If you’re looking to make a dinner that’s as impressive as it is comforting, the Marry Me Shrimp With Pasta Recipe is the answer! Imagine tender shrimp tossed in a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce, all wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta. This dish has a reputation for winning hearts with every bite, and it’s easy to see why. From its luscious sauce to its satisfying textures, this is the kind of meal you’ll want to serve on special occasions—or any night you want to treat yourself and your loved ones!

Marry Me Shrimp With Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Marry Me Shrimp With Pasta Recipe keeps things delightfully simple, but every ingredient is carefully chosen to bring out maximum flavor and a touch of elegance. Each element works together to create a rich, colorful, and crave-worthy pasta dish you’ll come back to again and again.

Pasta (12 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti): Choose your favorite long pasta to soak up all that beautiful sauce.
Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): The star of the recipe, shrimp cook quickly and add a sweet, delicate bite.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing the shrimp and building the base of the sauce.
Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and a hint of luxury to the sauce.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Essential for that savory aroma and bold flavor.
Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): For just the right amount of gentle heat—adjust according to your taste.
Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Helps deglaze the pan and adds depth to the sauce.
Heavy cream (3/4 cup): This is what makes the sauce creamy and dreamy.
Sun-dried tomatoes (1/3 cup, chopped): Their tangy sweetness is the secret ingredient that makes this dish unforgettable.
Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Salty, nutty, and perfect for melting into the sauce.
Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Brings that classic herby flavor that ties everything together.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Always taste and adjust for perfect seasoning.
Fresh basil (1 tablespoon, chopped): Adds a pop of color and fresh, aromatic finish.
Extra Parmesan (optional, for garnish): Because there’s no such thing as too much cheese!

How to Make Marry Me Shrimp With Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Drop in your fettuccine or spaghetti and cook until just al dente, following the package directions. Reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid will help you create a silky, restaurant-worthy sauce later on. Set the cooked pasta aside while you work on the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, arrange the shrimp in a single layer. Season them with salt and black pepper, then cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook—the shrimp should be juicy and tender! Remove them from the skillet and keep them close by.

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce

In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, gently scraping up any golden bits from the bottom of the pan—that’s pure flavor! Bring it to a light simmer to let everything meld together.

Step 4: Add Creamy Goodness

Now, stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Simmer the sauce for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly and the cheese melts into the cream. You’ll see the sauce come together with a gorgeous golden hue and irresistible aroma.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, along with your pasta. Toss everything gently to coat the noodles and shrimp in that dreamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash or two of your reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Finish with a shower of fresh basil and extra Parmesan for that final flourish. Your Marry Me Shrimp With Pasta Recipe is ready to serve!

How to Serve Marry Me Shrimp With Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Brighten each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil and a generous dusting of extra Parmesan. If you’re feeling fancy, a twist of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil elevates the presentation and flavor even further. The fresh herbs and cheese truly make this dish pop!

Side Dishes

Pair this Marry Me Shrimp With Pasta Recipe with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette, or serve alongside warm, crusty bread that’s perfect for scooping up every last drop of sauce. Roasted asparagus or simple sautéed greens also make great accompaniments for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a romantic dinner, serve the pasta in shallow bowls with a few whole shrimp placed right on top for a dramatic effect. You can also portion it into small plates for a dinner party appetizer, or even twirl the pasta into neat nests for an elegant restaurant-style presentation. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will meld together even more, making it a delicious next-day treat. Just remember, seafood is best enjoyed sooner rather than later for optimal taste and texture.

Freezing

While you can technically freeze this Marry Me Shrimp With Pasta Recipe, the creamy sauce and shrimp tend to change in texture once thawed. If you do freeze, store in a well-sealed container for up to one month. For best results, freeze the sauce and pasta separately, then add freshly cooked shrimp when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving for too long, as shrimp can quickly become rubbery. Add a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and basil to bring back that just-made flavor!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While fettuccine or spaghetti is classic, you can use linguine, penne, or any pasta shape you love. Just keep in mind that long noodles tend to capture the creamy sauce best.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The sauce will still be creamy and flavorful, though it will have a slightly different profile.

What can I substitute for shrimp?

Scallops or chicken make excellent alternatives to shrimp in this Marry Me Shrimp With Pasta Recipe. Simply adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure your protein is perfectly cooked.

How spicy is this recipe?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, but it’s easy to adjust to your taste. For a milder version, use less or omit entirely. If you love spice, feel free to add a bit more!

Can I prepare any part of the dish ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and even prep the shrimp a few hours ahead. The sauce is best made fresh, but you can chop the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in advance for quick assembly at dinnertime.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a dish like the Marry Me Shrimp With Pasta Recipe with people you care about. Its creamy sauce, sweet shrimp, and bursts of sun-dried tomato will have everyone reaching for seconds. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite meal to make and share!

Marry Me Shrimp With Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta is a delicious and creamy Italian-inspired dish featuring succulent sautéed shrimp tossed in a rich sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a romantic dinner or an impressive weeknight meal, this dish combines tender pasta with bold flavors and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti

Shrimp and Sauce

1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped)
Optional extra Parmesan for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and butter until melted and hot. Add shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor. Stir in heavy cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine and Toss: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the reserved cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, slowly add reserved pasta water to loosen to desired consistency.
Finish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped basil and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your beautifully rich and flavorful Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta.

Notes

For a variation, substitute shrimp with scallops or chicken.
For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Serve with crusty bread or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired