A deliciously creamy and flavorful one-pot dish with tender shrimp, orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a special weeknight meal.
For the Shrimp:
For the Orzo & Sauce:
1. In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Toss the shrimp in the seasoning mixture until evenly coated.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add red pepper flakes (if using) and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir for another 1-2 minutes.
6. Add orzo pasta and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
7. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring to combine.
8. Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Stir gently to combine everything.
9. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the shrimp to warm through and the flavors to meld.
10. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.
For a bit of extra flavor, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
You can substitute the shrimp with chicken or other seafood if preferred.
This dish is fantastic served with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Find it online: https://paulakitchen.com/one-pot-marry-me-shrimp-and-orzo-pasta/