Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo

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Rich, creamy, and bursting with Tuscan-inspired flavors, this Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo is a dish that makes weeknight dinners feel downright romantic. Juicy shrimp are sautéed until tender and then folded into a velvety sun-dried tomato cream sauce loaded with garlic, Parmesan, and perfectly cooked orzo. The one-pot preparation makes this meal as convenient as it is comforting, while the addition of baby spinach adds both nutrition and color. Ideal for everything from a casual family meal to a dinner date at home, this dish earns its “marry me” title with every bite.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

1 lb shrimp, thawed, drained, and patted dry
2 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil (from jar)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp crushed red chili flakes
3 cups low sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup heavy cream
8 oz orzo (about 2 cups uncooked)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and julienned
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 cups fresh baby spinach
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Directions:

Toss shrimp with sun-dried tomato oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and smoked paprika. Sauté in a large skillet over medium heat until pink and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add garlic and chili flakes. Sauté for about 2 minutes.
Pour in chicken broth, cream, sun-dried tomatoes, uncooked orzo, Italian seasoning, and remaining salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes, or until orzo is tender.
Stir in Parmesan and spinach until wilted. Return shrimp to the pan and mix gently.
Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 547 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

A Flavor-Packed One Pot Meal That’s Sure to Impress

If you’re in search of a quick, elegant, and deeply flavorful dinner that can be made in a single pot, the One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta should absolutely be on your radar. Combining sautéed shrimp, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, tender orzo, and fresh spinach, this dish delivers gourmet taste with weeknight-level simplicity.

The name “Marry Me” speaks for itself — the flavors are so irresistible that it’s been humorously credited with inspiring proposals. And while the original version features chicken, this seafood twist is lighter, more refined, and just as crave-worthy.

The Origins of the “Marry Me” Pasta Craze

The concept of “Marry Me” pasta gained viral popularity through platforms like TikTok and Instagram. It started with “Marry Me Chicken,” a creamy, sundried tomato-based dish that was so good it could hypothetically lead to a marriage proposal. The phrase stuck, and creative home cooks began spinning off versions using different proteins and pasta types.

This shrimp variation brings a Mediterranean flair to the dish, incorporating coastal ingredients like garlic, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes in a way that balances indulgence with health-conscious choices. It maintains all the soul-satisfying richness of the original while introducing lighter textures and flavors.

Why Shrimp and Orzo Make the Perfect Pair

Shrimp is one of the best seafood proteins for quick meals. It cooks in just a few minutes, so it’s ideal for weeknight recipes, and its natural sweetness pairs beautifully with bold flavors like garlic, smoked paprika, and sun-dried tomato.

Orzo, often mistaken for rice, is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs sauces beautifully. Its delicate size allows it to soak up the creamy broth, becoming rich and tender without feeling heavy. Together, shrimp and orzo create a perfectly balanced meal—light, creamy, and utterly satisfying.

A Creamy Tuscan-Inspired Sauce That Brings It All Together

The highlight of this recipe is undoubtedly the Tuscan-inspired cream sauce. Built on layers of garlic, butter, chili flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes, it’s both aromatic and luxurious. Heavy cream and chicken broth add body, while Parmesan cheese brings sharpness and depth.

Sun-dried tomatoes offer a sweet-tart punch that cuts through the richness and lifts the entire dish. Baby spinach is stirred in at the end, providing a fresh, slightly bitter contrast that enhances the dish’s nutritional value and visual appeal.

It’s a sauce that manages to be creamy without being cloying—elegant, rich, and surprisingly easy to make.

One Pot Cooking: Easy, Efficient, and Mess-Free

Perhaps the most appealing aspect of this recipe is the fact that it’s made entirely in one pot. That means fewer dishes, less cleanup, and a more streamlined cooking experience.

First, the shrimp are sautéed and set aside. Then the sauce is built directly in the same pan, and the orzo is simmered right in the liquid base. This allows the pasta to absorb maximum flavor while cooking evenly. At the end, the shrimp is folded back in with spinach and cheese—making this a full, satisfying meal with minimal fuss.

