If you’ve never had Marry Me Shrimp Orzo, prepare to fall in love—bite after bite. This one-pan pasta dish combines juicy shrimp, velvety orzo, and a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce that’s so good, it’s been said to inspire marriage proposals. In this article, we’ll break down exactly what makes this recipe special, how to get it perfect every time, and why it’s the ultimate seafood dinner to serve when you want to impress. You’ll also get answers to questions like: What exactly is “marry me shrimp”? And what sauce pairs best with orzo?
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or a cozy night in, this Marry Me Shrimp Orzo is guaranteed to win hearts.
Table of Contents
The Story & Intro: Why I Fell for Marry Me Shrimp Orzo
The first time I made Marry Me Shrimp Orzo, it was a cold Sunday evening. I wanted something comforting but still felt like putting a little love into the dish. I had shrimp thawing, some sun-dried tomatoes in the pantry, and a fresh box of orzo calling my name. That’s how it started—just a spontaneous dinner idea. But by the end of that meal, my dinner guest looked at me and said, “If I weren’t already married, I’d propose right now.”
That’s when I understood why people call it “Marry Me Pasta”—the creamy sauce, tender orzo, and perfectly spiced shrimp create something irresistible. The smoky paprika pairs beautifully with garlic and chili flakes, and the spinach adds just enough freshness to balance the richness of the Parmesan and cream. It’s dreamy but not heavy, indulgent but easy to make.
Since then, it’s been one of my go-to dishes when I want to impress without stress. It’s also perfect for seafood lovers who appreciate bold flavor without overwhelming heat.
You’ll find that this dish shares a lot in common with other creamy shrimp dinners like this creamy chicken garlic parmesan pasta or even seafood-forward plates like hot honey glazed salmon. But Marry Me Shrimp Orzo hits different—it’s got comfort, flair, and romance all in one skillet.
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Marry Me Shrimp Orzo Recipe: Quick, Creamy, and Unbelievably Good
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, dreamy and made in one skillet, this Marry Me Shrimp Orzo combines tender shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan for a romantic seafood dinner in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, thawed, drained and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil (from the jar)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 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 parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Minced fresh parsley or sliced basil for garnish
Instructions
- Toss shrimp with sun-dried tomato oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Sauté shrimp over medium heat until pink, then set aside.
- Add butter to the same pan, then sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 2 minutes.
- Add broth, cream, orzo, seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to simmer, cover, and cook on low for 10 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Stir in Parmesan and spinach until combined and melted.
- Return shrimp to pan and garnish with parsley or basil. Serve hot.
Notes
Use large raw shrimp for best texture.
Substitute chicken or mushrooms for shrimp, if needed.
Add extra cream or broth to loosen when reheating leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
Keywords: marry me shrimp orzo, creamy shrimp pasta, orzo recipe, shrimp dinner, one pan pasta, Gluten free 1, gluten free penne, sun dried tomato,
Cooking the Perfect Shrimp Orzo Base
Building depth with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic
The secret to a standout Marry Me Shrimp Orzo isn’t just in the shrimp—it’s in how you layer flavor from the start. Begin by tossing the shrimp with oil from the sun-dried tomato jar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and pepper. Searing them in a hot skillet locks in that seasoned flavor and sets the stage for everything that comes next. After removing the shrimp, the same pan captures those savory bits—don’t wipe it clean. That’s flavor gold.
Next, add butter, minced garlic, and a touch of red pepper flakes. Let it cook until aromatic—about two minutes. This is where the magic starts. The garlic infuses the butter, and the chili adds just enough warmth without overpowering the dish. Add in the sun-dried tomatoes, and the scent alone will tell you you’re on the right path.
Simmering orzo to creamy perfection
Once that base is ready, it’s time to bring the orzo into the picture. Add it directly into the pan with chicken broth, a splash of heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and a little more salt and pepper. Stir it well, then cover and reduce the heat to let the orzo simmer and absorb all the flavors. You’re creating a creamy, risotto-like texture—without constant stirring.
When the orzo is nearly done, stir in grated Parmesan and fresh spinach until everything melts into the sauce. Reintroduce the shrimp, and let the flavors marry for a few minutes. At this point, the Marry Me Shrimp Orzo is nearly complete and bursting with flavor.
