Description
To put it simply, this dish is a decadent, comforting, and highly savory seafood pasta meal that relies on a legendary combination of garlic, cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. The base of the dish is built on orzo, which is a small, rice-shaped pasta that excels at absorbing liquids and flavors. Unlike standard pasta dishes where the noodles are boiled separately in water and tossed with sauce later, this method cooks the pasta directly in a bath of chicken broth and heavy cream.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Orzo
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry.
- Toss with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and just cooked.
- Transfer to a plate.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
- Melt the butter in the same skillet.
- Sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and uncooked orzo, cooking for 1 minute.
Step 4: Cook the Orzo
- Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until the orzo is tender.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Fold in the spinach until wilted.
- Add the lemon juice.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes to heat through.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread or a fresh green salad.
Notes
For the best texture, avoid overcooking the shrimp—they only need a few minutes to become perfectly tender and juicy. Freshly grated Parmesan also gives the sauce a smoother, richer finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 610 kcal
Keywords: marry me shrimp pasta, creamy seafood orzo, viral one pan shrimp orzo