Description
This One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta is a quick dinner idea that’s perfect for weeknights, date nights, or cozy weekends. Juicy shrimp, garlicky orzo, and roasted cherry tomatoes all simmer together in one skillet — it’s a rich, flavorful, and healthy seafood dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for when you’re craving bold flavor with minimal cleanup. It’s one of those easy recipes you’ll keep coming back to — comfort food meets gourmet in one delicious pot.
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup orzo pasta, dry
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1.5 cups cherry tomatoes (mix of red and yellow if available)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2.5 cups water or broth
Instructions
1. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and oregano.
2. Heat olive oil in a wide sauté pan over medium heat and sear the shrimp until pink and golden on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, melt butter and add garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until blistered and beginning to burst.
5. Stir in the dry orzo and toast it for 2 minutes, letting it absorb the garlic butter.
6. Pour in water or broth, season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Stir well.
7. Let orzo simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
8. Return the shrimp to the pan and stir to combine. Cook for 1 more minute.
9. Top with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Use a wide, heavy-bottomed pan for even cooking and to prevent sticking.
Add extra water or broth if the orzo absorbs liquid too quickly while cooking.
Finish with a squeeze of lemon or grated Parmesan for extra brightness and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
Keywords: quick dinner, shrimp pasta, easy recipe, one pot meal, seafood recipe, healthy dinner, weeknight dinner