Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite as romantic as a dish that speaks directly to the heart. Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is one of those meals—creamy, luscious, and packed with flavors that make every bite irresistible. This dish combines tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a rich, sun-dried tomato cream sauce that feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly.

The first time I made this recipe, it became an instant hit in my house. My husband jokingly said it was so good, he’d marry me all over again. Now, it’s our go-to for date nights, special occasions, or any evening when we want to make dinnertime feel extra special. Let’s dive into what makes this dish truly unforgettable.

Why You'll Love This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Get ready to discover your new favorite recipe. Marry Me Shrimp Pasta isn’t just delicious—it’s a culinary love letter that’s easy enough to whip up on a weeknight and impressive enough for company.

First off, this recipe is incredibly simple yet elegant. With minimal prep and straightforward steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish on the table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy schedules or last-minute dinner plans.

The flavor combination is absolutely divine. The rich cream sauce, balanced by the tang of sun-dried tomatoes and the brininess of sautéed shrimp, creates a depth of flavor that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

It’s also surprisingly budget-friendly. Shrimp is the main splurge here, but the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it a luxurious dish that won’t break the bank.

Lastly, this pasta is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or serving up a romantic dinner, this dish adapts beautifully to suit everyone’s tastes.

So, grab your apron and let’s create magic in the kitchen.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Marry Me Shrimp Pasta lies in its balance of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building the perfect bite.

Shrimp: Choose large or extra-large shrimp for this recipe. I recommend peeled and deveined for convenience. Fresh shrimp works beautifully, but high-quality frozen shrimp will also do the trick—just thaw them beforehand.

Pasta: Fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti are ideal for soaking up the creamy sauce. Their long strands create a luxurious texture in every bite. If you prefer shorter pasta, penne or rigatoni are great alternatives.

Sun-dried Tomatoes: These are the star ingredient that adds a sweet-tangy punch to the sauce. Look for ones packed in oil, as they’re more flavorful and easier to blend into the dish.

Heavy Cream: This is the base of the sauce, creating a velvety consistency that coats the pasta perfectly. You can substitute with half-and-half if you want a lighter version, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is essential for that nutty, savory finish. Skip the pre-grated varieties if you can—they don’t melt as smoothly into the sauce.

You’ll also need basics like garlic, olive oil, chicken broth, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to elevate the flavors. Don’t forget a large skillet and a pot for boiling the pasta.

How To Make This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Creating this mouthwatering pasta dish is easier than you might think. Follow these steps to bring a touch of romance to your dinner table.

Start by cooking your pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining—this can help adjust the sauce later.

While the pasta cooks, prepare the shrimp. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then sauté them in the hot skillet until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp and set aside.

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Let the mixture cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a minute before adding heavy cream. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a gentle simmer. Toss in freshly grated Parmesan and stir until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Return the shrimp to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta and shrimp are fully coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

Your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is ready to serve! Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or additional Parmesan for a final touch. The entire process takes about 30 minutes, making it as efficient as it is delicious.

Storage Options

If you find yourself with leftovers (a rare occurrence with this dish!), here’s how to store them for maximum freshness.

Refrigeration: Transfer the pasta to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it just as delightful when reheated.

Freezing: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Be aware that the creamy sauce may separate slightly upon reheating.

Reheating: To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to help revive the sauce and stir gently until warmed through.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Here are some fun ways to make it your own.

For a spicier kick, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

If you’re not a fan of shrimp, swap it out for chicken, scallops, or even a plant-based protein like tofu for a vegetarian twist.

Looking for a healthier option? Use whole-grain pasta or zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a lighter, veggie-packed version.

Experiment with herbs like basil or thyme to add fresh, aromatic flavors to the dish.

Swap the Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or a dairy-free alternative to cater to dietary restrictions.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe truly yours. After all, the best meals are the ones you make with love!

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