Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta

Impress with this creamy shrimp orzo pasta in sun-dried tomato sauce. Perfect for easy weeknight meals or a romantic dinner. Check out the recipe!

May 17, 2025
By Sandra.

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look into into Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta

Oh my gosh, let me tell you, this marry me shrimp and orzo pasta is a game-changer! i mean, if you're craving a dish that's creamy, comforting, and just filled with flavor—this is it.

Picture sweet shrimp bathed in a dreamy sun-dried tomato sauce that wraps around perfectly cooked orzo. it’s a warm hug on a plate!

This dish, folks, takes a little inspiration from classic italian-american seafood dishes . you know, the ones that make you feel like you’re munching on a cozy family meal at your favorite trattoria, even if you're just chilling at home.

It’s not complicated, but it does require just enough attention to make sure everything turns out perfectly. we’re looking at about 35 minutes total , making it totally achievable for a quick weeknight meal or even a romantic dinner recipe that'll wow your partner.

Now, about those health benefits : shrimp are lean protein packed with essential nutrients, and when tossed with fresh spinach, you’ve got a dish bursting with vitamins and good vibes.

Plus, with the creamy sauce, this isn’t just any meal; it’s a ticket to flavor town! and trust me, it’s a surefire way to impress anyone at the dinner table.

Whether you're hosting friends or having a laid-back date night, this dish can turn easy entertaining recipes into a gourmet moment.

Imagine serving this up alongside a glass of chilled wine, feeling like you're sitting at an italian café under the stars.

Dreamy, right?

The thing that makes my marry me shrimp and orzo pasta special? it’s all about the blend of ingredients! the sun-dried tomatoes bring a rich sweetness, while the garlic and spices kick things up a notch.

It’s cozy and comforting but also feels kinda fancy. seriously, it checks all the boxes for a flavorful dinner for guests or a calm night in.

So, are you ready to dive into this amazing one-pot dish? it’s time to gather those ingredients and whip up something truly memorable.

Let's go from zero to gourmet with just a few simple steps!

Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe Card

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Preparation time:10 Mins

Cooking time:25 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (approx. 450g)
• 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil (30ml; reserved from jar)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (3g)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (1g)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (2g)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (30g)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes (1g)
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (720ml)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (60ml)
• 8 ounces orzo pasta (about 2 cups uncooked; 225g)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (1g)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and julienned (75g)
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (3g)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (1g)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
• 2 cups baby spinach, packed (about 60g)
• Fresh parsley or basil leaves, minced or sliced, for garnish

Instructions:

• Toss shrimp in a bowl with sun-dried tomato oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat a skillet over medium heat; cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
• In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
• Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, orzo, Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Stir, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until orzo is tender.
• Remove lid, stir in Parmesan cheese, and mix until melted. Add baby spinach, cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
• Gently fold in shrimp to warm through. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot in shallow bowls with additional Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:547

Protein:32g

Fat:25g

Carbs:48g

Fiber:0g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Italian-American

Ingredients & Equipment for Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta

Main Ingredients

When diving into this creamy shrimp orzo wonder, it’s all about quality. Here’s what you need to gather:

For the Shrimp :

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (approx. 450g). Look for shrimp that’s firm and has a slight ocean smell. Fresh is best, but frozen works well!
• 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil (30ml; reserved from jar). This magic oil packs a punch, so don’t skip it!
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (3g)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (1g)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (2g). You’ll want the good stuff for that smoky depth!

For the Pasta and Sauce :

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (30g)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes (1g). More spice? Just add a bit more!
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (720ml). Always go low-sodium to control flavor!
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (60ml). This gives that dreamy, luxe touch.
• 8 ounces orzo pasta (about 2 cups uncooked; 225g). It’s tiny but mighty in flavor!
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (1g). Your flavor friend right here.
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and julienned (75g)
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (3g)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (1g)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
• 2 cups baby spinach, packed (about 60g)
• Fresh parsley or basil leaves, minced or sliced, for garnish .

Seasoning Notes

• Essential Spice Combinations : The smoked paprika and red pepper flakes dance beautifully together. Keep ‘em!
• Flavor Enhancers : Garlic is your best friend here. It gives life to this dish. Plus, the sun-dried tomatoes add that sweet-tart vibe.
• Quick Substitution Options : No sun-dried tomato oil? Use regular olive oil and toss in a pinch of dried herbs. It’ll still pack a punch!

Equipment Needed

You don’t need fancy tools to make this happen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large deep skillet or Dutch oven with a lid . This is where the magic happens!
• Measuring cups and spoons . Precision is key, even in fun cooking!
• Sharp knife and cutting board . You’ll want to chop some garlic and parsley; trust me, it’s worth it.
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring all that creamy goodness together.

This dish makes for gorgeous italian-american seafood dishes that won't break the bank. plus, it’s totally adaptable for quick weeknight meals or a romantic dinner recipes .

