Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a decadent and flavor-packed dish that features juicy shrimp tossed in a creamy, sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce, served over tender pasta. Inspired by the viral “Marry Me Chicken” recipe, this seafood version is just as rich, romantic, and unforgettable—perfect for date night, entertaining, or anytime you want to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich & Creamy Sauce: A savory blend of cream, Parmesan, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Fast & Easy: Comes together in just 30 minutes—ideal for weeknights.
• Impressively Delicious: A restaurant-worthy dish with minimal effort.
• Customizable: Adjust spice level or switch up pasta and proteins to your liking.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Romantic and elegant, yet simple to make.

Ingredients

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

• Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
• Olive oil or sun-dried tomato oil
• Garlic, minced
• Onion, finely diced
• Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Tomato paste
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Boil your pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the shrimp: Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
3. Build the sauce: In the same pan, sauté garlic and onion until soft. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking until fragrant.
4. Make it creamy: Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Mix in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
5. Combine: Add cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water to the sauce. Toss to coat. Return shrimp to the pan and stir to combine.
6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped basil and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and vegan cheese alternatives.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
• Add Veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or peas make great additions.
• Use Chicken or Tofu: Swap shrimp for seared chicken breast or crispy tofu.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to the cream-based sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw and pat them dry before cooking.

What pasta shape works best?

Penne, fettuccine, or linguine hold the sauce beautifully.

Can I substitute half-and-half for cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be slightly lighter and less rich.

How do I make it spicier?

Add extra red pepper flakes, chili paste, or a dash of hot sauce.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, add them at the end to just warm through without overcooking.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Definitely—just skip the red pepper flakes if they’re sensitive to heat.

Can I prep this ahead?

Make the sauce in advance and reheat before tossing with freshly cooked pasta and shrimp.

What wine pairs well with this?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the cream and shrimp perfectly.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer longer or stir in more Parmesan cheese.

Is it possible to lighten this recipe?

Use light cream or milk and reduce the cheese slightly.

Conclusion

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a crave-worthy, creamy pasta dish that’s guaranteed to impress. With its luscious sauce, perfectly cooked shrimp, and simple prep, it’s no wonder this recipe wins hearts. Whether it’s for a cozy dinner at home or a special celebration, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

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