Introduction
Transform humble shrimp and orzo into a restaurant-worthy dish in under 30 minutes? Yes, it’s possible! This One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta recipe is your new weeknight hero, delivering big on flavor and minimizing on cleanup. Designed for busy cooks, it’s all about efficiency and deliciousness, with minimal fuss. Get ready to impress yourself (and maybe a date or two!).
Why This Works
This recipe shines because it’s incredibly simple, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers a surprisingly sophisticated flavor profile. The one-pot method cuts down on dishes, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something flavorful and satisfying without the hassle.
Key Ingredients
🍤 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
🍝 1 cup orzo pasta
🍅 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
🧅 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
🌿 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
🌿 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
🧈 2 tablespoons olive oil
🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2️⃣ Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3️⃣ Add the crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is almost cooked through.
4️⃣ Stir in the shrimp and parsley. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp is pink and cooked through and the orzo is tender.
5️⃣ Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil. Serve immediately.
Handy Tips
- Use pre-minced garlic to save even more time.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp; they’ll become tough.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Heat Control
Maintaining a low simmer is crucial for evenly cooking the orzo and preventing the sauce from becoming too thick. High heat will scorch the bottom of the pot and result in unevenly cooked pasta.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe doesn’t focus on crunch, the slight chewiness of the orzo provides a satisfying textural element. Adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs at the end could add a delightful textural contrast.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a bright, zesty flavor.
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of olive oil and butter.
- If you like a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Storage Tips
Store leftover One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish isn’t traditionally giftable, but you could prepare it in individual portions and package them beautifully for a thoughtful gesture. Use attractive containers with a festive ribbon.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Lemon-Herb: Add the zest and juice of one lemon along with extra herbs like thyme and oregano.
🌟 Spicy Sausage: Include 1/2 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled, with the onion and garlic.
🌟 Creamy Tomato: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
🌟 Mediterranean: Add 1/2 cup chopped Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese at the end.
Troubleshooting
- Orzo is too sticky: Reduce the amount of crushed tomatoes or add a little more water to thin out the sauce.
- Shrimp is overcooked: Ensure you cook the shrimp only until pink and opaque.
- Sauce is too bland: Add more salt, pepper, and herbs to taste.
FAQ
- Can I use different pasta? While orzo works best for this recipe, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes.
- Can I make it ahead of time? It’s best served fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated.
- Can I freeze it? Freezing this dish is not recommended as the orzo may become mushy upon thawing.
- What kind of shrimp is best? Large shrimp work best, but you can use medium shrimp.
- What if I don’t have fresh herbs? Dried herbs can be used as a substitute, but use about 1/3 of the amount called for in the recipe.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is your new go-to recipe for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious dinner. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and will impress your taste buds every time! Share this recipe with your friends and family – and let us know how you liked it!
30-Minute Marry Me Shrimp Orzo: One-Pot Weeknight Winner
A quick and delicious one-pot dish featuring succulent shrimp and orzo pasta, perfect for a weeknight dinner that will impress anyone.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sautu00e9 until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the shrimp to the pot and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same pot, add cherry tomatoes, vegetable broth, orzo, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in spinach and cooked shrimp. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine after sautu00e9ing the garlic.
- Make it a complete meal by serving with a side salad or crusty bread.