One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is a rich, flavorful, and creamy dish that combines tender shrimp, perfectly cooked orzo, and a luscious, savory sauce all made in a single pan. Inspired by the viral “Marry Me” series of recipes—like Marry Me Chicken—this seafood version delivers the same irresistible balance of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, cream, herbs, and Parmesan cheese, with the added elegance of shrimp and the comforting texture of orzo pasta. Ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this dish earns its romantic name from the idea that it’s so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner looking to impress, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen with minimal cleanup and maximum reward.
The History of Marry Me Recipes
The “Marry Me” recipe trend began with a popular chicken dish that gained viral fame for its creamy, tangy, and flavorful sauce that was so good it supposedly prompted marriage proposals. Originating from online food blogs and Pinterest boards in the early 2010s, “Marry Me Chicken” quickly became a staple in home kitchens due to its simplicity and universally appealing taste. Over time, creative home cooks and chefs began to apply the same concept to other proteins like pork, tofu, and seafood, adapting the core ingredients—sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cream, and herbs—to suit different palates. “Marry Me Shrimp” emerged as a natural evolution, combining the same luxurious sauce with the light, slightly sweet flavor of shrimp. Adding orzo pasta makes this a one-pot meal that captures the essence of comforting pasta dishes while elevating the overall experience to something special and memorable.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Shrimp: Medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen (thawed) both work. Shrimp are quick-cooking and absorb flavor well, making them ideal for this type of dish.
- Orzo Pasta: A small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully, becoming tender without getting mushy.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a pungent, aromatic base flavor essential to the dish.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chopped sun-dried tomatoes bring tanginess and depth, creating a savory-sweet contrast that pairs wonderfully with the shrimp.
- Heavy Cream: Provides a rich, velvety texture to the sauce, binding all the elements together with indulgent creaminess.
- Chicken or Seafood Broth: Used to cook the orzo and deepen the flavor profile; chicken broth is more common, but seafood broth enhances the shrimp element.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding salty, nutty richness.
- Olive Oil or Butter: Used to sauté garlic and cook shrimp, providing a flavor base for the rest of the dish.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that enhances the Mediterranean feel of the recipe.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adds a touch of heat and contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the dish’s flavor.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional): For garnish and a burst of freshness to finish the dish.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Prep the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and remove any moisture.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add more oil or butter if needed. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Add Orzo and Broth: Stir in the dry orzo pasta, coating it with the garlic and tomato mixture. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce thicken slightly for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
- Return the Shrimp: Add the cooked shrimp back to the pan. Stir everything together and let it warm through for another 2-3 minutes.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley before serving for added color and flavor. Serve hot straight from the pan.
Tips for the Perfect One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo
Use high-quality shrimp and remove the tails before cooking for easier eating. Don’t overcook the shrimp—once they turn pink and opaque, take them out to prevent rubbery texture. Toasting the orzo for a minute or two before adding the liquid adds a nutty flavor and helps it maintain its shape during cooking. Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded varieties for the best melt and flavor. Stir the orzo regularly to keep it from sticking to the pan. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can loosen it with a splash of broth or water. Add red pepper flakes slowly—you can always increase heat but can’t take it away. Use a nonstick or enameled pan to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. For a deeper seafood flavor, replace chicken broth with seafood stock or clam juice.
Variations and Customizations
For a spicy version, add extra red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper. Substitute shrimp with scallops, crab, or a firm white fish like cod for different seafood experiences. Add vegetables like spinach, peas, asparagus tips, or cherry tomatoes to increase nutritional value and color. Use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free variation with a subtle tropical twist. Replace orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or pearl couscous, adjusting liquid amounts as needed. For a richer sauce, add a spoonful of tomato paste or a splash of white wine during the garlic sauté stage. Incorporate more herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives for a more aromatic dish. Add a squeeze of lemon juice or zest at the end to brighten the flavors. Make it gluten-free by substituting with gluten-free pasta or rice, keeping an eye on cook times and broth absorption.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is a well-balanced dish offering a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Shrimp is a lean protein, low in calories and rich in nutrients like iodine, selenium, and vitamin B12. Orzo provides energy and fiber, especially if using whole wheat varieties. The sauce, made with cream and cheese, is rich in saturated fats and calories, so portion control is key for those watching their intake. Opting for light cream or half-and-half can reduce fat content. Adding vegetables boosts fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Using olive oil instead of butter provides heart-healthy fats. The dish can be tailored to suit specific dietary needs, such as using plant-based cream and cheese for a dairy-free version or switching to a seafood-based broth to enhance the maritime flavor while reducing sodium if needed. Overall, it’s a satisfying and indulgent dish that can be made healthier with a few smart substitutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just make sure to thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Is orzo gluten-free? Traditional orzo is made with wheat, but gluten-free options are available.
Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best served fresh, but you can prep components like the shrimp and sauce ahead, then reheat gently.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
Can I freeze it? Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy sauce and shrimp texture.
Can I use a different pasta? Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous work well; adjust liquid and cook time accordingly.
What can I use instead of cream? Try half-and-half, evaporated milk, or a plant-based alternative like oat or coconut cream.
How spicy is this dish? The spice level is adjustable; red pepper flakes are optional and can be increased or omitted.
Is this kid-friendly? Yes, with reduced spice and possibly substituting milder cheese, it’s suitable for most children.
What wine pairs with this? A chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs well with the creamy shrimp flavors.
One pot marry me shrimp an orzo pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound of shrimp thawed, well-drained, and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons of oil from a jar of sun-dried tomatoes
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 4 cloves of garlic finely minced
- 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup of heavy cream
- 8 ounces of orzo pasta about 2 cups, uncooked
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning blend
- 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes drained and cut into thin strips
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups of fresh baby spinach
- Fresh minced parsley or thinly sliced basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Coat the shrimp with the sun-dried tomato oil, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and the smoked paprika. Cook the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat just until they turn pink and are fully cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside to be added later. If there’s any liquid left in the pan from the shrimp, drain it and quickly wipe the pan clean.
- Add the butter to the same pan and let it melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking over medium heat for about two minutes until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, orzo, Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is fully cooked and tender.
- When the orzo is done, mix in the grated Parmesan and baby spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Return the shrimp to the pan, give everything a final stir, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving.