Description
This One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender shrimp with perfectly cooked orzo pasta in a savory blend of garlic, chicken broth, and herbs. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a quick and delicious meal ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners. The addition of heavy cream and a hint of red pepper flakes elevates the dish, while fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Base and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook the orzo: Add the orzo pasta and chicken broth to the skillet, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add cream and seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, dried thyme, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Combine shrimp and garnish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir to combine everything evenly. Garnish the dish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or for a pescatarian option.
- To make the dish gluten-free, replace orzo with a gluten-free pasta alternative.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- This recipe can be doubled if you’re cooking for a larger group, just ensure your skillet is large enough.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
