Introduction
Ready for a weeknight dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious? This One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal, ready in under 30 minutes! Get ready for happy faces around the dinner table—this one’s a keeper.
Why This Works
This recipe is a winner because it’s incredibly easy, requiring minimal cleanup (just one pot!), and delivers big on flavor. The orzo pasta soaks up the delicious shrimp and lemon broth, creating a creamy, satisfying dish the whole family will adore. Plus, it’s adaptable – feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables!
Key Ingredients
🍤 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
🍝 1 cup orzo pasta
🍋 1/4 cup lemon juice
🌿 2 tablespoons olive oil
🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
🧅 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
🍅 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
🌿 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
🧂 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 Add the orzo pasta and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast slightly.
3️⃣ Pour in the lemon juice and diced tomatoes (undrained). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the orzo is almost cooked through.
4️⃣ Stir in the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until pink and cooked through.
5️⃣ Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Handy Tips
- Don’t overcook the shrimp! Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Cook just until pink and opaque.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You may want to add more lemon juice, salt, or pepper depending on your preference.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to this recipe, such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Heat Control
Maintaining a low simmer after the initial boil is crucial for the orzo to cook evenly and absorb the flavorful liquid. High heat will cause the orzo to stick and burn.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe is naturally creamy and tender, adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a handful of fresh chopped basil right before serving can add a delightful textural contrast.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic and onion while they’re cooking.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of dried parsley.
- Use pre-peeled and deveined shrimp to save time.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish is perfect for potlucks or gatherings! Transport it in a pretty, oven-safe dish, garnished with fresh parsley and a lemon wedge.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Shrimp: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
🌟 Mediterranean Twist: Incorporate Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.
🌟 Creamy Delight: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or heavy cream at the end for extra richness.
🌟 Garlic Lover’s Dream: Increase the garlic to 6 cloves for a more intense garlic flavor.
Troubleshooting
- Orzo is too dry: Add a little more broth or water while simmering.
- Shrimp is overcooked: Reduce cooking time for the shrimp next time.
- Orzo is mushy: Reduce the simmering time.
FAQ
- Can I use different pasta? You can try other small pasta shapes like couscous or small shells.
- Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the orzo and sauce ahead of time and add the shrimp just before serving.
- What if I don’t have fresh parsley? Dried parsley can be substituted, but use about 1/3 of the amount.
- Can I freeze this dish? Freezing this dish is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the orzo and shrimp.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is a surefire crowd-pleaser! It’s quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful—perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Give it a try and let us know what you think! Don’t forget to share your photos and reviews on Rate My Recipes!
One-Pot Shrimp & Orzo: Family Dinner Winner!
A delicious and easy one-pot dish featuring succulent shrimp and tender orzo pasta, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautu00e9 until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, stir in the orzo pasta and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente.
- Add the shrimp to the pot and stir gently. Cover and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- Feel free to substitute the shrimp with chicken or vegetables for a different variation.