Description

This creamy, dreamy shrimp and orzo pasta comes together in one pot for a flavor-packed dish that’s bound to make someone fall in love! With tender shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and a touch of spice, it’s a simple yet gourmet dinner that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound shrimp, thawed, drained, and patted dry
2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil (reserved from the jar)
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup heavy cream
8 oz orzo (about 2 cups uncooked)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and julienned
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cups baby spinach

Minced fresh parsley or sliced basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
In a large pot or skillet, heat the sun-dried tomato oil over medium-high heat. Sear the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink and slightly golden. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, melt the butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in orzo, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the parmesan and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts.
Return the shrimp to the pot. Cook for 1–2 minutes to warm through.

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve immediately.

Notes

Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright flavor boost.

You can substitute shrimp with scallops or chicken if desired.

For extra creaminess, add a splash more cream or a bit of cream cheese.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One Pot, Simmer
Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

Keywords: Shrimp pasta, marry me shrimp, creamy orzo, one pot dinner, weeknight meal, sun-dried tomato pasta