeled, and deveined shrimp—either fresh or frozen works fine. Tail-on adds a pretty presentation, but tail-off is easier to eat if you’re aiming for convenience. If using frozen shrimp, just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra moisture diluting the sauce. Wild-caught shrimp often have better flavor, but any good-quality shrimp will shine in this dish.

---

Options for Substitutions

Cooking should be flexible, and this recipe allows for plenty of swaps depending on your pantry and preferences:

• Protein Swap: Not a shrimp fan? Chicken breast or scallops work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Orzo Alternatives: You can use small pasta like ditalini or even couscous if orzo isn’t available. Arborio rice would give a risotto-like texture.
• Dairy-Free Option: Omit the parmesan and stir in a bit of nutritional yeast or a splash of coconut cream for richness.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Baby spinach, chopped zucchini, or even peas can be tossed in toward the end for added greens.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Replacement: Roasted red peppers make a delicious alternative if sun-dried tomatoes aren’t your thing.

This recipe is easy to adapt and still comes out just as crave-worthy.

---

Ingredients for this One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta

• Shrimp: The star of the dish—plump, juicy, and quick-cooking. They soak up the garlic and spice beautifully.
• Orzo Pasta: This rice-shaped pasta gives a creamy, risotto-like texture while keeping things easy and low-effort.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor and depth to the entire dish.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These bring a sweet, tangy richness that pairs wonderfully with the shrimp and creamy sauce.
• Chicken Broth: It’s the base that infuses the orzo with savory goodness as it cooks.
• Heavy Cream: Adds just the right touch of silkiness and indulgence to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: For a salty, nutty kick and that luxurious creamy finish.
• Olive Oil: Used to sauté and bring out the best in the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A touch of heat balances the richness.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens everything up and brings freshness to the creamy elements.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds herbaceous depth with oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the shrimp and building flavor throughout.
• Fresh Parsley: For garnish, it adds color and a final layer of freshness.

---

Step 1

Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the shrimp, seasoning them lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp and set aside—they’ll finish cooking later.

---

Step 2

In the same pan, add a bit more olive oil if needed, then sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavor into the oil.

---

Step 3

Pour in the orzo and stir to coat it in all the garlicky, tomato-rich oil. Toast the orzo for 1–2 minutes, just until it starts to turn golden.

---

Step 4

Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Stir occasionally and let the orzo cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.

---

Step 5

Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Once the mixture becomes creamy, return the shrimp to the pan. Simmer everything together for another 2–3 minutes, just until the shrimp are fully cooked and the flavors meld.

---

Step 6

Finish with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve warm, with extra parmesan or a squeeze of lemon if desired.

---

How Long to Cook the One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta

From start to finish, this dish takes about 25–30 minutes. The shrimp only need a quick 2–3 minutes of searing, while the orzo simmers for around 10–12 minutes until tender. A final 2–3 minute simmer with cream and cheese brings everything together perfectly.

---

Tips for Perfect One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta

• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Remove them from the pan early and return them at the end to keep them juicy and tender.
• Toast the orzo: Giving the orzo a minute or two to toast before adding broth enhances its nutty flavor and helps it stay firm.
• Use warm broth: Adding warm or room-temperature broth helps the orzo cook evenly without cooling the pan down.
• Stir occasionally: This prevents the orzo from sticking to the bottom and helps it cook evenly.
• Adjust liquid if needed: Depending on your pan and heat, you might need a splash more broth to loosen the sauce.
• Balance the flavors: Taste before serving—sometimes a bit more lemon juice or an extra pinch of salt really brings the dish to life.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the shrimp: This is the fastest way to dry them out. Cook just until they turn pink, then set aside.
• Adding cream too early: Wait until the orzo is nearly cooked. High heat can cause the cream to separate or reduce too much.
• Not toasting the orzo: Skipping this step can make the pasta bland and slightly mushy.
• Forgetting to stir: Orzo can stick and burn on the bottom of the pan if left unattended too long.
• Using low-sodium broth without adjusting seasoning: Make sure to taste and adjust salt levels at the end.

---

What to Serve With One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta?

Crusty Garlic Bread

Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce and adding some crunch to your meal.

Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

A peppery, fresh salad balances the richness of the pasta beautifully.

Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus

Simple roasted veggies bring a welcome earthiness and lightness to the dish.

A Glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc

A crisp white wine enhances the lemon and herb notes in the pasta.

Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Cool, crunchy, and refreshing—a great contrast to the warm, creamy pasta.

Antipasto Platter

If you’re entertaining, serve this dish alongside olives, cheeses, and marinated veggies for a more complete spread.

Lemon Wedges

For that final citrusy pop, keep extra lemon on hand for squeezing over each plate.

---

Storage Instructions

Leftovers of this One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta keep surprisingly well. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water before warming on the stovetop or in the microwave to loosen the sauce.

Avoid freezing, as creamy sauces and shrimp both tend to suffer in texture after thawing. If you’re planning to make ahead, cook the orzo and sauce, then add fresh shrimp right before serving for best results.

---

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Note: Values are approximate and based on 4 servings.

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 31g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 225mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

This meal delivers a satisfying balance of protein and carbs with indulgent flavor—perfect for a hearty dinner.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just make sure they’re completely thawed and patted dry before cooking so they sear properly and don’t release too much water into the dish.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half works in a pinch, though the sauce will be less rich. For a non-dairy version, try canned coconut milk or a plain, unsweetened oat cream.

Is orzo the same as rice?

No, orzo is a small pasta shaped like rice. It cooks faster than rice and has a creamier texture, especially in one-pot dishes.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best texture, cook the shrimp fresh when ready to serve. You can prepare the orzo and sauce in advance and reheat gently with added liquid.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Parmesan is best for this recipe, but pecorino romano or asiago can work well if you prefer a sharper flavor.

What size shrimp should I buy?

Large or extra-large shrimp (about 16–20 per pound) are ideal—they hold up well to cooking and offer great texture in every bite.

How can I make it spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce at the end. You could also sauté a chopped chili with the garlic.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely—just use a larger pot and keep an eye on the liquid. You may need a bit more broth to keep the orzo creamy.

---

Conclusion

One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is one of those magical recipes that feels gourmet without the stress. Every spoonful brings together tender shrimp, creamy orzo, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and bright herbs in a rich, balanced dish. It’s a weeknight winner, a date-night dazzler, and an all-around comfort meal you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re wooing someone or just treating yourself, this dish truly lives up to its romantic name.

---

Print