Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like the combination of succulent shrimp, al dente pasta, and a luscious, creamy sauce to bring everyone together around the dinner table. Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a dish so irresistibly delicious, it’s said to inspire proposals—and once you taste it, you’ll understand why.

I discovered this recipe while experimenting with date-night dinners that felt fancy but didn’t require hours in the kitchen. Since then, it’s become a go-to for both romantic evenings and easy weeknight indulgence. Let’s dive in and see what makes this dish so special.

Why You'll Love This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Get ready to fall head over heels for this irresistible pasta dish. Marry Me Shrimp Pasta combines simple ingredients into something truly spectacular, making it a favorite for all occasions.

First off, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make. In just 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table, perfect for last-minute plans or when you're craving something indulgent but low effort.

The combination of plump shrimp and a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce is pure magic. The shrimp cook up juicy and tender, while the sauce adds richness with a subtle tang that balances the flavors beautifully.

It’s also a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving picky eaters or impressing dinner guests, this dish wins everyone over with its comforting yet elegant appeal.

Finally, it’s versatile. You can swap out ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs, and it still delivers on flavor every time.

Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Marry Me Shrimp Pasta lies in its blend of fresh and flavorful ingredients. Here’s what makes each component shine:

Shrimp are the star of the show. Opt for large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, for the best results. Fresh shrimp bring incredible flavor, but frozen works just as well—just be sure to thaw them first.

Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet, tangy depth to the creamy sauce. Use oil-packed tomatoes for a richer flavor, and chop them finely so their bold taste is evenly distributed.

The cream sauce combines heavy cream and chicken broth, creating a silky base with just the right consistency. For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.

Garlic and onion form the aromatic foundation of the dish. Their savory notes infuse the sauce with warmth and complexity.

Parmesan cheese is the final touch, adding a salty, nutty finish that ties the flavors together beautifully. Freshly grated Parmesan works best for optimal melting and flavor.

If you have one, a large skillet or sauté pan is ideal for cooking everything evenly and making cleanup a breeze.

How To Make This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Creating this dish is simple and straightforward. Here’s how to bring it all together in just a few steps:

Start by cooking your pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your favorite pasta shape until just al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining—it’s great for adjusting the sauce consistency later.

While the pasta cooks, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Sear the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the diced onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Next, deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine, then let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.

Return the shrimp to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Storage Options

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored for later.

For short-term storage, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

If you want to freeze it, leave out the pasta and freeze the shrimp and sauce in a separate container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the sauce overnight in the fridge, reheat it gently on the stovetop, and cook fresh pasta to serve.

To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce silky. Stir frequently to prevent the shrimp from overcooking.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Swap the shrimp for chicken, scallops, or even tofu for a different protein option.
• Use zoodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta for a low-carb version.
• Add a handful of baby spinach or arugula to the sauce for extra greens and a fresh flavor boost.
• Experiment with different cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a sharper, tangier finish.
• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

Feel free to get creative and make this recipe work for you. The possibilities are endless, and you’re bound to find a version that’s perfect for your taste buds.

This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate combination of indulgence and ease. Try it out and see if it wins your heart as quickly as it did ours!

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