Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is everything you want in a weeknight dinner — creamy, garlicky, loaded with flavor, and ready in just 30 minutes!

Inspired by the viral “Marry Me” trend, this one-pan dish is packed with juicy shrimp, peppers, zucchini and spinach in a rich creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that’s guaranteed to win hearts (and taste buds).

• Quick & easy – ready in 30 minutes or less.
• One pan – minimal cleanup, maximum flavour.
• Creamy, comforting, and loaded with garlic, parmesan, and a hint of spice.
• Customizable – add seasonal vegetables to make it healthier and tastier!

What Is Orzo?

Orzo might look like rice at first glance, but it’s actually a type of pasta — a small, oval-shaped noodle that’s incredibly versatile. Also known as risoni in Italy, orzo is made from semolina flour and cooks up tender but with a lovely bite, much like al dente pasta. Orzo is a bit of a kitchen chameleon — it works beautifully in:

• Soups (like chicken orzo or Greek avgolemono)
• Salads (great for absorbing dressings and vinaigrettes)
• Baked dishes and casseroles such as Giouvetsi
• One-pan creamy meals (like my super-popular Cajun Chicken Orzo!)
• Even as a stand-in for rice in risotto (aka orzotto), with a fraction of the stirring.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Ingredients

• Large Shrimp (or jumbo prawns): Shrimp cook lightning-fast, which makes them ideal for this creamy one-pan dish. Peeled shrimp save prep time, and using raw shrimp (not pre-cooked) ensures they stay juicy and tender.
• Olive Oil & Butter: This dynamic duo builds the base of flavor — olive oil adds fruitiness and a lightness to balance the richness of the butter. Use the sun-dried tomato oil for extra flavor!
• Shallots: Shallots have a delicate flavor which makes them a lovely fit for creamy pasta dishes like this one. They quick quickly and melt into the sauce, adding gentle sweetness and depth without taking center stage.
• Garlic: Sliced garlic infuses the oil gently, giving the dish a mellow garlic flavor that doesn’t overpower. Use mince garlic it if you prefer stronger flavor.
• Sweet Paprika + Garlic Powder + Chili Flakes + Italian seasoning: This blend creates warmth, depth, and just a hint of kick. Pul biber is a great alternative to standard red pepper flakes — mild, slightly smoky, and very on-trend for Mediterranean dishes.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Paste or Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add intense umami and that signature Marry Me sauce flavor. The paste melts in the sauce, while the tomatoes gives more texture — use whichever you have!
• Orzo Pasta: Cooks quickly and soaks up all that creamy, spiced tomato sauce like a charm. Because orzo is so thirsty you must be on stirring duty so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of your pan.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds natural sweetness, a bright pop of color, and slight crunch to balance the creaminess of the dish.
• Zucchini / Courgette: Mild, buttery zucchini softens beautifully in the sauce and bulks up the dish with extra veg. Plus you are bound to have an overabundance of it if you like growing your own veg!
• Spinach: Wilted in at the end, spinach adds freshness, nutrition, and gorgeous flecks of green.
• Vegetable Stock: Using stock boosts the flavor of the pasta. You might need a splash of hot water toward the end if the orzo is still a little firm — or if you like it saucier!
• Cream: A splash of cream brings luscious richness. We are not using loads tho – just enough to feel indulgent without overwhelming the dish.
• Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan adds that nutty, salty kick that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and cream.
• Fresh Basil: Aromatic and bright, basil finishes the dish beautifully. Add just before serving for freshness and a hint of sweetness.

Recipe Notes

• Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. Not recommended for freezing due to the cream and shrimp.
• Substitutions: Swap the spinach with chard or kale if preferred, bearing in mind these will need to cook for longer. Replace the parmesan with Pecorino or Grana Padano cheese if preferred.
• Please Note: Orzo may look like rice but it is not gluten-free! You can replace the orzo for any small gluten-free pasta options.