Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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

Seafood lovers swoon over this irresistible marry me shrimp pasta that promises romance on a plate.

Succulent shrimp dance with silky sauce, creating a culinary experience that sparks passion.

Each twirled bite delivers creamy, garlicky goodness that melts hearts instantly.

Rich butter and tender prawns intertwine with perfectly cooked pasta, crafting a dish worthy of proposal-worthy praise.

Fresh herbs and a touch of red pepper flakes add vibrant depth to every forkful.

Weeknight dinners transform into memorable moments with this simple yet extraordinary recipe.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta – Reasons It’s a Hit

  • Whip Up Quickly: Requires minimal cooking skills and can be prepared in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combines creamy parmesan sauce with zesty sun-dried tomatoes and tender shrimp, creating a restaurant-quality meal that will impress family and friends.
  • Versatile Dinner Solution: Ideal for romantic date nights, weeknight dinners, or casual gatherings, this pasta dish adapts easily to different occasions and mood settings.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a single pan cooking method, saving time and reducing dish-washing hassle while delivering maximum deliciousness.

Shrimp Pasta Ingredients Everyone Loves

Main Ingredients:
  • Shrimp: Succulent seafood that serves as the protein centerpiece of this creamy pasta dish.
  • Pasta: The hearty base that absorbs the rich and flavorful sauce.
Dairy and Cream Components:
  • Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: These ingredients create a luxurious, velvety sauce that coats the pasta and shrimp.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Pepper: These ingredients add depth, warmth, and complexity to the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Provides the initial cooking fat for sautéing shrimp and creating the sauce.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the rich and creamy pasta dish.

Shrimp Pasta Cooking in a Snap

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Base

Boil your pasta in salted water until perfectly al dente.

Once cooked, carefully scoop out and save some pasta water before draining.

Set the pasta aside, ready for its creamy transformation.

Step 2: Sizzle The Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame.

Gently add shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper.

Cook each side until they turn a beautiful pink color, approximately 2-3 minutes.

Transfer the succulent shrimp to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Dreamy Sauce

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until wonderfully aromatic.

Add the following ingredients:
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes

Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer, developing rich flavors for 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Pasta And Shrimp

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.

Add the prepared pasta and toss everything together.

Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, creating a luxurious coating.

Step 5: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish.

Serve immediately while warm, ready to win hearts with this irresistible pasta.

Tips for Creamy Shrimp Pasta

Tips for Creamy Shrimp Pasta
  • Select fresh, deveined shrimp for the best flavor and texture, ensuring they’re not overcooked to maintain tenderness.
  • Add reserved pasta water gradually to create a smooth, silky sauce that perfectly coats the pasta and shrimp.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, starting with a small amount and increasing to taste.
  • Chop parsley just before serving to maximize its vibrant flavor and bright green color as a garnish.
  • Measure and chop ingredients before cooking to streamline the process and prevent burning garlic or overcooking shrimp.

Creative Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Ideas

Creative Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Ideas
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese for a creamy, vegan-friendly version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining the dish’s rich flavors.
  • Spicy Seafood Swap: Substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a protein alternative, adjusting cooking time accordingly to keep the sauce’s zesty character.
  • Mediterranean Makeover: Add kalamata olives, swap sun-dried tomatoes for fresh cherry tomatoes, and sprinkle feta cheese for a Greek-inspired transformation.

How to Serve Shrimp Pasta Perfectly

  • Romantic Date Night Delight: Create an intimate candlelit dinner setting with soft music and dimmed lights to elevate the pasta’s romantic essence.
  • Elegant Side Companions: Pair with crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Caesar salad to complement the creamy shrimp pasta’s rich flavors.
  • Leftover Magic Transformation: Repurpose remaining pasta by adding fresh grilled vegetables or mixing into a frittata for a delicious next-day lunch option.
  • Fresh Herbal Touch: Sprinkle additional fresh basil or chives on top just before serving to boost the dish’s aromatic profile and visual appeal.

Saving Shrimp Pasta for Later

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the pasta and shrimp are completely cooled before sealing.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
  • Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce’s creamy texture and prevent sticking.
  • Skip freezing this dish, as cream-based sauces and shrimp tend to separate and lose their original texture when thawed.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can adjust the heat by reducing or omitting them for a milder flavor.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, linguine, or penne work great with this creamy shrimp sauce.

  • What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

You can substitute with fresh cherry tomatoes or skip them entirely without losing the overall flavor profile of the dish.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

While best served fresh, you can store it in the refrigerator for 1-2 days and reheat gently, adding a splash of cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.

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Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe


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4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy marry me shrimp pasta promises romance on a plate, seducing taste buds with rich garlic butter sauce and succulent seafood. Couples craving a quick, luxurious dinner will fall head over heels for this irresistible Italian-inspired classic.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (454 grams)
  • 12 ounces linguine or spaghetti (340 grams)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 milliliters)
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (50 grams)

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Cooking and Seasoning:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare pasta according to package guidelines, preserving ½ cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining and setting aside.
  2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, carefully introducing shrimp with salt and pepper seasoning. Cook until seafood transforms to a vibrant pink hue, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer protein to a separate plate.
  3. Within the identical skillet, gently toast minced garlic until aromatic and golden. Introduce heavy cream, grated parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic Italian herbs, and fiery red pepper flakes. Whisk ingredients together, allowing sauce to gently bubble and thicken for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Reintegrate seared shrimp into the creamy sauce, then fold in cooked pasta. Delicately toss to ensure comprehensive coating, gradually incorporating reserved pasta water to achieve a silky, luxurious sauce consistency.
  5. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the dish and serve immediately while piping hot, creating a restaurant-quality meal that promises to captivate taste buds.

Notes

  • Balance pasta water carefully to prevent sauce from becoming too thin or thick, adjusting gradually for perfect creamy consistency.
  • Ensure shrimp are cooked precisely to maintain tender texture, watching for light pink color and slight curl without overcooking.
  • Consider dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream for lactose-intolerant individuals, maintaining rich sauce characteristics.
  • Choose gluten-free pasta options like chickpea or rice pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 580 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 195 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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