Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Introduction

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is your ticket to a dish so rich, creamy, and flavorful that it just might inspire a proposal! Inspired by the beloved “Marry Me Chicken,” this indulgent pasta features tender, succulent shrimp bathed in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, infused with garlic, Parmesan, and just the right touch of spice. Every bite is a perfect balance of bold flavors and velvety textures, making it a meal that feels both comforting and luxurious.

I still remember the first time I made this dish for a special dinner at home—the aroma of garlic and Parmesan filled the kitchen, and with just one bite, it was clear this was a recipe worth keeping. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! With just a handful of simple ingredients and about 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish that’s guaranteed to impress.

Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a gathering with friends, or simply craving something irresistibly creamy and satisfying, Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is sure to be a hit. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh basil, extra Parmesan, and a side of garlic bread for a meal that’s nothing short of unforgettable!

Perfect for:

• Romantic dinners
• Special occasions
• Family meals
• Impressing guests
• Seafood lovers

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Here’s why Marry Me Shrimp Pasta will become one of your go-to pasta dishes:

• Rich and Creamy Sauce: The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a luxurious sauce that coats every bite.
• Succulent Shrimp: Perfectly cooked shrimp add a delicious seafood twist to the classic “Marry Me” sauce.
• Easy Yet Impressive: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like something from a fine dining restaurant.
• Flavor Explosion: A blend of garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning gives the sauce a deep, savory flavor with a touch of heat.
• Customizable: You can switch up the protein, pasta type, or spice level to make it your own.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 550-600 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 30g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta:

• 8 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or large)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for extra brightness)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Ingredient Highlights

• Shrimp: Choose fresh or frozen shrimp, making sure they are peeled and deveined for easy preparation.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a rich, slightly tangy depth of flavor to the creamy sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: A key ingredient that enhances the savory, umami richness of the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its luxurious, creamy texture.
• Garlic & Red Pepper Flakes: Essential for building layers of bold, garlicky, and slightly spicy flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta:

Cook the Pasta:

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Pasta: Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Cook the Shrimp:

3. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
4. Sauté Shrimp: Add the shrimp, season with salt, black pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce:

5. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Seasoning: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and remaining Italian seasoning. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
7. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
8. Add Cream and Parmesan: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and tomato paste. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

Combine Everything:

9. Return Shrimp to the Pan: Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
10. Toss with Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
11. Finish with Lemon Juice (Optional): Stir in a teaspoon of lemon juice for extra brightness.

How to Serve Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is best served hot and fresh, with a few extra toppings and sides:

• Classic Plated Style – Serve the pasta in a shallow bowl, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil.
• With Garlic Bread – Accompany the dish with crispy garlic bread or toasted baguette slices to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Over Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles) – For a low-carb option, serve the shrimp and sauce over spiralized zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.
• With a Side Salad – Pair the pasta with a fresh side salad, like a Caesar salad or a simple arugula and cherry tomato mix.
• Baked in a Casserole – Transfer the cooked pasta and shrimp into a baking dish, top with mozzarella or Parmesan cheese, and broil until golden and bubbly.
• As a Surf & Turf Dish – Serve alongside a grilled steak or chicken breast for an indulgent, restaurant-style meal.
• Over Rice or Risotto – Instead of pasta, try serving the shrimp and creamy sauce over a bed of buttery rice or risotto.
• In a Bread Bowl – Hollow out a crusty bread loaf and serve the creamy shrimp pasta inside for a fun and unique presentation.
• Topped with Crispy Prosciutto – Add a crunchy, salty contrast by garnishing the dish with crispy pan-fried prosciutto.
• With Roasted Vegetables – Serve with a side of oven-roasted asparagus, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts for extra texture and flavor.

Additional Tips for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

• Use Fresh Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Add more or less red pepper flakes depending on your spice preference.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
• Thin the Sauce as Needed: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of pasta water or broth.
• Try Different Pasta Shapes: While linguine or fettuccine work great, penne or rigatoni also hold the sauce well.
• Make it Lighter: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a slightly lighter sauce.

Recipe Variations for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Here are 10 variations you can try for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta:

• Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Swap shrimp for bite-sized chicken breast pieces.
• Spicy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.
• Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Increase the lemon juice and add zest for a brighter, citrusy twist.
• Creamy Tomato Marry Me Pasta: Add a can of crushed tomatoes for a more tomato-forward sauce.
• Bacon & Shrimp Pasta: Stir in crispy bacon bits for extra smoky flavor.
• Spinach & Shrimp Pasta: Add fresh spinach at the end for a pop of color and extra nutrients.
• Mushroom Marry Me Pasta: Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy flavor boost.
• Pesto Shrimp Pasta: Mix in a spoonful of pesto for a herby twist.
• Dairy-Free Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and dairy-free Parmesan.
• Gluten-Free Marry Me Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.

Freezing and Storage for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth.
• Freezing: The sauce can be made ahead and frozen for up to 2 months. However, it’s best to cook fresh pasta and shrimp when serving.

Special Equipment for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

• Large Skillet: A wide skillet ensures even cooking for the shrimp and sauce.
• Tongs: Useful for tossing the pasta with the sauce.
• Microplane Zester: Perfect for grating Parmesan and zesting lemon.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.

Frequently Asked Questions for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
   The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
3. What pasta works best?
   Linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti are great choices, but any pasta works.

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Conclusion

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a rich, elegant dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your table. With its creamy, garlicky sauce, succulent shrimp, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, every bite is pure indulgence. This irresistible pasta is perfect for special occasions, date nights, or even a cozy weeknight dinner when you want something extraordinary.

Best of all, it’s quick and easy to make, so you can impress your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil for the perfect finishing touch.

I’d love to see your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta creations! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see how it turns out. Happy cooking!