Description
This One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo recipe is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender shrimp with creamy orzo pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe uses simple ingredients including garlic, chicken broth, and spices to create a rich, comforting meal that comes together in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Orzo and Sauce
- 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 the garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring not to burn it.
- Cook the orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet along with the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add creamy sauce and seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, dried thyme, red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Combine shrimp with orzo: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir everything together gently. Heat for an additional minute to marry the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes according to your taste.
- To make this dish dairy-free, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream alternative.
- Ensure the shrimp is not overcooked to keep it tender and juicy.
- Fresh parsley can be replaced with fresh basil or cilantro depending on preference.
