There’s just something magical about quick meals, isn’t there? You know, the kind that fill your kitchen with delicious aromas while saving you precious time? That’s exactly what my one pot marry me shrimp and orzo pasta does! It’s a delightful blend of tender shrimp, perfectly cooked orzo, and vibrant cherry tomatoes, all simmered together in one pot. Trust me, the moment you take your first bite, you’ll understand why I call it “marry me” shrimp! I remember the first time I made this dish for my partner. The way their eyes lit up after the first forkful was priceless. It’s become a staple in our home, perfect for those busy weeknights or when we want to impress guests without all the fuss. You’ll love it just as much as we do!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients to whip up your one pot marry me shrimp and orzo pasta:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined – Fresh shrimp works best for that sweet, succulent flavor.
- 1 cup orzo pasta – This tiny pasta cooks beautifully and absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- 2 cups chicken broth – You can use homemade or store-bought; just make sure it’s low sodium for better control over seasoning.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – These will burst with sweetness and add a lovely pop of color.
- 1/2 cup onion, diced – I love using yellow onions, but feel free to switch it up with shallots for a milder taste.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Trust me, you can’t have too much garlic in this dish!
- 1 teaspoon paprika – This gives the dish a warm, smoky flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes – Adjust this to your heat preference—my partner loves it spicy!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing and adding richness to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Always taste as you go to get that seasoning just right!
- Fresh parsley for garnish – This adds a refreshing touch and a burst of color just before serving.
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together!
How to Prepare One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta
Alright, let’s dive into the magic of making this one pot marry me shrimp and orzo pasta! It’s super simple, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly everything comes together. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sauté but not smoking.
- Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Ooh, that smell!
- Next, add your shrimp to the pot. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook, or they’ll be tough!
- Now, sprinkle in the paprika and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together so those spices can coat the shrimp beautifully.
- Pour in the orzo and chicken broth. Raise the heat to bring it all to a boil. You’ll see that lovely broth bubbling!
- Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finally, add in the cherry tomatoes, stir gently, and cook for an additional 2 minutes just to warm them through. Oh, it’s looking so good!
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. You did it!
And there you have it! A mouthwatering dish that’s all made in one pot. Enjoy every bite of your creation!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the estimated nutritional breakdown for this delicious one pot marry me shrimp and orzo pasta. It’s always good to know what’s going into your meal, right? Here’s what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 400
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But overall, it’s a well-balanced dish packed with protein and flavor!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my one pot marry me shrimp and orzo pasta? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. If you’re in a pinch, frozen shrimp can be a real lifesaver.
What if I don’t have orzo pasta?
No worries! You can substitute with any small pasta like couscous or even quinoa. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they may vary.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily swap out the shrimp for vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It’ll still be delicious!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave!
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in spinach, peas, or any veggies you love. Just adjust the cooking time as needed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of tender shrimp, aromatic garlic, and fresh cherry tomatoes creates a burst of flavor in every bite. You’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can come together so beautifully!
- One-Pot Wonder: Say goodbye to a mountain of dishes! Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. You’ll have more time to relax and enjoy your meal.
- Customizable: Whether you want to spice it up or throw in some extra veggies, this recipe is super flexible. Make it your own!
- Impressive Yet Easy: This dish is sure to impress guests or loved ones, but it’s so simple that even novice cooks can nail it. Trust me, it’ll be a hit!
Tips for Success
To make your one pot marry me shrimp and orzo pasta truly shine, here are some of my best tips! First off, always use fresh shrimp if you can—it’s a game changer for flavor! If you have the option, go for wild-caught shrimp; they have a sweetness that’s hard to beat.
When cooking the orzo, keep an eye on it as it can go from perfectly tender to mushy in a flash. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. And don’t skimp on the seasoning—taste as you go to find that perfect balance!
Finally, feel free to get creative with the veggies! Adding colorful bell peppers or a handful of spinach not only boosts nutrition but also makes your dish look vibrant and inviting. Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your dish to another level!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying my one pot marry me shrimp and orzo pasta, the right sides can elevate your meal to new heights! I love serving this dish with a simple arugula salad tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens complement the shrimp beautifully! You could also pair it with garlic bread for some extra crunch and to soak up all that delicious broth.
If you’re feeling a little fancy, a side of roasted vegetables—like asparagus or zucchini—adds a delightful color and flavor contrast. And don’t forget about a chilled glass of white wine; it’s the perfect accompaniment! Whatever you choose, these sides will round out your meal and impress your guests. Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of my one pot marry me shrimp and orzo pasta is super easy! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. I love using glass containers because they keep the food fresh and are easy to reheat!
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat them gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help bring back that creamy texture and prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until it’s warmed through. You can also pop it in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Just be careful not to overheat, or the shrimp can become tough. Enjoy those delicious leftovers!
Print
One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta You’ll Adore
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A flavorful one pot dish featuring shrimp and orzo pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add shrimp, cook until pink.
- Stir in paprika and red pepper flakes.
- Add orzo and chicken broth, bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until orzo is tender.
- Add cherry tomatoes, stir, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor.
- Adjust spice level to your preference.
- Can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: one pot marry me shrimp and orzo pasta, shrimp pasta, one pot shrimp recipe