One-pot recipes like this are especially valuable for busy families, apartment dwellers with limited kitchen space, or anyone trying to simplify their dinner routine without sacrificing flavor.

Nutritional Balance Without Compromise

While the dish is creamy and decadent, it still manages to pack in a variety of health benefits:

Shrimp is a lean protein, low in fat but rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and selenium.
Spinach is a superfood that brings in iron, fiber, and antioxidants.
Orzo offers energizing complex carbohydrates.
Olive oil and butter add healthy fats in moderation, and can easily be substituted or scaled based on dietary needs.

Each serving sits at approximately 547 calories, making it hearty without being excessive. It’s a meal you can feel good about, whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself after a long day.

Flavor Boosters That Elevate the Dish

What sets this recipe apart from other pasta dishes is its layered, nuanced flavor. Here are a few standout additions that elevate it:

Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: Instead of standard olive oil, this recipe uses the flavorful oil from a jar of sun-dried tomatoes, adding an extra punch of umami.
Smoked Paprika: Brings warmth and depth, perfectly complementing the shrimp.
Red Pepper Flakes: Add subtle heat that makes each bite more dynamic.
Fresh Garlic: Essential for building the aromatic base of the dish.

These thoughtful ingredients are what take this dish from “just another pasta night” to something truly special.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe Every Time

Even though this is an easy recipe, a few tips can help you make it perfectly every time:

Thaw Shrimp Properly: For best results, thaw shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or use the cold water method in a pinch. Always pat them dry to prevent excess moisture in the pan.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Grating your cheese from a block ensures it melts smoothly into the sauce.
Keep the Heat Low: When cooking the cream sauce and orzo, low heat prevents the cream from separating and keeps the sauce velvety.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Add them back to the pot just long enough to warm through. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and lose their delicate texture.

Following these tips ensures you’ll have consistent, restaurant-quality results every time.

Customizations to Suit Every Palate

One of the great things about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can adjust it based on dietary needs, preferences, or simply what you have in your fridge:

Make it vegetarian by replacing the shrimp with chickpeas, white beans, or sautéed mushrooms.
Swap the orzo for other pastas like penne, fusilli, or even couscous.
Add extra veggies such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini for more volume and color.
Adjust the richness by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream or skipping butter for a lighter version.
Make it spicier with more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.

These variations make it easy to make the dish your own while keeping the core flavor intact.

Why It’s Perfect for Both Weeknights and Special Occasions

The elegance of the creamy shrimp and orzo combo makes it feel upscale, but the 30-minute, one-pot format makes it totally approachable. That duality is rare—and it’s what makes this dish so special.

You can whip it up for a weeknight dinner and enjoy the leftovers for lunch, or serve it at a dinner party alongside wine and crusty bread and watch your guests swoon. It’s one of those rare recipes that fits any context.

Pairing Suggestions to Round Out the Meal

To turn this dish into a full-course experience, try pairing it with:

A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the creamy sauce.
Crisp white wine like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio.
Roasted vegetables for a colorful side dish with texture contrast.

If you’re going for a romantic dinner vibe, consider serving dessert afterward—something light like lemon sorbet or panna cotta.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This dish keeps beautifully for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. It’s great for meal prepping or simply enjoying leftovers.

To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Be careful not to overheat, as shrimp can become tough if cooked too long.

Conclusion

The One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is more than just a viral trend—it’s a thoughtfully crafted, flavor-rich dish that’s as practical as it is indulgent. With just one pan and a handful of accessible ingredients, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal at home in under 30 minutes.

Its creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, tender orzo, and perfectly cooked shrimp make it unforgettable from the first bite. The beauty lies not only in its taste but also in its adaptability—you can make it spicier, creamier, or more veggie-packed to suit your preferences.

Whether you’re cooking for loved ones, entertaining guests, or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe guarantees rave reviews every time.

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