This One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is a cozy dish that pairs juicy shrimp with tender orzo, all cooked together in a tasty broth. It’s the perfect one-pot meal for busy nights!
The combination of garlic, lemon, and shrimp makes this dish feel fancy without the fuss. I love serving it with a sprinkle of parsley and some crusty bread to soak up the goodness.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is best for this recipe, but you can use frozen shrimp too. Just make sure they are thawed before cooking. If you’re not a seafood lover, try diced chicken breast or tofu as alternatives.
Orzo Pasta: Orzo gives a nice texture, but you can swap it with other small pasta shapes like couscous, ditalini, or even rice if you want to keep it gluten-free.
Chicken Broth/Seafood Stock: For a lighter flavor, vegetable broth is a great option, especially if you want to keep it vegetarian. Homemade stock, if available, can really elevate this dish.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you’re out of sun-dried tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes or even canned tomatoes. Just make sure to drain excess liquid to avoid soupiness. Their sweet, tangy flavor is lovely in this dish.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds richness, but feel free to use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free twist. I usually find that a mix of cheeses gives a delightful complexity.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Orzo Pasta in One Pot?
Cooking orzo in one pot might seem tricky, but it’s quite simple! The goal is to let the orzo absorb the flavors of the broth and other ingredients.
- Start by adding the orzo and broth to the skillet once the garlic is fragrant. This helps infuse the pasta with flavor right from the beginning.
- Let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally. This prevents the orzo from sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Once the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, add in the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. The residual heat will quickly wilt the spinach.
Remember, the key here is to keep an eye on it. If it looks too dry before the orzo is fully cooked, just add a bit more broth or water to keep it creamy.
How to Make One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth or seafood stock
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings and Garnishes:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a little time prepping your ingredients, then just sauté and simmer everything in one pot. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Shrimp:
First, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, season your shrimp with the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp to the skillet and sauté them until they turn pink and are cooked through—this should take about 2-3 minutes on each side. When they’re done, take them out of the skillet and set them aside.
2. Cook the Garlic and Orzo:
In the same skillet, add your minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it gets fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Now, pour in the orzo pasta and chicken broth (or seafood stock), and give everything a good stir. Let it come to a simmer.
3. Simmer the Orzo:
Once you see it simmering, lower the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let the orzo cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. It should be creamy and delicious!
4. Add the Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted down nicely.
5. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to bring the shrimp back into the mix! Add them back to the skillet along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and warmed through. Yum!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish your dish with some fresh chopped parsley. Now your One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is ready to serve! Enjoy it warm—you’ll love every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by placing the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes or overnight in the fridge. Pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning to prevent extra moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Orzo Pasta?
If you don’t have orzo pasta, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like couscous, ditalini, or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so check the package instructions for the best results.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. You can add a splash of chicken broth or a little olive oil to help restore moisture as it reheats.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. Just sauté them along with the garlic before adding the orzo and broth to ensure they cook down nicely. This will add extra flavor and nutrition to your dish!
