Imagine a dish so irresistibly flavorful that you’ll want to propose to it on the first bite! This “One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta” is the ideal blend of savory shrimp, rich sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy orzo, all in a single pan simplicity. It’s a recipe that’s bound to win the hearts and stomachs of everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze and flavors meld beautifully.
- Weeknight Savvy: Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings without sacrificing taste.
- Rich Flavors: The combination of shrimp, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a restaurant-quality experience.
- Nutrient-Packed: Spinach and orzo add fiber and vitamins, ensuring a nutritious meal for the whole family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients! Each component of this “One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta” is a little star that shines brightly. They come together in this one pot wonder with such synergy that it’s a marvel. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delight:
- Shrimp: Opt for large, thawed, and patted dry shrimp; their sweetness and texture are unbeatable here.
- Sun-dried Tomato Oil: A rich flavoring agent that adds depth and nuance to the overall taste.
- Smoked Paprika: Enhances the shrimp with a smoky, slightly spicy kick.
- Orzo: This rice-shaped pasta is perfect for absorbing flavors and providing a satisfying texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty savoriness that ties everything together.
- Baby Spinach: For that pop of color and healthy dose of greens.
- Garlic and Chili Flakes: Bring warmth and aromatic depth to the dish.
Variations
The beauty of this “One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta” is how flexible it can be. Here are some delightful variations to consider if you’re feeling creative or need to tailor to dietary requirements.
- Vegetarian Delight: Skip the shrimp and add more vegetated like mushrooms or zucchini for a veggie-packed version.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk and the parmesan with nutritional yeast for a creamy texture sans dairy.
- Spiced Up: Increase the chili flakes for a fiery version that will tantalize the taste buds of spice lovers.
How to Make One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta
Step 1: Season and Sauté the Shrimp
Begin by tossing your shrimp with sun-dried tomato oil, a sprinkle of salt, fresh cracked black pepper, and smoked paprika. Sauté these beauties over medium heat until they turn a gorgeous pink and are just cooked through — then set them aside. If any liquid is left in the pan, just give it a quick wipe.
Step 2: Create the Flavor Base
Add butter to the same pan, letting it melt and then introducing minced garlic and chili flakes. Allow these to sauté for a couple of minutes until aromatic. Pour in the chicken broth, cream, sun-dried tomatoes, orzo, and seasonings. Bring this mixture to a simmer before reducing the heat, covering, and cooking until the orzo is perfection.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Once the orzo is tender, stir in the parmesan cheese and spinach, letting the spinach wilt into the mixture. Adjust your seasoning as needed, then reintroduce the shrimp to the pan. Finish with a sprinkling of fresh parsley or basil, and your masterpiece is ready to serve!
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta
- Shrimp Perfection: Make sure the shrimp are opaque with a hint of pink for that perfect bite – overcooking will make them rubbery.
- Orzo Doneness: Check the orzo towards the end of cooking time; it should be al dente for the best texture.
- Cheesy Finish: Stir in the parmesan slowly to achieve a creamy, rich consistency.
- Final Garnish: Don’t skip the fresh parsley or basil garnish; it adds freshness and a pop of color!
How to Serve One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta
Garnishes
Elevate this dish by garnishing with freshly minced parsley or sliced basil leaves. Not only do they add vibrant color, but they also infuse the dish with an aromatic freshness that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair this delightful pasta with a simple green salad or crusty garlic bread. These sides will complement the creamy texture and rich flavors without overpowering them, offering balance to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve the pasta in a shallow dish or bowl and let each serving be topped with a lemon wedge. This not only looks elegant but also allows guests to enhance the dish with a splash of citrus.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld beautifully, making leftovers even more enticing!
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a touch of broth or water if needed to reach your desired consistency. This method helps maintain the dish’s original creamy texture.
FAQs
-
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
While fresh tomatoes can be used, they don’t have the concentrated flavor of sun-dried tomatoes, which are integral to the dish’s depth.
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What can I substitute for orzo?
If orzo is unavailable, you can substitute with small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice, adjusting cooking times as needed.
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Is this dish spicy?
It contains a mild heat from crushed red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted according to your spice preference.
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Can I add other seafood?
Absolutely! Scallops or chunks of firm white fish like cod can be excellent additions to this dish, enhancing its seafood richness.
Final Thoughts
In the world of one pot wonders, this “One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta” stands out as a true gem. Its vibrant flavors and comforting complexity invite you to savor each bite. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and cozy gatherings, it’s a dish that promises to captivate and keep you coming back for more. Give it a whirl, and let your taste buds fall in love anew!
PrintOne Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This one-pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and convenient dish that combines juicy shrimp, tender orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a creamy, savory sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it requires minimal cleanup and bursts with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp, thawed, drained, and patted dry
Oil and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil (reserved from jar)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz orzo pasta (about 2 cups uncooked)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and julienned
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups baby spinach
Garnish
- Minced fresh parsley or sliced basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Toss the shrimp with sun-dried tomato oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and smoked paprika. Sauté over medium heat just until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside to add later to prevent overcooking. If any water is released, drain and wipe the pan dry.
- Cook the Aromatics: Add butter to the same pan and melt over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red chili flakes, sautéing for about two minutes until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce and Pasta: Add chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, uncooked orzo, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in grated parmesan cheese and baby spinach until the spinach wilts. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves, and stir to combine. Serve hot.
Notes
- Ensure the shrimp are not overcooked; remove them just as they turn pink for the best texture.
- You can substitute fresh sun-dried tomatoes if dried are unavailable, but soaking dried tomatoes in hot water for 10 minutes rehydrates them effectively.
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- This dish pairs well with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
- You can add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg