Succulent shrimp coated in a rich, garlicky sun-dried tomato cream sauce, all tossed with tender, buttery orzo pasta—this One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is what dinner dreams are made of. Every bite is silky, savory, and just spicy enough to make your taste buds dance. And the best part? It’s made entirely in one pan, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

Whether you’re cooking to impress a special someone or just want to treat yourself on a weeknight, this dish strikes the perfect balance of luxurious and effortless. The creamy base melds perfectly with the punch of sun-dried tomatoes and the fresh brightness of herbs, wrapping around the shrimp and orzo like a cozy blanket.

What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

Fresh or frozen, raw shrimp (peeled and deveined) work beautifully in this recipe. Go for large or jumbo shrimp for that satisfying, hearty bite. If you use frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking so they sear properly and don’t release excess water.

Ingredients for the One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta

Shrimp: The star of the show, shrimp adds protein and richness. Seasoned and seared, they carry the flavor of the creamy sauce and provide that tender bite.

Orzo Pasta: This short pasta is perfect for soaking up every drop of the creamy, flavorful sauce without overwhelming the shrimp.

Garlic: Minced garlic brings a punch of aromatic depth to the dish, forming the backbone of the savory sauce.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add tangy sweetness and richness, enhancing the overall flavor profile and giving the dish its signature flair.

Heavy Cream: Essential for creating the luscious, velvety sauce that wraps around each grain of orzo.

Chicken Broth: Adds body to the sauce and helps cook the orzo to perfection without waterlogging it.

Parmesan Cheese: For a touch of sharp, salty umami that thickens and finishes the sauce beautifully.

Italian Seasoning & Chili Flakes: This duo adds warmth, herbs, and a tiny kick of spice to balance the creamy richness.

Fresh Basil or Parsley: A final sprinkle of herbs brings color and freshness, elevating the entire dish.

How To Make the One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta

Step 1: Season and Sear the Shrimp

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes. Sear the shrimp in the hot pan for 1–2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and slightly golden. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their oils and deepen the flavor.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Add the orzo pasta directly into the pan and toast it in the tomato-garlic mixture for 1–2 minutes. This step adds a rich, nutty base that helps the orzo maintain its texture during cooking.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid has reduced into a creamy sauce.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Return the cooked shrimp to the pan along with grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is coated in the luscious sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra chili flakes if desired.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the top. Serve hot straight from the pan for a rustic, cozy presentation.

Serving and Storing One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta

Serve this dish piping hot, straight from the pan, with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and maybe a squeeze of lemon for brightness. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a full meal. If you’re entertaining, consider adding crusty bread to mop up the luxurious sauce.

For leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce’s silkiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta?

Absolutely. While orzo works beautifully, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even couscous. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid as needed.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. It will alter the flavor slightly, but still taste delicious.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Spinach, kale, or zucchini are great add-ins. Stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking so they wilt into the sauce without overcooking.

How spicy is it?

The chili flakes add a gentle warmth rather than real heat. Feel free to increase or decrease the amount to match your spice preference.

Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing isn’t recommended as the cream sauce may separate when thawed. For best texture and flavor, enjoy it fresh or within a few days stored in the fridge.

What can I use instead of shrimp?

You can try cubed chicken breast, scallops, or even tofu for a non-seafood option. Just adjust cooking times so the protein doesn’t overcook.

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta, you’ll probably enjoy these other cozy, flavor-packed meals:

Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Alfredo Tortellini for a hearty, creamy delight.
Tender Beef Bao Buns when you’re craving soft and savory bites.
Creamy Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff for earthy richness in every spoonful.
Moroccan Sweet Potato Soup with Chickpeas for a spiced, soul-warming vegetarian option.
Garlic Butter Beef Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce if you’re in the mood for twirled noodles and bold flavor.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the spice or keep it mellow? Did you add spinach or mushrooms?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook with more confidence and flavor.

One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy, one-pan shrimp and orzo pasta is packed with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and herbs for a cozy yet elegant dinner. It’s quick enough for weeknights and special enough for guests.

Instructions

Sear the Shrimp: Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Sear in olive oil over medium-high heat for 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same pan, reduce heat and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook another minute.
Toast Orzo: Stir in orzo and toast in the pan for 1–2 minutes.
Simmer: Add chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer on low for 10–12 minutes until orzo is tender.
Combine: Return shrimp to the pan, add Parmesan, and stir everything together.
Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh herbs and serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner