Dreamy “Marry Me” Shrimp Pasta Recipe That Seals the Deal

My kitchen adventures recently discovered this marry me shrimp pasta that sparks instant romance and culinary magic.

Seafood lovers understand how incredible flavor combinations can create memorable dining experiences.

Succulent shrimp nestled among perfectly cooked noodles promise an elegant meal anyone can master.

Simple ingredients dance together with remarkable chemistry that feels both luxurious and approachable.

Each bite whispers delicate promises of comfort and connection through carefully balanced seasonings.

Weeknight dinner dreams come alive with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Let’s uncover how this recipe might become your new favorite comfort classic.

What You’ll Love in Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: This pasta dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving delicious meals without complex techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels by adding or reducing red pepper flakes, swap shrimp for chicken, or make it vegetarian by using plant-based protein alternatives that match your dietary preferences.
• Restaurant-Worthy Elegance: Impress dinner guests or create a romantic meal with minimal effort, featuring creamy sauce, succulent shrimp, and restaurant-style presentation that looks professionally prepared.
• Pantry-Friendly Recipe: Uses common ingredients most home cooks already have, minimizing extra shopping trips and allowing spontaneous cooking without extensive preparation.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Grocery List

Main Ingredients:

• Pasta: Soft, tender base for the dish that carries the creamy sauce and protein.

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that adds rich, sweet oceanic flavor to the pasta.

• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy, luxurious sauce components that create a rich, velvety texture.

Secondary Flavor Enhancers:

• Garlic: Provides deep, sharp flavor base for the sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds concentrated, sweet-tangy tomato essence.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for bringing out natural ingredient flavors.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides classic Mediterranean herb profile.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy kick for heat lovers.

Finishing Touches:

• Fresh Basil: Bright, aromatic herb that adds fresh, green note to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps cook shrimp and adds subtle fruity undertone.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Prep Instructions

Step 1: Boil The Perfect Pasta

Cook pasta following package directions.

Scoop out some pasta water before draining and set aside for later sauce magic.

Step 2: Sizzle The Succulent Shrimp

Season shrimp with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook shrimp until they turn pink and curl up beautifully, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Transfer shrimp to a separate plate.

Step 3: Build The Creamy Sauce Base

In the same skillet, quickly sauté garlic until it releases its aromatic charm.

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Sun-dried tomatoes

Let the mixture gently simmer and create a luxurious sauce foundation.

Step 4: Enhance The Sauce With Flavor Boosters

• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Watch the cheese melt and the sauce transform into a velvety texture.

Step 5: Combine And Coat

Return shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the luscious sauce.

Add cooked pasta and mix thoroughly.

If the sauce feels too thick, splash in reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the perfect consistency.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle fresh basil on top.

Serve this irresistible pasta immediately while it’s steaming hot and incredibly inviting.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Prep Advice

• Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness, adding more for extra kick or omitting for mild flavor.
• Save and use reserved pasta water to thin sauce perfectly, creating silky smooth consistency without losing flavor.
• Replace shrimp with chicken, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences while maintaining similar cooking technique.
• Measure and prepare all ingredients before cooking to streamline the process and ensure nothing burns during quick sauce creation.
• If sauce breaks or separates, lower heat and whisk continuously or add a splash of cold cream to stabilize and restore smooth texture.

Reheat Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Without Drying Out

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore sauce moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• This creamy sauce doesn't freeze well, as dairy tends to separate and become grainy when thawed. Best to enjoy fresh or within a few days of preparation.

Good Matches for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a medium-bodied white wine with subtle oak notes that complements the creamy sauce and enhances the shrimp's delicate flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Serve with Garlic Focaccia Bread: Create a perfect sidekick by toasting a crusty, herb-infused bread that helps soak up the rich, velvety sauce and adds a delightful textural contrast to the pasta.
• Match with Fresh Citrus Salad: Craft a light, zesty side salad featuring mixed greens, orange segments, and a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the pasta's richness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Complement with Roasted Asparagus: Prepare tender, lightly seasoned asparagus spears that bring a subtle earthiness and green vegetable element to balance the decadent shrimp pasta.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta – Easy Switch-Ups

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, lactose-free version.
• Vegetarian Voyage: Swap shrimp with roasted cauliflower or grilled portobello mushrooms, maintaining the rich sauce and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Gateway: Use zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta as a substitute for traditional wheat pasta, keeping the sauce and seasonings identical.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Replace pasta with spiralized vegetable noodles like butternut squash or spaghetti squash for a lighter, nutrient-dense alternative.

FAQs

• What makes the sauce creamy and flavorful?

The combination of heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a rich, tangy sauce with depth of flavor and smooth texture.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw frozen shrimp completely, pat dry with paper towels, and ensure they’re properly seasoned before cooking to achieve the best results.

• How spicy is this pasta dish?

The recipe includes optional crushed red pepper flakes, allowing you to control the heat level. You can add a little for mild warmth or skip them entirely for a non-spicy version.

• Is this dish considered a quick meal?

Absolutely! The entire recipe takes about 20-25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner that looks and tastes gourmet.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent marry me shrimp pasta promises a romantic culinary journey with creamy garlic parmesan sauce and perfectly seasoned jumbo shrimp. Passionate flavors and elegant presentation guarantee love at first bite for anyone craving an irresistible seafood experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta and Main Components:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) fettuccine or pasta of choice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare al dente pasta according to package guidelines, carefully preserving 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before straining. Set pasta aside.
2. Generously season shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Sauté shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they transform into a vibrant pink and are thoroughly cooked. Transfer shrimp to a separate plate.
3. Utilize the same skillet to toast minced garlic for approximately 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence. Introduce heavy cream, chicken broth, and sun-dried tomatoes, allowing the mixture to gently simmer.
4. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk continuously until cheese completely dissolves and sauce reaches a slightly thickened consistency.
5. Reintroduce the cooked shrimp to the skillet, thoroughly coating them in the luxurious sauce. Fold in the prepared pasta, ensuring even distribution. Adjust sauce consistency by gradually introducing reserved pasta water if needed.
6. Elevate the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil. Serve immediately while the pasta remains hot and sauce remains creamy.

Notes

• Choose thick, creamy pasta like fettuccine or linguine for better sauce absorption and a luxurious texture.
• Opt for fresh, large shrimp with shells removed for quicker cooking and easier eating experience.
• Pat shrimp completely dry before seasoning to achieve beautiful golden-brown caramelization and prevent watery cooking.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal spice tolerance, adding gradually for controlled heat level.
• Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for richer, more complex flavor compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
• Use low-sodium broth to control salt content and prevent overly salty sauce.
• For gluten-free version, substitute regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta.
• Consider adding spinach or asparagus for extra vegetable nutrition and vibrant color.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 704
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 877 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 263 mg