Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Irresistible Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Weeknight dinners get a luxurious upgrade with this creamy marry me shrimp pasta that promises instant kitchen romance.

Seafood enthusiasts will adore the rich, velvety sauce coating perfectly tender shrimp.

Home cooks can whip up this impressive dish in under thirty minutes.

Succulent prawns nestled against al dente pasta create a meal that feels both elegant and comforting.

Delicate herbs and a hint of garlic elevate each forkful into something truly memorable.

pasta lovers seeking a restaurant-quality experience will find this recipe absolutely irresistible.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this delectable creation.

Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Overview

  • Burst with Flavor Combinations: Experience a mouthwatering explosion of textures and tastes with crispy fried chicken, tangy street corn, spicy ranch, and smoky bacon all packed into one incredible taco.
  • Master Complex Cooking Techniques: Learn professional-level cooking skills by practicing buttermilk soaking, precise frying, and creating gourmet sauces that elevate your culinary repertoire.
  • Perfect for Social Gatherings: Impress friends and family with these show-stopping tacos that blend Mexican street food inspiration with Southern-style fried chicken for a unique crowd-pleasing dish.
  • Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels, swap ingredients, or modify toppings to suit individual preferences, making this recipe incredibly versatile for different taste buds and dietary needs.

Ingredients For Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

For the Protein:
  • Shrimp: Large, succulent seafood that provides the main protein and creates a luxurious texture in this pasta dish.
For the Pasta:
  • Pasta: The foundational carbohydrate that serves as the base for this creamy, flavorful meal.
For the Sauce Base:
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, velvety sauce.
  • Olive Oil: Adds a subtle flavor and helps prevent sticking during cooking.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luscious, creamy texture that coats the pasta and shrimp.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
For the Seasonings and Herbs:
  • Garlic: Offers a pungent, aromatic base that enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
  • Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and slight smokiness to the shrimp.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a gentle heat and subtle spiciness to the dish.
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that adds complexity and traditional Italian flavor.
  • Basil: Brings a fresh, herbal note that brightens the entire dish.
For the Additional Flavor Enhancers:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Contribute a concentrated, tangy sweetness to the sauce.
  • Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, acidic element that balances the rich, creamy sauce.

Stepwise Guide To Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Grab your favorite pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. Once it’s perfectly al dente, drain the water and set the pasta aside, ready to be transformed into a delicious meal.

Step 2: Sizzle Succulent Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the shrimp and sprinkle with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika

Cook the shrimp until they turn a beautiful pink color, about 2 minutes on each side.

Carefully remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Garlic Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic along with red pepper flakes.

Let them dance and sizzle together for about a minute, releasing their incredible aroma.

Step 4: Craft Luxurious Creamy Sauce

Stir in these flavor-packed ingredients:
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning

Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, creating a rich and velvety texture that will make your taste buds sing.

Step 5: Combine and Enhance

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add the prepared pasta. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece is beautifully coated with the creamy sauce.

Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and sprinkle chopped basil for a burst of brightness.

Step 6: Serve and Indulge

Plate your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta immediately while it’s hot.

For an extra touch of decadence, garnish with additional parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Get ready to fall in love with every single bite!

Helpful Hints For Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

  • Opt for large, fresh shrimp to ensure the most tender and flavorful result in this creamy pasta dish.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance, adding more or less for personalized heat levels.
  • Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for a richer, more authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
  • Consider swapping heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the sauce.
  • Quickly cook shrimp to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery, maintaining their delicate texture.

Flavorful Twists For Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

  • Spicy Kick Shrimp Pasta: Replace red pepper flakes with chipotle powder for a smoky, intense heat that transforms the dish's flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Herb Shrimp Pasta: Swap Italian seasoning with za'atar and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired variation that brings fresh Mediterranean tastes.
  • Cajun Cream Shrimp Pasta: Use Cajun seasoning instead of salt and paprika, incorporate andouille sausage for extra depth, and finish with green onions for a Louisiana-style preparation.
  • Coconut Curry Shrimp Pasta: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk, add yellow curry powder, and garnish with chopped cilantro for an Asian-inspired version that delivers rich, complex flavors.
  • Coastal Date Night Delight: Plate this romantic pasta in soft candlelight, paired with crisp white wine. The creamy sauce and tender shrimp create an intimate dining experience perfect for impressing your special someone.
  • Elegant Summer Lunch: Serve chilled on a light ceramic platter, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Add a small side salad with lemon vinaigrette to complement the rich pasta's flavors and create a balanced meal.
  • Mediterranean Picnic Style: Transfer to a rustic ceramic dish, sprinkle extra parmesan and red pepper flakes. Pack with crusty bread and pack in a stylish picnic basket for an outdoor dining adventure that feels like a seaside escape.

Storage Tips For Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

  • Store leftover pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth and maintain freshness.
  • Seal the container and place in the refrigerator, keeping the dish cool for up to 3-4 days without compromising taste or texture.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore sauce consistency and prevent dryness.
  • Transfer to a freezer-safe container, removing excess air, and store for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

The name suggests the dish is so delicious that it might make someone fall in love or propose marriage due to its incredible flavor combination of creamy sauce, succulent shrimp, and rich seasonings.

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure proper seasoning and prevent excess water in the skillet.

  • What if I don't have sun-dried tomatoes?

You can substitute with fresh cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers to maintain a similar bright, tangy flavor profile in the dish.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them entirely for a less spicy version that’s still full of flavor.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Marry me shrimp pasta offers a romantic culinary experience with succulent shrimp nestled in a luscious cream sauce. Pasta lovers will adore this quick, elegant dish that promises to enchant dinner companions with its irresistible flavors.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare pasta al dente according to package guidelines, then drain and reserve.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, carefully sautéing shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika until they turn vibrant pink, approximately 2 minutes per side. Transfer shrimp to a separate plate.
  3. In the identical skillet, gently melt butter and introduce minced garlic and red pepper flakes, allowing aromatics to release their fragrance for roughly 60 seconds.
  4. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, rich heavy cream, savory chicken broth, grated parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Allow mixture to simmer and gradually thicken, creating a luxurious sauce consistency.
  5. Reintroduce cooked shrimp and pasta into the skillet, delicately tossing to ensure complete sauce coverage. Brighten flavors by adding fresh lemon juice and chopped basil.
  6. Plate immediately while piping hot, optionally embellishing with additional parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for enhanced visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Choose large, deveined shrimp for quick and even cooking to achieve a perfect tender texture.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes, making the dish mild or spicier according to personal preference.
  • Use fresh basil and high-quality parmesan cheese to elevate the overall flavor profile and create a restaurant-worthy meal.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, reducing calories without compromising creamy richness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 510 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 190 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star