Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Dish

This creamy shrimp and orzo pasta earned its "marry me" nickname for good reason. The rich garlic sauce clings to perfectly cooked pasta and juicy shrimp creating a restaurant-quality dish that comes together in just one pot. I developed this recipe when I wanted to impress my partner without spending hours in the kitchen.

This recipe has become my secret weapon for dinner parties. The first time I made it for friends they actually scraped the pot clean with bread and two couples asked for the recipe before leaving. It never fails to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp: peeled and deveined. Look for firm shrimp with a mild ocean scent. Frozen works great just thaw completely.
• 1 teaspoon salt: enhances all the flavors and properly seasons the shrimp.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: freshly ground provides the best flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: adds subtle smokiness that elevates the seafood flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: provides consistent garlic flavor throughout the dish.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: use a good quality oil for better flavor.
• 2 tablespoons butter: creates a richer base for the sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic: minced. Look for firm heads with tight skin.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: adds gentle heat that builds with each bite.
• 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes: chopped. Oil-packed varieties provide the most intense flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta: this small rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavor beautifully.
• 3 cups chicken broth: forms the flavorful base of our sauce.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: creates the luxurious texture without being too heavy.
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Always grate your own for the best melting quality.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: adds herbal complexity with minimal effort.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: brightens all the flavors and balances the richness.
• 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley: chopped adds color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Shrimp:

Combine salt pepper paprika and garlic powder in a small bowl. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels this ensures better browning then toss with the seasoning mixture until evenly coated. The dry spices create a flavorful crust when seared.

Sear the Shrimp:

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add shrimp in a single layer making sure not to crowd the pan. Cook for exactly 2 minutes per side until pink and just opaque. The shrimp should have a slight C shape when properly cooked not tightly curled. Remove to a plate and cover loosely with foil.

Build the Flavor Base:

Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same pan. Once melted add minced garlic red pepper flakes and sundried tomatoes. Sauté for 60 seconds stirring constantly to prevent garlic from burning. You should smell the fragrant garlic blooming in the hot fat.

Toast the Orzo:

Add dry orzo pasta to the aromatic oil and butter mixture. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until some pieces begin turning golden. This toasting step adds nutty flavor and helps the pasta maintain texture even when cooked in liquid.

Create the Sauce:

Pour in chicken broth scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits. These contain concentrated flavor that will enrich your sauce. Bring to a simmer then reduce heat to medium-low.

Cook the Pasta:

Simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes stirring every 2 minutes to prevent sticking. The orzo will gradually absorb the liquid and release its starch creating a naturally thickened sauce. Test a piece of orzo at 8 minutes it should be tender but still have a slight bite.

Enrich the Sauce:

Once most liquid is absorbed but mixture is still creamy add heavy cream Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir continuously over low heat until cheese melts completely and sauce looks silky about 2 minutes.

Reunite the Components:

Return the cooked shrimp to the pan along with any accumulated juices. Gently fold everything together allowing shrimp to rewarm without overcooking about 1-2 minutes. The sauce should coat each piece of pasta and shrimp.

Brighten the Flavors:

Remove pan from heat and sprinkle with lemon juice. Stir gently to incorporate the brightness which balances the rich flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Finish and Serve:

Garnish with fresh herbs just before serving for the best color and flavor. Serve immediately in warmed bowls for the best experience.

The sundried tomatoes are truly the secret ingredient here. I discovered their importance when I made this dish without them once and found it lacking that special something. Their concentrated umami flavor provides depth that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient might be. My brother-in-law actually proposed to his girlfriend the night he made this dish for her hence our family nickname for the recipe.

Make-Ahead Options

This pasta is perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights. The cooked dish will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. When reheating add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce which tends to thicken when chilled. The texture is actually even better the second day as the flavors have time to meld.

Perfect Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Chicken can replace shrimp for those with seafood allergies just cut into bite-sized pieces and cook until no longer pink. No sundried tomatoes? Roasted red peppers provide a similar sweet intensity. For a lighter version replace heavy cream with half and half or even whole milk mixed with a teaspoon of cornstarch. The dish will still be creamy just slightly less rich.

Serving Suggestions

While this dish is satisfying on its own a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette makes the perfect accompaniment. For an elegant presentation serve in shallow bowls with a drizzle of good olive oil and a few fresh herb leaves. Crusty bread is essential for soaking up every last bit of the extraordinary sauce. For wine pairing consider a crisp Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay which complement the creamy sauce without overwhelming the delicate shrimp.

The History Behind "Marry Me" Dishes

The concept of a "marry me" dish has a charming culinary history. These recipes earned their nickname by being so delicious they supposedly prompted marriage proposals. The most famous example is "Engagement Chicken" popularized when several women at Glamour magazine reported receiving proposals after making this lemon and herb roasted chicken. This shrimp orzo follows in that tradition combining impressive flavors with surprising simplicity. The key elements are always rich satisfying flavors that seem much more complex than they actually are to prepare.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other seafood instead of shrimp?

Yes! Scallops or chunks of white fish work well as substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely. Swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative, and use dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast.

→ What can I use instead of orzo pasta?

You can substitute orzo with small pasta like ditalini or even rice for a gluten-free option, though cooking times may vary.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add extra red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to boost the heat.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the shrimp ahead and cook the orzo and sauce when ready to serve. Just reheat everything together gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.