Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe
If you’re ready to impress your taste buds and everyone at the table, this Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe is the perfect dish to win hearts effortlessly. Imagine tender shrimp nestled in a rich, creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and a delicate blend of Italian seasonings all tossed with perfectly cooked linguine. It’s a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures that feels both indulgent and comforting—a dish so delicious, it might just inspire a proposal. This recipe combines simplicity with gourmet charm, making it a fantastic choice for special dinners or anytime you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe lies in its carefully chosen, yet simple ingredients. Each component plays a pivotal role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible creamy sauce. From the fresh basil adding color and brightness to the Parmesan lending a savory punch, every ingredient matters.
- 8 ounces linguine pasta: The perfect pasta shape to soak up the luscious sauce without overpowering the shrimp.
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: Tender and succulent, the star protein of the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix that seasons the shrimp beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the shrimp’s natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Adds just the right touch of heat.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing shrimp to golden perfection.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce.
- 3 teaspoons garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the sauce into creamy goodness.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Adds savory body and richness to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Brings luscious creaminess and silkiness to every bite.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Provides salty, nutty flavor that makes the sauce irresistible.
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped: Offers tangy sweetness and a vibrant pop of color.
- ⅓ cup fresh basil, chopped: Bright and fresh herbal notes that lighten up the richness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smoky undertone and beautiful warm color.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: More of that classic mix to round out the sauce’s flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Final seasoning to balance every flavor perfectly.
- Additional fresh basil, for garnish: Adds a fresh, eye-catching finish for serving.
How to Make Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking your linguine pasta according to the package instructions. Al dente is the way to go here—it keeps the noodles firm enough to stand up to the rich sauce without turning mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside but keep it warm for later.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
While your pasta is cooking, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp in a mixture of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning combo brings out the shrimp’s natural flavor and perfectly complements the creamy sauce you’ll be making.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your seasoned shrimp and cook them until they turn pink and opaque—around 6 to 8 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, or they may become rubbery. Once cooked, remove shrimp from the pan and set aside to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, letting its fragrance permeate the pan. Next, whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux—that’s your thickening agent. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens beautifully. This is the moment the kitchen starts smelling truly heavenly.
Step 5: Add Flavor and Texture
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, paprika, and the remaining Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk everything until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and perfectly seasoned. This step elevates the sauce into something you’ll want to savor with every bite.
Step 6: Combine Shrimp and Pasta with Sauce
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with your drained pasta. Toss everything together so that the noodles and shrimp are luxuriously coated in that savory, creamy sauce. Let it all sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes to meld the flavors before serving.
How to Serve Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the perfect finishing touch, adding a burst of color and a refreshing herbal note that brightens the rich sauce. You can also sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan on top for an extra layer of cheesy goodness that melts right into the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread is ideal for soaking up every last bit of the delicious sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli add texture and complement the Italian flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve the Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe in shallow pasta bowls, nest your shrimp neatly atop the pasta, and garnish with whole basil leaves. You can even sprinkle a little crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice or drizzle a bit of high-quality olive oil to add a glossy finish. A lemon wedge on the side is also a delightful addition for guests who like a citrusy zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate from the pasta and shrimp if possible to maintain freshness and prevent the pasta from becoming overly soft.
Freezing
While the shrimp and pasta are best fresh, you can freeze the creamy sauce on its own for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it slowly in the fridge, then gently reheat and add freshly cooked shrimp and pasta for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream while warming can revive the sauce’s creamy texture and ensure each bite tastes as delightful as the first.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking to avoid excess moisture in your dish.
Is it possible to substitute the heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, but keep in mind the sauce may not be as rich and thick. For dairy-free options, coconut cream works well but will add a subtle coconut flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and use gluten-free pasta to keep this dish safe for gluten-sensitive diners without sacrificing taste.
How spicy is the Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe?
This recipe has a mild warmth from the paprika and pepper but is not spicy. You can easily adjust the heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a kick.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce and shrimp beautifully, adding freshness to each bite.
Final Thoughts
With its irresistible creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and fresh herbal flavors, the Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe is truly a dish that brings joy to the table. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to indulge in a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. Don’t wait to try this heart-winning dish that might just have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe something more!
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Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta is a rich and creamy Italian-inspired dish featuring perfectly seasoned shrimp simmered in a luscious Parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce, served over tender linguine pasta. This quick and flavorful recipe combines the sweetness of shrimp with aromatic herbs and a velvety sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine pasta
Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- ⅓ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Additional fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the linguine pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
- Season Shrimp: Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper to evenly coat each piece with flavor.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 6-8 minutes, taking care not to overcook them.
- Remove Shrimp: Transfer the cooked shrimp from the skillet to a plate and set aside to keep warm.
- Make Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Create Roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Thicken Sauce: Continue whisking and heating the mixture until the sauce begins to thicken and becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, paprika, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked shrimp and drained linguine pasta into the sauce. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta and shrimp are well coated in the creamy sauce.
- Final Sauté: Sauté the combined mixture for another 3-4 minutes to let all the flavors meld and to heat through evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with additional fresh basil leaves and serve immediately while warm and flavorful.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- You can substitute linguine with fettuccine or spaghetti if preferred.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but sauce may be less rich.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil work best for richer flavor; if using dry-packed, rehydrate in warm water before chopping.
- This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian