Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

I remember the first time I made this dish. It was a chilly Tuesday night, and I wanted to cook something special without spending hours in the kitchen. I’d heard whispers online about a legendary recipe, something so good it could supposedly elicit a marriage proposal.

I was skeptical, of course, but intrigued. I gathered the ingredients—juicy shrimp, fragrant garlic, and a jar of sun-dried tomatoes that promised a burst of Tuscan flavor. As the creamy, parmesan-laced sauce came together, my kitchen filled with an aroma that was nothing short of intoxicating.

That night, sitting down to a bowl of what I now reverently call Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, I understood the hype. It wasn’t just dinner; it was an experience. This incredible Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is rich, decadent, and surprisingly simple to create.

It has since become my go-to for date nights, celebratory dinners, or anytime I need a meal that feels like a warm hug. I’m so excited to share my version of this unforgettable Marry Me Shrimp Pasta with you.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall head-over-heels for this creamy shrimp pasta dish. First and foremost, it delivers a restaurant-quality experience right in your own home. You don’t need to be a professional chef to master this recipe.

In fact, this is an incredibly easy shrimp pasta that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight. Furthermore, the flavor is simply out of this world. The combination of savory garlic, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious, creamy parmesan sauce creates a symphony of tastes that is truly irresistible.

This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta recipe is also wonderfully versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences. Finally, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or trying to impress a special someone, this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta will always get rave reviews. It’s a dish that creates memories.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create the magic of this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, you’ll need a handful of simple yet powerful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor that make this dish so famous. Here’s exactly what you’ll need to get started on this amazing shrimp pasta.

Substitutions & Variations

While this classic Marry Me Shrimp Pasta recipe is perfect as is, it’s also a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Here are a few tried-and-true variations to make this sun-dried tomato shrimp pasta your own.

• Protein Power-Up: If shrimp isn’t your thing, you can easily substitute it. Try this recipe with seared scallops or sliced chicken breast for a delicious twist. For a “Marry Me Chicken Pasta” version, simply slice one pound of chicken into thin strips and cook it through before starting the sauce.
• Add Some Greens: Want to add more vegetables? Stir in a few large handfuls of fresh spinach at the end of the cooking process. It will wilt down into the creamy sauce beautifully. Steamed asparagus or sautéed mushrooms also make excellent additions to this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta.
• Spice It Up: If you love heat, don’t be afraid to increase the amount of red pepper flakes. You could also add a diced jalapeño along with the garlic for an extra kick of spice.
• Creamy Alternatives: For a slightly lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with half-and-half. However, keep in mind this will result in a less rich sauce for your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. Coconut cream can also work as a dairy-free alternative.
• Change the Pasta: While long pastas like linguine are classic, feel free to use short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. Their ridges and tubes are perfect for catching every last drop of that incredible sauce. This is your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta dish, so use what you love!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to create the best Marry Me Shrimp Pasta of your life? Just follow these simple steps. I’ll walk you through the entire process, from cooking the pasta to simmering that glorious sauce. Let’s get cooking!

1. Cook the Pasta: First, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Importantly, before you drain the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This liquid gold is the secret to a perfect sauce. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sear the Shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, pat your shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Then, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. Remember, they will cook a bit more in the sauce later.
3. Start the Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Immediately add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Sauté for another minute to let the flavors meld together. This step builds the foundation for our Marry Me Shrimp Pasta sauce.
4. Build the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream and dried oregano. Stir everything together and let the sauce gently simmer for 5-7 minutes, until it begins to thicken slightly.
5. Add the Cheese: Now, remove the skillet from the heat. This is a crucial step to prevent the cheese from clumping. Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Combine and Serve: Finally, return the cooked shrimp and the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and shrimp are completely coated in that luscious cream sauce. Stir in the fresh basil, give it one last taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Your homemade Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is now ready to serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Success

To ensure your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is absolutely flawless every time, keep these professional tips in mind. These small details make a huge difference and will elevate your dish from great to truly unforgettable.

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: This is the number one rule for any shrimp dish. Shrimp cook incredibly quickly. Searing them for just a minute or two per side is plenty. They will finish cooking when you add them back into the warm sauce. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery, which we definitely want to avoid in our Marry Me Shrimp Pasta.
• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: I can’t stress this enough. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce. For the creamiest, most luxurious sauce, always buy a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort for this garlic shrimp pasta.
• The Magic of Pasta Water: That starchy water left over from cooking your pasta is an essential ingredient. The starches in the water help to emulsify the sauce, making it cling to the pasta perfectly. It also helps to thicken the sauce without adding more cream or cheese. Always save more than you think you’ll need.
• Control the Heat: When you add the heavy cream and especially the Parmesan cheese, it’s vital to keep the heat low. High heat can cause a cream sauce to “break” or become grainy. Removing the pan from the heat entirely before stirring in the cheese is the safest bet for a silky-smooth Marry Me Shrimp Pasta sauce.
• Taste and Adjust: A great cook always tastes their food as they go. Before serving your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, give the sauce a taste. Does it need more salt? A bit more pepper? Maybe another pinch of red pepper flakes? Adjust the seasonings to make it perfect for your palate.

Storage & Reheating Tips

While this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is undoubtedly best enjoyed fresh, leftovers are still incredibly delicious. Storing and reheating it properly is key to preserving its wonderful texture and flavor.

To store, allow the pasta to cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the cream sauce can separate upon thawing, and the texture of the shrimp and pasta can become compromised.

For reheating, the stovetop is your best friend. Place the leftover Marry Me Shrimp Pasta in a skillet over low-medium heat. Add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to the pan.

This will help loosen the sauce and bring back its original creamy consistency as it heats through. Stir gently and frequently until the pasta is warmed to your liking. Avoid using the microwave if possible, as it can reheat the dish unevenly and make the shrimp rubbery.

What to Serve With This Recipe

This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a show-stopping main course that pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. You don’t need anything complicated; the goal is to complement the rich, creamy flavors of the pasta.

• Garlic Bread: A classic choice for a reason! Crusty Perfect Garlic Bread is essential for sopping up every last bit of that incredible sun-dried tomato cream sauce.
• A Simple Green Salad: To balance the richness of the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, serve it with a light and refreshing salad. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette, like our Simple Arugula Salad, provides a perfect, peppery contrast.
• Roasted or Steamed Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or sautéed green beans are all excellent choices. They add a touch of color and a healthy component to the meal without overpowering the main dish.
• A Glass of White Wine: For the adults, a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or an unoaked Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the creamy, savory notes of this fantastic Marry Me Shrimp Pasta.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp is a great, convenient option for this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. Just make sure to thaw it completely before you start cooking.

The best way to do this is to place the frozen shrimp in a colander and run cold water over them for a few minutes until they are pliable. Most importantly, pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning and searing to ensure you get a good, golden-brown crust.

Can I make this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta ahead of time?

While pasta dishes are always best served fresh, you can certainly do some prep work in advance. You can chop your garlic and sun-dried tomatoes and grate your Parmesan cheese ahead of time. You can even make the sauce a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the sauce gently on the stove, cook your pasta, sear the shrimp, and combine everything. This makes assembling the final Marry Me Shrimp Pasta dish much quicker.

Is this creamy shrimp pasta recipe spicy?

This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta recipe has a very mild background heat from the half-teaspoon of red pepper flakes. It’s designed to add a layer of complexity rather than intense spice. However, the heat level is completely customizable.

If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add a full teaspoon or even more. If you are sensitive to heat, you can reduce the amount or omit the red pepper flakes entirely.

Why is it called “Marry Me Shrimp Pasta”?

The name comes from its chicken-based predecessor, “Marry Me Chicken.” The legend goes that the dish is so incredibly delicious that if you serve it to your partner, they will be compelled to propose marriage on the spot! While I can’t guarantee a proposal, I can guarantee that this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is so good, it will definitely earn you some serious praise and adoration from anyone lucky enough to taste it. It’s a recipe that shows you care.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Disclaimer: The following nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used. This is calculated for one of four servings of the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

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• Author: Jordan
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

An incredibly rich and decadent shrimp pasta dish featuring a luscious, creamy parmesan sauce with savory garlic and sweet sun-dried tomatoes. This restaurant-quality meal is surprisingly simple to make in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect go-to for date nights, celebrations, or any time you want a meal that feels like a warm hug.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

12 oz (340g) Pasta (Linguine, fettuccine, or pappardelle recommended)
1 lb (450g) Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp Olive Oil
4–5 cloves Garlic, minced
1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and chopped
1/2 cup Chicken Broth, low-sodium preferred
1 1/2 cups Heavy Cream
3/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
1 tsp Dried Oregano
1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes, adjust to preference
1/4 cup Fresh Basil, chopped, for garnish
Salt and Black Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside
2. Sear the Shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, pat shrimp completely dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside
3. Start the Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes, and sauté for another minute
4. Build the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, pour in the heavy cream and dried oregano. Let the sauce gently simmer for 5-7 minutes, until it begins to thicke
5. Add the Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat to prevent clumping. Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water
6. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked shrimp and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything completely. Stir in the fresh basil, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, and serve immediately

Notes

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. Searing them for just a minute or two per side is sufficient as they will finish cooking in the warm sauce.

Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: For the creamiest sauce, buy a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.

The Magic of Pasta Water: The starchy water from cooking pasta helps emulsify the sauce, making it cling perfectly to the pasta. Always save more than you think you will need.

Control the Heat: To prevent a cream sauce from breaking, keep the heat low when adding the cream and remove the pan from the heat entirely before stirring in the cheese.

Variations: Sliced chicken breast or seared scallops can be substituted for shrimp. Add a few handfuls of fresh spinach at the end for extra greens.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 780 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 45g
• Saturated Fat: 25g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 42g
• Cholesterol: 280mg