Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe That Will Impress Anyone

Get your marry me shrimp pasta recipe instructions below!

If you’re searching for a meal that’s both luxurious and comforting, Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the answer.

With creamy garlic sauce, tender shrimp, and a hint of spice, it’s the perfect blend of indulgence and elegance.

This dish is a personal favorite for date nights or special celebrations, but its simplicity makes it equally fitting for a weeknight dinner.

Ready to elevate your pasta game? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is guaranteed to win hearts with its irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Here’s why:

1. Rich and Creamy: The velvety sauce made with heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese is pure indulgence.
2. Fast and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for both busy weeknights and romantic dinners.
3. Bursting with Flavor: Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a hint of red pepper flakes add depth and spice.
4. Impressive Yet Simple: It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can whip up effortlessly in your own kitchen.

Key Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this decadent pasta:

• Shrimp: Large shrimp (peeled and deveined) work best for their sweetness and meaty texture. Use fresh or frozen, ensuring frozen shrimp are thawed first.
• Pasta: Linguine or spaghetti are ideal for soaking up the luscious sauce. Feel free to swap in penne or fettuccine if that’s what you have.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a sweet-tangy depth to the sauce. Use oil-packed for the best flavor and texture.
• Heavy Cream: Creates the creamy, rich base. Half-and-half can be substituted for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less thick.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a savory, nutty finish. Skip pre-grated cheese for better melting.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the sauce its bold, aromatic foundation.
• Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but they add a subtle kick that balances the creaminess beautifully.

How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Follow these simple steps for a dish that’s as delicious as it is stunning:

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.

4. Build the Sauce

Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Add the Cheese and Shrimp

Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat them in the sauce.

6. Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the shrimp and sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add splashes of the reserved pasta water until you achieve the desired consistency.

7. Serve and Garnish

Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, flavorful magic!

Storage and Reheatin

While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be saved with care:

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

Variations and Substitutions

Make this dish your own with these creative variations:

1. Switch the Protein: Swap shrimp for scallops, lobster, or chicken for a different spin.
2. Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, roasted red peppers, or asparagus for added color and nutrition.
3. Make It Spicier: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of chili oil for extra heat.
4. Use a Different Cheese: Try Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a unique flavor twist.
5. Try Alternative Pasta: Use penne, rigatoni, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

• 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Sauté shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, cook for 2–3 minutes per side, then remove and set aside.
3. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Make sauce: Add sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Finish sauce: Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss.
6. Combine: Add cooked pasta, tossing to coat. Use pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve warm.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a dish that lives up to its name. It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor—perfect for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or just treating yourself.

Serve it alongside a crisp salad and garlic bread for a complete meal and watch as everyone falls head over heels for this decadent pasta.

Try it tonight and see why it’s love at first bite!