High Protein Marry Me Shrimp Orzo - a simple yet delicious dinner recipe. This recipe could not be more simple to make, it is made in one pot and ready in less than 30 minutes. However don't let the simplicity of the recipe fool you, this orzo is so flavorful and rich tasting.
I love a good shrimp orzo recipe. For more shrimp orzo recipes try my lemon butter shrimp orzo or my mediterranean shrimp orzo.
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Why you'll love this recipe
No complicated recipe here, it is made in one pot in less than 30 minutes.
It is the perfect easy weeknight meal.
Thanks to the shrimp, parmesan and bone broth this recipe is high in protein and healthy fats.
Ingredients
- butter
- shrimp
- garlic
- orzo
- basil
- thyme
- oregano
- basil
- bone broth
- sun dried tomatoes
- coconut milk
- orzo
- parmesan
- mustard
- spinach
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions
- parmesan - feta would also be yummy here.
- shrimp - to keep this vegetarian you could use beans instead.
- bone broth - feel free to use regular broth or veggie broth.
- butter - you can use olive oil instead but I prefer to cook my shrimp in butter.
- coconut milk - feel free to use heavy cream.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season and cook the shrimp.
- Cook aromatics, add all ingredients to the pot except for the spinach and shrimp. Simmer until cooked through.
- Fold in shrimp and spinach.
- Serve and enjoy.
Storage instructions
You can store the extra pasta in a sealed container in your fridge for up to 2 days. I recommend reheating on the stove but you can also reheat in the microwave.
Recipe Pro-Tips
Use a good quality parmesan for the best tasting orzo. I love parmigiano reggiano.
I am obsessed with Costco argentine red shrimp. Not only are they a great deal they are also delicious!
Recipe FAQS
Yes, I used frozen argentine red shrimp. Just make sure they are thawed out first. I thawed mine sitting out on my counter in a bowl for about 2 hours.
Shrimp are lower in calories and fat but high in protein and minerals.
Other healthy pasta recipes
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High Protein Marry Me Shrimp Orzo
Equipment
Ingredients
Shrimp
- ¼-1/2 teaspoon salt
- pinch black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 24 medium shrimp this should be 3 servings worth of shrimp
- 1 tablespoon butter
Pasta
- ¼-1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 small onion - finely chopped about ¾ cup to 1 cup chopped onion
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4-6 cloves garlic - minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- pinch red pepper flakes
- ¾-1 cup finely chopped basil from a 2 oz container basil
- 2 ¼ cup chicken bone broth sub veggie broth if desired
- ~8 oz jar sun dried tomatoes - drained and finely sliced i drained mine and rinsed off the oil
- ½ cup coconut milk or heavy cream*
- 1 cup dried orzo
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan
- ½ teaspoon dijon mustard
- 2 handfuls spinach can use frozen or fresh or use another leafy green
Optional toppings
- additional fresh chopped basil
- red pepper flakes
- additional grated parmesan
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry and toss them in all seasonings in the shrimp section.
- Heat butter in skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and sear for 90 seconds each side and then remove from the pot.
- Add onion to the skillet along with extra butter or oil if needed. I did not add any. Cook for 8 minutes, until browned.Add garlic, sun dried tomatoes and seasonings. Cook for 2-3 more minutes, until fragrant.
- Add all remaining ingredients except for the spinach and cooked shrimp. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is cooked through.
- Turn heat to low and add in shrimp and spinach. Stir and cook for 2-3 more minutes, until spinach is wilted.
- Divide out and serve.
John says
This orzo is INCREDIBLE! Tastes better than a restaurant!!
Patricia says
Sounds delicious but when I increase the servings it still says 20 small or 16 large shrimp.
Kristi says
Hi, just double or triple the amount of shrimp. That is probably an issue with my recipe card.
Sondra says
Tried this recipe for my family (3 teens + spouse). My boyfriend beat me to the first taste and honestly stopped & looked at me with love in his eyes. It was wild. I joked if I'd finally found love in his heart through his stomach. It was AMAZING. It looked and tasted better than the $250 dinner we had the previous week out at a restaurant. Teens were impressed too. Easy win. So surprised and happy, I've been sharing it with anyone who will listen. (& I'm on the hunt for more).
Kristi says
Thank you so much for your sweet review Sondra!!
Andrea K says
Absolutely delicious!
Kristi says
Thank you Andrea!
Andrea says
Delicious and simple to make! Will do it again soon. thanks!
Kristi says
Thanks Andrea!