There's something magical about a creamy shrimp pasta that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the perfect blend of succulent shrimp, al dente pasta, and a luscious, flavorful sauce. It's the kind of dish that earns its name – because after one bite, you'll fall head over heels.

This recipe quickly became a favorite in my household. I first tried it when hosting a last-minute dinner, and it was a hit! It's indulgent yet easy to make, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy evening at home. Let's dive into the details so you can whip up your own plate of this irresistible pasta.
Why You'll Love This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Get ready to fall in love with this show-stopping pasta dish. Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta delivers restaurant-quality flavors in the comfort of your own kitchen.
One of the best things about this recipe is how quick and simple it is. Despite its elegant appearance, the dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights or impromptu dinner plans.
The combination of tender shrimp, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta is a match made in heaven. Each bite bursts with flavor, from the richness of the sauce to the subtle heat of red pepper flakes.
Not only is it delicious, but it's also budget-friendly. Shrimp is often more affordable than other seafood options, and the other ingredients are pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
Finally, this recipe is versatile enough to suit your preferences. Whether you want to add extra veggies, swap out the pasta type, or adjust the spice level, it’s easy to make this dish your own.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient contributes to the dish's flavor and texture. Here's what you’ll need:
Shrimp: Use large shrimp (peeled and deveined) for the best texture. Fresh or frozen both work, but ensure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to prevent a watery sauce.
Pasta: Linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work beautifully. Their long, silky strands pair perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream: This forms the base of the luxurious sauce. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce may be thinner.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that balances the richness of the sauce. Opt for the oil-packed variety for extra depth.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with bold, aromatic flavor. It's a must-have for the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan enhances the creaminess and adds a nutty, savory element. Pre-shredded cheese can be used, but grating your own yields better results.
You’ll also need olive oil, butter, chicken broth, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. A large skillet and pot for the pasta are all the equipment required.
How to Make This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Making this dish is straightforward and satisfying, with only a few simple steps.
Start by cooking your pasta according to package instructions in generously salted water. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining. The starchy water is perfect for thinning the sauce later if needed.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper, then cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a minute before adding the heavy cream. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Lower the heat and whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat every strand in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Finally, return the shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together. Cook for another minute to warm the shrimp, then serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers, don’t worry – this pasta reheats beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating, use a skillet over low heat and add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing. However, if necessary, freeze the sauce and shrimp separately for up to 2 months, then cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to get creative.
For a veggie boost, stir in spinach or sautéed mushrooms with the sauce. The greens wilt beautifully, while mushrooms add an earthy depth.
Want to make it spicier? Increase the red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of hot sauce to the sauce.
If you're not a fan of shrimp, swap it out for chicken or scallops. Both pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
Looking for a gluten-free option? Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
For a lower-carb version, serve the sauce over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta.
This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that’s as easy to make as it is to love. With its creamy, flavorful sauce and succulent shrimp, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your household. Enjoy!
PrintCreamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the perfect blend of succulent shrimp, al dente pasta, and a luscious, creamy sauce. This irresistible dish is ideal for romantic dinners or a quick, comforting family meal. Enjoy a restaurant-quality recipe that's ready in no time!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss to combine. If needed, add reserved pasta water to reach desired sauce consistency.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth or shrimp stock.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
- Substitute sun-dried tomatoes with cherry tomatoes for a fresher twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 740mg
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