Description
This One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo dish is a quick and delicious meal featuring tender shrimp cooked in a creamy, flavorful orzo pasta base. With the convenience of a single skillet, it delivers a perfect balance of garlic-infused shrimp, rich cream, and aromatic herbs in just 20 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a comforting, elegant seafood pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Cooking Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Orzo and Sauce
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
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 through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Cook the orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the oil and garlic flavors. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Make the creamy sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing until the sauce is well combined and creamy.
- Combine shrimp and garnish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently stir to combine everything evenly. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- You can omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
- To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo or substitute with rice or quinoa.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright flavor, but fresh basil can be a nice alternative garnish.
