Description
This One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo recipe combines succulent shrimp with tender orzo pasta in a creamy, flavorful sauce enhanced by garlic, thyme, and a touch of red pepper flakes. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, coming together in just 20 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
Orzo and Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 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 pink and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Orzo: Add the orzo pasta and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine and heat through.
- Combine Shrimp and Garnish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir to combine everything evenly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce might be less rich.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase or adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to keep it tender and juicy.
- This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
