Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish featuring juicy shrimp in a luscious sun-dried tomato parmesan cream sauce, served over perfectly cooked pasta. Inspired by the famous “Marry Me Chicken,” this dish is so delicious, it just might win hearts!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Restaurant-Quality at Home – Creamy, garlicky, and packed with flavor.
  • Perfect for Date Night – A romantic, indulgent meal that’s easy to make.
  • Rich & Creamy Sauce – Parmesan, heavy cream, and sun-dried tomatoes create a dreamy sauce.
  • Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes for a fast yet impressive dinner.
  • Customizable – Use different pasta, add veggies, or make it spicier.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pasta & Shrimp:

  • Pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)
  • Large shrimp (peeled & deveined)
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Salt & black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes (for heat, optional)

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • Butter
  • Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
  • Chicken broth (or seafood broth)
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • Italian seasoning
  • Paprika
  • Fresh basil (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Boil Water – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook Pasta – Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

  1. Heat Oil – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Sauté Shrimp – Add shrimp, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

  1. Melt Butter – In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Deglaze with Broth – Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
  4. Add Cream & Parmesan – Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Combine & Serve

  1. Return Shrimp to Pan – Add the cooked shrimp back into the sauce and stir to coat.
  2. Toss with Pasta – Add pasta and toss until fully coated in the creamy sauce.
  3. Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Kick – Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
  • Vegetable Add-Ins – Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.
  • Low-Carb Option – Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
  • Lighter Version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate.
  • Reheating: Warm over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to restore texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Thaw completely before cooking.

What’s the best pasta for this dish?

Fettuccine, linguine, or penne work best.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes! The sauce will be slightly lighter.

How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Can I add white wine to the sauce?

Absolutely! Replace ¼ cup broth with dry white wine for extra flavor.

What’s a good side dish for this pasta?

Garlic bread, roasted asparagus, or a fresh Caesar salad pair beautifully.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer longer or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but add them at the end to prevent overcooking.

What’s the best way to get extra flavor in the sauce?

Sauté the garlic with sun-dried tomatoes and deglaze the pan with broth or wine.

Conclusion

This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a luxurious yet easy-to-make dish that’s sure to impress. Whether for a date night, special occasion, or just a delicious homemade meal, the creamy, garlicky, and flavorful sauce will make you fall in love. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality pasta at home!

Print

Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a rich, flavorful, and indulgent dish, featuring tender shrimp in a creamy sun-dried tomato and garlic parmesan sauce. It’s restaurant-worthy, yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner or a romantic date night!

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter

For the Sauce:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth (or seafood broth)
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for balance)
  • ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
  • 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

  1. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, add garlic, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1 minute.
  2. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any bits from the pan.
  3. Stir in heavy cream, parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, until slightly thickened.
  4. Add lemon juice and stir well.

Step 4: Combine Everything

  1. Return shrimp and cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce.
  2. Simmer for 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

  1. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley.
  2. Serve warm with extra parmesan and garlic bread on the side!


Notes

  • Want more heat? Add extra red pepper flakes.
  • Lighter version? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • No shrimp? Swap for chicken, salmon, or scallops.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star