If you like meals where the sauce does the talking, you’ll probably enjoy dishes like our 5-ingredient cottage cheese alfredo pasta or the creamy southern-style chicken and gravy. But for romance and bold flavor in under 30 minutes, Marry Me Shrimp Orzo wins.
Why This Dish Works Every Time
The science behind flavor layering
What makes Marry Me Shrimp Orzo so reliable and satisfying is its layered flavor structure. You start with shrimp coated in smoky paprika and sun-dried tomato oil, which already packs a punch. When you remove the shrimp, the skillet holds onto all those bits of flavor—ready to be deglazed with butter and garlic.
This base is then combined with orzo pasta that cooks directly in the seasoned broth. Orzo isn’t just a filler here—it absorbs the flavor like a sponge. Add in cream, Parmesan, and spinach, and you’ve got a creamy, cheesy, and slightly tangy harmony that hits every note. It’s a clever mix of texture and taste that feels indulgent yet balanced.
One-pan convenience with gourmet results
The genius of Marry Me Shrimp Orzo isn’t just how good it tastes—it’s how effortlessly it all comes together. This is truly a one-skillet meal. That means less cleanup, fewer dishes, and more time to enjoy the moment—whether it’s a casual Tuesday or a date night you want to impress on.
If you’re someone who appreciates efficient yet delicious meals, you’ll also enjoy this 5-ingredient tater tot casserole or our ultra-cozy cheesy ground beef rice bake. Both follow the same logic: bold flavors, minimal steps, and big results.
Once you make Marry Me Shrimp Orzo a few times, you’ll see it becomes muscle memory. The ingredients are easy to find, and the steps are flexible enough to adjust based on what’s in your kitchen. That’s why this dish works every time—it’s foolproof, flavorful, and impossible not to love.
Flavor Pairings and Serving Tips
What to serve with Marry Me Shrimp Orzo
This dish is bold enough to stand on its own, but if you’re serving it as part of a larger spread, a crisp salad or roasted green vegetables make perfect sides. Try arugula with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus with sea salt and olive oil.
If you’re feeling adventurous, a side of classic pastina adds a nostalgic, comforting touch without overshadowing the star. A piece of crusty garlic bread or focaccia can also soak up any remaining sauce.
For drinks, a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio balances out the richness of the cream and Parmesan, while sparkling water with a slice of lemon keeps the meal light and fresh.
Swaps, storage, and leftovers
Marry Me Shrimp Orzo is easy to adapt based on what you have. If you’re out of shrimp, chicken works just as well. For a vegetarian option, mushrooms or artichokes make flavorful substitutes. Not into cream? A little Greek yogurt with broth can be a lighter alternative.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for 2–3 days. Just add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to loosen up the sauce. It’s just as dreamy the next day, making it a great make-ahead meal.
This dish also freezes beautifully, though the texture of the orzo may soften slightly upon thawing. If you love meal-prepping comforting favorites, you might also want to check out this easy classic stuffed peppers recipe for another freezer-friendly option.
Conclusion
Whether you’re celebrating love or just your love for great food, Marry Me Shrimp Orzo is one dish that delivers every single time. It’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to make in under 30 minutes. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, shrimp, and orzo creates a meal that’s both satisfying and elegant.
This dish has quickly become one of my weeknight heroes—and honestly, a go-to for romantic dinners too. Try it once, and you’ll understand the hype. And who knows? Maybe someone will pop the question by dessert.
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FAQs
What is Marry Me Shrimp?
Marry Me Shrimp is a creamy, garlic-forward shrimp dish cooked with sun-dried tomatoes and seasoning so flavorful it’s said to be “proposal-worthy.” It’s a variation of the famous “Marry Me Chicken,” adapted with seafood.
Is shrimp good with orzo?
Yes! Shrimp and orzo are a perfect match. Orzo absorbs flavor well and offers a risotto-like texture that complements the tender, juicy shrimp in this dish.
Why do they call it ‘Marry Me Pasta’?
The name comes from how irresistibly delicious the dish is—many say it’s so good it could inspire a marriage proposal. It’s a fun, romantic nod to the dish’s creamy, comforting impact.
What sauce pairs well with orzo?
Creamy sauces, like the one in Marry Me Shrimp Orzo, work beautifully with orzo. Tomato-based or garlic-infused olive oil sauces also pair nicely due to orzo’s absorbent texture.