Picture this: tender, juicy shrimp nestled in a creamy, dreamy sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta isn’t just a meal; it’s a love story on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a date night or just treating yourself to something truly indulgent, this dish is here to sweep you off your feet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
It’s quick, easy, and bursting with restaurant-worthy flavors. The rich, creamy sauce has just the right amount of tanginess and spice to keep every bite exciting. And let’s not forget the shrimp—succulent and perfectly cooked, they’re the star of the show. The best part? This pasta is ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights and special occasions alike.
Ingredients
Here’s a peek at what you’ll need for this romantic dish. The full list of ingredients is below in the recipe card!
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Pasta (like linguine or spaghetti)
- Heavy cream
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Garlic
Directions
Cooking the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside. Save a cup of that pasta water—it’s liquid gold for the sauce.
Preparing the Shrimp
Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until they’re pink and slightly crisp. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
Making the Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce begins to thicken. Season with a pinch of red pepper flakes and a dash of Parmesan cheese.
Bringing It All Together
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, letting it soak up that luscious sauce. Add the shrimp back in and stir gently to combine. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of that reserved pasta water until it’s silky smooth.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture and presentation.
- Don’t skip the pasta water—it adds flavor and helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
- Want to save time? Use pre-cooked shrimp, but add them in just at the end to avoid overcooking.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half if you’re looking to lighten things up.
- Use chicken or scallops instead of shrimp for a fun twist.
- Add a handful of spinach or arugula for a pop of color and nutrients.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve this pasta with a side of warm garlic bread and a crisp Caesar salad. For drinks, a glass of chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce beautifully. If you’re keeping it non-alcoholic, try a sparkling lemon water or a light iced tea.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? Lucky you! Store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just thaw them completely before cooking.
2. What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Linguine or spaghetti works beautifully, but you can also use fettuccine or even penne.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
The sauce is best fresh, but you can prep the shrimp and pasta ahead of time to save some minutes.
4. How can I make this spicier?
Add extra red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce for a bolder kick.
Conclusion
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the kind of dish that’s so good, you might just fall in love all over again—with your food, your dinner companion, or yourself! It’s creamy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Go ahead, light a candle, plate it up, and enjoy every bite of this magical creation.
Print
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Seafood, Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stove-Top
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Creamy and irresistible, this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the perfect blend of succulent shrimp, a luscious tomato-cream sauce, and tender pasta. It’s a restaurant-quality dish you can make at home in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add cooked pasta and mix well. If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately
Notes
- Use large, fresh shrimp for the best flavor.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
- This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 215mg