There's something magical about the combination of tender shrimp, silky pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs. This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a dish so delicious, it just might inspire proposals!

I discovered this recipe while trying to elevate a simple shrimp pasta dish for a special date night. It was love at first bite, and now itโs my go-to for everything from cozy family dinners to romantic evenings. Letโs dive into the details that make this recipe unforgettable.
Why You'll Love This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Get ready to add a little romance to your dinner table with this irresistible dish. It's packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
First, this recipe is incredibly quick and easy. From start to finish, it takes just 30 minutesโideal for weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Secondly, the flavor combination is unmatched. The creamy sauce, with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a hint of parmesan, pairs beautifully with the tender shrimp and al dente pasta.
Not only is it crowd-pleasing, but itโs also customizable. Swap out the shrimp for chicken or leave out the protein for a vegetarian twist.
Finally, this dish has a restaurant-quality feel without the hefty price tag. Youโll feel like a gourmet chef right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating that perfect harmony of tastes and textures.
- Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for this recipe. Fresh shrimp will give the best flavor, but frozen works in a pinchโjust thaw them before cooking.
- Pasta: Fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti work beautifully here. These long pasta shapes allow the creamy sauce to coat every strand perfectly.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a tangy depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness to the sauce. Look for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best texture and taste.
- Heavy Cream: The base of the sauce, heavy cream ensures a rich, velvety texture. If youโre watching calories, you can substitute half-and-half, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan is key for maximum flavor and creaminess. Pre-grated varieties can work in a pinch but wonโt melt as smoothly.
Special Equipment: A large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta are all you need. A microplane grater for the parmesan can also be handy.
How To Make This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Making this dish is easier than it looks! Let me walk you through the simple steps to create this indulgent pasta masterpiece.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sautรฉ the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook them in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sautรฉ minced garlic and diced sun-dried tomatoes for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Combine Everything: Return the shrimp to the skillet, then toss in the cooked pasta. Mix well to coat the pasta and shrimp in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and an extra grating of parmesan. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Storage Options
This pasta dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can still be delicious when stored properly.
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: While creamy sauces can separate when frozen, this dish can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating Tips: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring back the sauceโs creaminess. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the shrimp.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some ways to make it your own:
- Swap the Protein: Use chicken, scallops, or even tofu for a different twist.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick of heat.
- Go Vegetarian: Omit the shrimp and load up on sautรฉed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables.
- Change the Cheese: Try pecorino romano or asiago for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to adapt this dish for dietary needs.
Experiment with these ideas and find your perfect version of this indulgent pasta dish!
This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a recipe youโll come back to time and time again. Whether youโre making it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, every bite is a celebration of flavor. Enjoy!
PrintCreamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta combines succulent shrimp, a luscious cream sauce, and pasta in a recipe that's guaranteed to impress.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ยฝ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ยฝ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ยฝ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sautรฉ shrimp until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to combine. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, if needed.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Substitute chicken or scallops for shrimp if desired.
- Use fresh Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Adjust spice level by increasing or omitting red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 870mg
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