Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a dish so irresistibly delicious that it’s said to inspire lifelong commitment! The “marry me” term has been famously associated with dishes that are so good, they might just make someone propose on the spot, and this shrimp pasta is no exception. Creamy, flavorful, and loaded with succulent shrimp, this pasta dish is a surefire way to win over anyone’s heart.

This recipe blends tender shrimp with a rich and velvety sauce made from cream, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs. The sauce clings perfectly to the pasta, creating a luxurious and indulgent meal that is elegant enough for a romantic dinner yet easy enough for a weeknight meal. The combination of creamy textures with the briny sweetness of shrimp makes this dish a standout, offering layers of flavor that develop with every bite. Perfect for special occasions or just a comforting dinner at home, Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is bound to become a household favorite.

Ingredients:

12 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Lemon wedges for serving

Preparation:

Step 1:
Start by cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Cook until al dente, then drain and set aside. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water for the sauce.

Step 2:
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 3:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4:
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and sauté for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 5:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom. Let the broth simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 6:
Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, stirring until well combined. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Step 7:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), oregano, and basil. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the creamy sauce. Allow the shrimp to simmer in the sauce for about 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Step 9:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat the pasta with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 10:
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the pasta with fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty finish.

COOKING Note:

If you prefer a lighter version of the sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. However, keep in mind that this may result in a thinner sauce.
For a gluten-free option, you can substitute the pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety.
To make the dish even more decadent, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, allowing it to reduce before adding the broth and cream.

Serving Suggestions:

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is best served hot, with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Pair this indulgent dish with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta. A glass of chilled white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, will complement the flavors beautifully, adding a crisp and refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce. For a special touch, sprinkle a bit of extra Parmesan cheese and a few more red pepper flakes on top for added flavor and heat.

This dish is perfect for a romantic dinner, a dinner party with friends, or even as a comforting meal for yourself. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a well-rounded meal.

Variations

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Below are some variations you can try to make the dish your own:

Marry Me Shrimp and Scallop Pasta: For a seafood lover’s dream, add scallops along with the shrimp. Sear the scallops until golden brown on each side, then set them aside while you prepare the rest of the dish. Add them back in with the shrimp just before serving for a luxurious, restaurant-quality meal. The combination of shrimp and scallops enhances the seafood flavors, creating a delightful surf-and-turf vibe in your pasta.
Marry Me Chicken and Shrimp Pasta: For a heartier dish, you can combine chicken and shrimp. Sauté bite-sized pieces of chicken breast or thigh meat in the same skillet before cooking the shrimp. Once the chicken is golden and cooked through, remove it from the pan and continue with the shrimp and sauce. This variation provides a wonderful balance of land and sea flavors, adding more texture and protein to the dish.
Vegetarian Marry Me Pasta: If you prefer a meatless option, you can easily turn this into a vegetarian dish by swapping out the shrimp for vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. Sauté the vegetables until tender, then follow the same steps for making the creamy sauce. The sun-dried tomatoes and herbs will still bring plenty of flavor, and you can add more Parmesan for richness.
Marry Me Shrimp and Spinach Pasta: For a boost of greens, add fresh spinach to the dish. After preparing the sauce, stir in a couple of handfuls of spinach and let it wilt into the sauce just before adding the shrimp back in. The spinach adds a nutritious and colorful element to the dish without overpowering the creamy, garlicky flavor of the sauce.
Spicy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: If you love a bit of heat, kick up the spice level by adding more red pepper flakes or fresh chopped chili peppers. You can also use a spicy version of sun-dried tomatoes or incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper. The spicy heat pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce, making the dish even more bold and flavorful.
Lemon Garlic Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: For a brighter, citrusy flavor, add more fresh lemon juice and zest to the sauce. After cooking the shrimp, squeeze half a lemon over them for extra zing. This variation lightens the dish and adds a tangy contrast to the rich, creamy sauce, making it ideal for summer dinners or when you want a more refreshing take on the recipe.
Marry Me Shrimp and Bacon Pasta: Bacon lovers will appreciate the addition of crispy bacon bits to the dish. Fry up some diced bacon before cooking the shrimp, then remove it and use the rendered bacon fat to sauté the shrimp and garlic. Stir the crispy bacon back into the sauce just before serving for an added layer of smokiness and crunch that complements the creamy sauce and tender shrimp.
Gluten-Free Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: For those following a gluten-free diet, simply swap out the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta made from corn, rice, or lentils. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free, so this is a simple substitution that doesn’t sacrifice any flavor. Be sure to check the sun-dried tomatoes and other ingredients for any hidden gluten.
Dairy-Free Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: To make the dish dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. The Parmesan cheese can be replaced with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. This version is just as creamy and indulgent, but suitable for those avoiding dairy products.
Low-Carb Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: For a low-carb or keto-friendly variation, swap out the traditional pasta for zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash. These vegetable-based noodles reduce the carb count while still allowing you to enjoy the creamy shrimp sauce. You can also use shirataki noodles, which are low in carbs and have a neutral flavor that works well with the rich sauce.
Pesto Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: For an extra burst of flavor, add a spoonful of pesto to the sauce. The fresh basil, garlic, and pine nuts in the pesto will enhance the overall flavor of the dish, adding another layer of herbaceous goodness. You can either mix it into the cream sauce or use it as a garnish on top for a pop of green color.

Tips:

Shrimp Size: Use medium or large shrimp for this recipe, as they offer the best balance of flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
Customizing Spice Level: If you like a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes. For a milder version, you can omit them altogether.
Make It Ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce, cook the pasta, and toss everything together.
Add Vegetables: To add more nutrition and color, you can incorporate vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms into the sauce. Simply sauté them along with the sun-dried tomatoes before adding the broth and cream.
Cheese Options: While Parmesan is the classic choice for this dish, you can experiment with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.

Prep Time:15 minutes

Cooking Time:20 minutes

Total Time:35 minutes

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 600 per serving
Protein: 35g
Sodium: 800mg

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, frozen shrimp works well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw shrimp quickly by placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes.

Q: Can I substitute the heavy cream?
A: If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. However, this may result in a thinner sauce.

Q: What pasta works best with this dish?
A: Linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti are ideal choices, as they hold the creamy sauce well. You can also use penne or other short pasta if preferred.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the sauce before tossing it with freshly cooked pasta and shrimp.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Conclusion

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a show-stopping dish that’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for both special occasions and casual dinners. The combination of succulent shrimp and the luxurious, creamy sauce makes this dish irresistibly comforting and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking to impress someone special or simply treating yourself to a delightful meal, this pasta will have you coming back for more.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, yet it has a richness and depth of flavor that can elevate any meal. From the sweet and briny shrimp to the creamy, garlicky sauce, each bite is a perfect balance of comfort and indulgence. Serve it with a glass of white wine and a side of bread to soak up the sauce, and you’ve got a meal that’s bound to win anyone over. So go ahead, give this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta a try—it might just become a staple in your recipe collection!

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Step 1: Start by cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Cook until al dente, then drain and set aside. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water for the sauce.

Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and sauté for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom. Let the broth simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 6: Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, stirring until well combined. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Step 7: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), oregano, and basil. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the creamy sauce. Allow the shrimp to simmer in the sauce for about 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Step 9: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat the pasta with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 10: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the pasta with fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty finish.