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One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta

One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta
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One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender shrimp and creamy orzo pasta in a luscious garlic, sun-dried tomato, and herb-infused sauce. Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, this one-pot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal fuss and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Pasta

  • 1 pound fresh or thawed medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup orzo pasta

Aromatics and Flavorings

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Liquid Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Cheese and Herbs

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Seasonings

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add peeled and deveined shrimp, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp and set aside to prevent overcooking.
  2. Cook the Aromatics: In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Toss in minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes. This step unlocks the rich base flavors for your sauce.
  3. Add Orzo and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the orzo pasta and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, mixing well so the pasta is coated with the savory garlic oil. Toast the orzo slightly to enhance its nutty flavor before adding broth.
  4. Pour in Broth and Cook Orzo: Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
  5. Stir in Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat, stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. This step transforms the dish into a luxurious, velvety meal that coats every bite beautifully.
  6. Return Shrimp and Add Herbs: Add the cooked shrimp back into the pot along with fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley. Gently fold everything together, warming the shrimp through without overcooking, then remove from heat.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or properly thawed shrimp ensure the best texture and flavor.
  • Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Add shrimp back at the end to prevent rubbery bites.
  • Stir Frequently: Mix the orzo regularly while it cooks to avoid it sticking to the pot.
  • Adjust Creaminess: Add cream gradually; you can always add more for a richer sauce.
  • Reserve Some Broth: Keep a little broth aside before adding cream to thin the sauce if it gets too thick.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot, shrimp, orzo, pasta, creamy, quick dinner, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, easy meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://withnora.com/one-pot-marry-me-shrimp-and-orzo-pasta/