Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta
This Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is a creamy, one pot Tuscan shrimp orzo simmered in a sun dried tomato parmesan sauce that comes together in under 35 minutes.
A One Pot Pasta Worth Falling For
If you have seen Marry Me Chicken all over the internet, this is its seafood cousin, and honestly, it might be even better. This Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta takes everything irresistible about that creamy sun dried tomato sauce and pairs it with tender shrimp and silky orzo, all cooked in one pot. It is the kind of dinner that looks like it took hours but is actually ready in well under 40 minutes.
This recipe lives at the intersection of a Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo and a classic Marry Me sauce, which means you get garlicky, tomatoey, parmesan laced creaminess clinging to every bite of orzo and every juicy piece of shrimp. It is weeknight friendly but special enough for a date night in.
Before we get cooking, the right tools and ingredients make a real difference here. A good heavy bottomed skillet helps the orzo cook evenly without scorching, and quality oil packed sun dried tomatoes give the sauce real depth instead of a dusty, dried out flavor. These are the products that genuinely help this recipe shine:
Why This One Pot Shrimp and Orzo Works
The magic of this One Pot Tuscan Shrimp and Orzo comes down to a few simple techniques layered together.
- Searing the shrimp first locks in flavor and keeps them from overcooking later
- Toasting the orzo before adding liquid gives it a faint nuttiness, almost like a quick risotto
- Letting the orzo cook directly in the broth means it absorbs all that garlicky, tomato infused flavor instead of just sitting in a bland sauce
- Finishing with cream and parmesan ties everything together into that signature Marry Me richness
Chef's Tip: Don't walk away from the orzo while it simmers. Pasta shaped like rice can stick to the bottom of the pot quickly, so a stir every couple of minutes keeps things smooth and prevents scorching.
Ingredient Notes for Marry Me Shrimp Orzo
A few notes to help this Shrimp Orzo Pasta turn out perfectly every time.
- Shrimp: Large or jumbo shrimp work best here. Pat them dry before searing so they brown instead of steam.
- Sun dried tomatoes: Look for the oil packed kind in a jar. The reserved oil doubles as a flavor booster for the sauce, so do not pour it down the drain.
- Orzo: This rice shaped pasta cooks directly in the broth, which is what makes this a true one pot dinner.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated melts smoothly. The pre shredded kind can make the sauce slightly grainy.
Ready to make it? Here is the full step by step recipe for this Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta:
Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta
This Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is a creamy, one pot Tuscan shrimp orzo simmered in a sun dried tomato parmesan sauce that comes together in under 35 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails off
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta, uncooked
- 2 tbsp butter, divided
- 1 tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/8 cup sun dried tomatoes, oil packed, chopped
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth, low sodium
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 tbsp sun dried tomato oil, reserved from the jar, or substitute olive oil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, adjust to taste
- 1 tsp italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 2 cups baby spinach, packed, optional but recommended
- 1 to taste salt and black pepper
Instruction
Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Sear the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side until just pink, then remove to a plate.
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter along with the sun dried tomato oil. Add the garlic and sun dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the orzo and toast it in the pan for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often so it doesn't stick.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the remaining Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 9 to 11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese until the sauce turns silky and slightly thickened.
Fold in the spinach and let it wilt for about 1 minute.
Return the shrimp to the pan along with any juices and warm through for 2 minutes.
Stir in the fresh basil, taste, and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and parmesan.
Equipment
- Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Notes
Serving Suggestions
This dish is rich enough to stand on its own, but a few simple sides round it out beautifully.
- A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess
- Crusty bread is essential for mopping up every bit of sauce left in the pan
- A glass of crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs wonderfully with the garlicky tomato cream
Storage and Reheating
Leftover Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo keeps well in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container. Because orzo keeps absorbing liquid as it sits, the dish will thicken considerably overnight.
Chef's Tip: When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream and warm it gently over low heat, stirring often. This brings the sauce back to its original silky texture instead of a thick, gluey consistency.
This recipe does not freeze particularly well, since the cream sauce can separate and the shrimp can turn rubbery once thawed. It is best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.
Variations to Try
Once you have made the classic version of this Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo, a few easy swaps can change things up.
- Swap shrimp for seared scallops or chunks of salmon
- Add a handful of cherry tomatoes for extra brightness
- Stir in a spoonful of pesto along with the basil for an herbier finish
- Use gnocchi instead of orzo for a different texture entirely
However you make it, this One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is the kind of dinner that turns an ordinary Tuesday into something worth lingering over.
