Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Recipe

I absolutely love the Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Recipe because it’s a perfect blend of cozy comfort and elegant flavors that somehow make every weeknight feel a bit more special. The juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp combined with creamy, tomato-kissed orzo is a match made in culinary heaven—and bonus, it comes together in under an hour! When I first tried this, I was surprised at how impressive a dish it felt while still being straightforward enough for a busy evening.

You’ll find that this dish works beautifully whether you’re cooking for a date night, a family dinner, or even when you want to treat yourself after a long day. The sunshine from the sun-dried tomatoes and roasted red peppers brings a bright, savory note that wakes up the palate, while the parmesan and lemon zest bring a harmonious creaminess and zing. This Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Recipe is truly worth trying if you’re looking for an easy recipe with wow factor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Recipe is in the combination of fresh seafood, aromatic herbs, and that rich tomato flavor from sun-dried tomatoes and roasted red peppers. Each ingredient works perfectly together to create a hearty yet light meal.

• Oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes: This packed-in oil brings smoky, tangy flavor right into the shrimp and the orzo base.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth that makes the shrimp pop with flavor.
• Garlic powder and onion powder: These powders boost the umami without overpowering the fresh garlic later on.
• Raw medium-sized shrimp: Peeled, deveined, and tails removed for easy eating and cooking.
• Lemon juice: Just the right bright acidity to balance richness.
• Small onion: Diced finely to mellow and soak up the sun-dried tomato oil flavor.
• Chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed): The heart of the recipe’s savory depth and color.
• Diced jarred roasted red peppers: Adds sweetness and vibrant color.
• Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor to thicken and enrich the sauce.
• Fresh garlic cloves: Mincing fresh garlic amps up the fragrance and flavor.
• Dried Italian herb blend: Brings Mediterranean warmth without needing fresh herbs.
• Red pepper flakes: Adjust the heat here as you like—it adds a pleasant kick.
• Chicken or vegetable broth: The cooking liquid that infuses the orzo with flavor.
• Dried orzo: It cooks fast and absorbs all those delicious flavors perfectly.
• Heavy cream: Creates a rich, silky sauce that ties everything together beautifully.
• Parmigiano Reggiano: Adds salty, nutty depth that elevates the dish.
• Lemon zest: Fresh zest brightens the creamy sauce.
• Fresh parsley: For freshness and color as a finishing touch.
• Green onion: Thinly sliced for a mild crunch and vibrant garnish.

Variations

I’m all about making this Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Recipe your own. Over time, I’ve tweaked it here and there based on what’s in my fridge or my mood, and it’s been fun to explore different spins without losing that delicious core flavor.

• Swap Shrimp for Chicken: When I’m not in a seafood mood, lightly seasoned diced chicken breast works just as well.
• Make it Vegetarian: Skip the shrimp and add mushrooms or artichoke hearts for a hearty plant-based twist.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your heat preference; I enjoy a moderate kick to keep things lively.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the heavy cream for coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a creamy, vegan sauce.

How to Make Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Shrimp

Start by heating the oil from your sun-dried tomatoes in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers — that’s your flavor foundation. Toss together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl, then coat the shrimp evenly on both sides. When you place the shrimp in the pan, don’t crowd it; letting them sear instead of steam is the key to getting that lovely slightly crispy edge. Cook for about 3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the shrimp right before you pull them out adds a bright punch that really lifts the dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Base Ingredients

If the pan feels dry after removing the shrimp, add a bit more sun-dried tomato oil, then toss in the diced onion, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and roasted red peppers. Cook until the onions soften and become translucent—this brings out their sweetness and creates a warm, rich base.

Step 3: Build the Sauce and Cook the Orzo

Stir in the tomato paste, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes, letting those aromas bloom for about a minute. Turn up the heat to medium-high and pour in your broth. Once you see bubbles, add the orzo and reduce the heat to keep it at a steady simmer. Stir every couple of minutes with a flat-edged spatula to prevent sticking—you’ll know it’s done when you can swipe the bottom of the pan clean. This usually takes around 12 minutes depending on your orzo size.

Step 4: Finish with Cream, Cheese, and Shrimp

Once the orzo is tender and the liquid largely absorbed, stir in the heavy cream, freshly grated parmigiano reggiano, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Gently fold the shrimp back into the pan so they soak up some of that creamy goodness. Let everything rest a few minutes off the heat to allow flavors to marry and ensure it’s heated through.

How to Serve Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and a few extra flakes of red pepper for color and a mild crunch. Fresh parsley adds a burst of herbal brightness that balances the creamy richness beautifully. Sometimes I add a little extra lemon zest right before serving for that pop of freshness that wakes up every bite.

Side Dishes

When I serve the Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Recipe, I like to keep sides light and simple—think a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus. Crusty bread also pairs wonderfully to scoop up any leftover sauce. If you want to keep the meal extra hearty, sautéed greens like spinach or kale dressed with garlic make a nice addition.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes plate this in shallow bowls with a small mound of orzo in the center and shrimp artistically arranged on top, garnished with thin lemon slices and a sprig of parsley. It makes the dish feel restaurant-worthy and invites compliments round the table. Another fun idea is serving it family-style in a colorful skillet straight from the stove—always a crowd-pleaser and minimal cleanup!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find they keep well for up to 3 days. Just be mindful that the orzo can absorb sauce as it sits, so it might thicken a bit. A quick stir and a splash of broth or cream when reheating refreshes the texture nicely.

Freezing

Personally, I don’t usually freeze this dish because the texture of cooked shrimp and creamy sauce can change after thawing. But if you’re set on freezing, I recommend freezing the orzo and shrimp separately, then combining and reheating gently to help maintain quality.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works in a pinch, but stirring halfway through helps avoid hot spots or overcooked shrimp. Taking it slow keeps the shrimp juicy and the sauce silky.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes when I want something that feels special without turning into a whole kitchen project. It’s got that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, smoky, and fresh that keeps me coming back for more—and I hope you’ll enjoy it just as much. Trust me, once you try it, you might find yourself “marrying” this dish too!