Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Recipe

I absolutely love this Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Recipe because it feels fancy yet comes together without any fuss. When I first tried it, I was blown away by how the tender shrimp and creamy orzo soaked in a savory, slightly tangy sauce created such an irresistible dish. It’s one of those meals that makes you want to invite someone special over—or just treat yourself to a seriously satisfying dinner.

This recipe works wonders for a weeknight meal or when you want to impress without stress. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and smoked paprika gives the shrimp vibrant flavor, while the orzo simmers in a luscious, creamy broth that’s studded with roasted peppers and Parmesan. Trust me, once you try this Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to dinners for good reason.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work in harmony to create a beautifully balanced dish—bright, creamy, and packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. I always recommend using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes; they add so much more richness than dried ones.

• Oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes: This oil is packed with flavor and gives the shrimp and orzo a delightful base.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth that elevates the shrimp perfectly.
• Garlic powder & onion powder: These keep the seasoning simple but flavorful.
• Medium-sized raw shrimp: Peeled and deveined for quick cooking and easy eating.
• Lemon juice: Brightens up the shrimp and cuts through the richness nicely.
• Small onion: The sweet onion softens and adds depth to the orzo sauce.
• Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, oil-packed): Adds tangy, savory bursts in every bite.
• Diced jarred roasted red peppers: Bring a mild sweetness and gorgeous color.
• Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor without overpowering.
• Garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic is a must for that aromatic punch.
• Dried Italian herb blend: Herbs like oregano and basil infuse the orzo with classic Mediterranean notes.
• Red pepper flakes: For just a touch of gentle heat—you can adjust to your liking.
• Chicken or vegetable broth: The cooking liquid for the orzo; it adds savory depth and keeps it tender.
• Dried orzo: This little pasta cooks up creamy and is perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• Heavy cream: Creates the silky, luscious sauce that coats everything so beautifully.
• Parmigiano Reggiano (finely grated): Adds umami and that irresistible cheesy finish.
• Lemon zest: A final punch of bright citrus aroma.
• Fresh parsley: Brings a fresh, herby note to balance the richness.
• Green onion (thinly sliced): Perfect for a bright, crunchy topping when serving.

Variations

I love playing with this Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Recipe to match what’s fresh or my family’s preferences. Feel free to swap ingredients or tweak the heat level to make it your own comfort food.

• Protein Swaps: I once tried it with scallops, and it was fantastic. You can also switch the shrimp for chicken strips or firm tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Heat it up: If you enjoy spice, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick that wakes up the whole dish.
• Herb Variations: Fresh basil or cilantro work beautifully if you want a flavor twist from the parsley.
• Dairy-Free: You can swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to keep it creamy without dairy.

How to Make Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Shrimp to Perfection

Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat until you see it shimmer—that’s your cue. Mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then toss the shrimp in the blend so every piece gets coated. Adding the shrimp in one layer is key—crowding the pan causes steaming instead of searing, and we want that gorgeous bronzed finish. After about 3 minutes, flip and sear the other side another 3 minutes until the shrimp turns pink, plump, and opaque. A quick squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavor before you transfer them to a plate—don’t skip that step!

Step 2: Build Your Flavorful Orzo Base

If your pan looks dry, add a bit more sun-dried tomato oil, then toss in diced onions, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and roasted red peppers. Cook this trio until the onions soften and the aromas fill your kitchen—it only takes a few minutes. Stir in tomato paste, minced garlic, your Italian herb blend, and red pepper flakes to create a flavor-packed foundation for the orzo. Crank the heat to medium-high and pour in the broth, giving everything a good stir so those savory bits lift off the pan.

Step 3: Simmer the Orzo to Creamy Perfection

Once the broth bubbles gently, add your dry orzo and lower the heat to a consistent simmer—this is where patience pays off. Stir the orzo every couple of minutes with a flat-edged spatula to prevent it from sticking or burning on the bottom. You’ll notice when the orzo is almost tender—run the spatula across the pan and if it leaves a clean path, you’re nearly done! Depending on your brand and orzo size, this typically takes about 12 minutes. This step gave me a little anxiety at first, but the stirring trick saved me every time from a scorched mess.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce and Finish

Turn off the heat and stir in the heavy cream, finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. This is the moment everything turns luxurious and packed with flavor. Gently fold your cooked shrimp back into the orzo, letting everything meld for a few minutes on residual heat. Always taste here—you might want a pinch more salt or pepper to bring it all home. I promise the rich, tangy flavors combined with tender shrimp will have you hooked.

How to Serve Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a scattering of thinly sliced green onions and extra chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh crunch. A little extra lemon zest or a quick squeeze of lemon juice right before serving brightens everything beautifully and balances the rich cream sauce.

Side Dishes

When I serve Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Recipe, I like to keep sides light—think a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or garlic-roasted asparagus. A slice of crusty bread is perfect too, for mopping up the sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve the shrimp and orzo in individual shallow bowls topped with a fresh herb sprig and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. It looks elegant and feels like a restaurant-worthy dish. You could also make shrimp skewers as an appetizer and pair them with orzo for a fun, shareable spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and consume them within 2 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, but the shrimp can get a bit firmer, so gently reheat and add a splash of broth or cream to keep it silky.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this recipe because cream tends to separate and shrimp can get rubbery. If you want to prep ahead, freeze the cooked shrimp and orzo separately without cream, then combine and add fresh cream when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth, cream, or water to loosen the sauce and avoid drying the shrimp. Microwave works fine, but I prefer stovetop for best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Recipe has earned a special place in my repertoire because it delivers a restaurant-quality meal without complicated steps. Whenever I make it, my family goes crazy for the creamy, flavorful sauce paired with perfectly cooked shrimp and tender orzo. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making it over and over for date nights, weeknights, or anytime you want a comforting meal that feels just a little bit fancy.

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