Just picture it: candlelight, soft music, and your bowl of seafood pasta with spinach —perfection!

So, grab your ingredients and gear, and let’s cook up something special!

Cooking Method: Whipping Up Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta

Alright, folks! let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making your new favorite dish— marry me shrimp and orzo pasta .

Trust me, this bad boy makes easy shrimp dinner ideas come to life. it'll impress your date, friends, or even just your hungry self!

Prep Steps: The Foundation of Yummy

First off, let’s talk about mise en place . that’s chef lingo for having everything prepped and ready to roll. chop your garlic, measure out your cream, and get those shrimp nice and thawed.

It’ll save you from frantically hunting for ingredients while everything’s sizzling away.

Now for some time-saving organization tips : keep your ingredients close—like an all-star cooking crew. put the shrimp on one side and the pasta essentials on the other.

It’s like organizing your spotify playlist for the best party vibes.

And don’t forget those safety reminders ! Make sure your shrimp is fresh—look for that beautiful pink color. Nothing worse than a questionable catch of the day, right?

Step-by-Step Process: Let’s Cook!

1. Prepare the shrimp : in a bowl, toss your peeled shrimp with sun-dried tomato oil , kosher salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

   Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they're pink. remove and set aside!

2. Sauté aromatics : in that same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and toss in 4 cloves of minced garlic and a pinch of red chili flakes.

   Sauté for about 2 minutes until your kitchen smells like heaven.

3. Cook orzo : pour in 3 cups of chicken broth and 1/4 cup of heavy cream. toss in 8 ounces of your orzo pasta, italian seasoning, and the previously chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

   Stir and cover for about 10 minutes . give it a stir halfway through!

4. Incorporate cheese and spinach : remove the cover and stir in 1/2 cup of grated parmesan until it’s all melty.

   Toss in 2 cups of fresh baby spinach. cooking for just 1-2 more minutes will do the trick—look for the spinach to wilt.

5. Combine Shrimp and Serve : Gently fold in your shrimp to warm them back up. Garnish with fresh herbs, and you’re all set to serve!

Pro Tips: Expert Secrets Unlocked

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp : Keep an eye on them, seriously! You want them perfectly tender, not rubbery like a tennis ball.

• Stir Occasionally : With the orzo, trust me—getting it to the finish line without sticking is key!

• Make-ahead Options : Got leftovers? Add a splash of broth when reheating to keep that creamy goodness alive.

Now, you’ve armed yourself with the knowledge to make a simple yet flavorful pasta dish that turns even a regular weeknight into gourmet magic.

Whether it’s a dinner date or just a night in with netflix, this is your ticket to a delicious evening.

Bon appétit!

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions

Alright, when it comes to plating this marry me shrimp and orzo pasta , let’s get a little fancy! you know those instagram-worthy plates? try serving this dish in shallow bowls.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil for that pop of color. maybe even throw on some extra parmesan if you’re feeling generous.

Pair it with a light side salad drizzled with a tangy lemon vinaigrette, or keep it classic with some garlic bread .

And let’s be real, a chilled glass of pinot grigio makes for an ideal companion to this italian-american seafood delight.

Seriously, a wine pairing like that will elevate your meal even higher!

Storage Tips

If you have any leftovers — and i mean, what’s not to love about this dish? — here’s what to do.

Just pop it in the fridge, and you should be good for about 3-4 days. make sure to store it in an airtight container so it doesn't pick up any weird fridge odors.

Freezing? well, you can freeze it, but i’d recommend leaving out the shrimp if you want it to taste fresh.

When reheating, add a splash of broth or a bit of cream to bring back that creamy goodness. just warm it up on low heat — no one likes a rubbery shrimp, you know what i mean?

Variations

Now, for those who roll with dietary restrictions, this dish can totally be adaptable. want it vegan? swap the shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or even some chickpeas for protein.

Feeling adventurous? try throwing in fresh seasonal veggies like asparagus or zucchini when they’re in season. they add flavor and color, making this a truly flexible comfort food recipe .

Nutrition Basics

Let’s not skip over the health benefits! this dish is not just about delicious flavors; it’s packed with protein from the shrimp, plus vitamins from the baby spinach.

Each serving has about 547 calories , which isn’t bad for such a filling dish. it’s got a good balance of carbs and protein, making it a winner for quick weeknight meals or when you want something a bit more gourmet, like on date night cooking .

So, enjoy your meal guilt-free!

In conclusion, whether you’re cooking for two or feeding the whole crew, this one-pot dinner recipe makes it all easy.

With creamy shrimp orzo , seasonal veggies, and a dash of love, you’ll be serving up joy on a plate.

So go ahead, give it a shot and let your taste buds swoon! you might just find yourself saying, “marry me!” too!