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One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta

Sauté seasoned shrimp until tender, then remove from the pan.Simmer orzo with broth, cream, garlic, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes.Add Parmesan, spinach, and shrimp for a creamy one-pot dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound shrimp thawed, drained, and patted dry
  • 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil reserved from the jar
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper divided
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces orzo about 2 cups uncooked
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and julienned
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • Fresh parsley or sliced basil for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. Place them in a bowl and toss with the sun-dried tomato oil, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and smoked paprika.
  • Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook just until pink and opaque, approximately 1–2 minutes per side depending on their size.
  • Transfer the cooked shrimp to a clean plate and set aside. If the shrimp released significant liquid, carefully drain the skillet and wipe away the excess moisture.
  • Add the butter to the same pan and allow it to melt over medium heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant without allowing the garlic to brown.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream.
  • Add the sun-dried tomatoes, uncooked orzo, Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and remaining ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir well.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan.
  • Cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent the orzo from sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has developed into a creamy sauce.
  • Stir the Parmesan cheese and baby spinach into the One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts.
  • Taste the orzo and adjust the salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
  • Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and gently stir them into the creamy orzo. Warm briefly without overcooking the shrimp.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or sliced basil and serve immediately.

Notes

Large or medium shrimp both work well. If using particularly large shrimp, adjust their initial cooking time accordingly.
Chicken broth provides plenty of savory flavor, but halal-friendly vegetable broth can be substituted if preferred.
For an even creamier creamy shrimp orzo, add another splash of heavy cream after the Parmesan has melted. For a lighter consistency, add additional chicken broth instead.