The Magical “Marry Me Shrimp Pasta” Recipe That Seals the Deal

Creamy, dreamy marry me shrimp pasta whispers culinary romance on your plate.

Delicate shells cradle succulent seafood in a velvety embrace.

Garlic and parmesan dance together, creating magic with each twirled bite.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel luxurious and intimate.

Butter melts into silky sauce, coating perfectly cooked pasta and plump shrimp.

Fresh herbs sprinkle green confetti across this irresistible dish.

You won’t be able to resist falling in love with every single forkful.

Storing Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Without Losing Freshness

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the pasta and sauce separate to maintain texture.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed glass container to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor integrity.
• Avoid freezing this pasta dish, as cream-based sauces tend to separate and become grainy when thawed.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to restore sauce consistency and prevent drying out.

FAQs

• What makes this dish creamy?

The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create a rich, smooth sauce that coats the pasta and shrimp perfectly, giving the dish its signature creamy texture.

• Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and develop a nice golden color.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The chili flakes add a subtle heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder dish. The recipe allows for easy customization of spice level.

• How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl slightly. Typically, this takes 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking will make them tough, so watch them carefully during cooking.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta That Impresses Every Time

• Quick and Simple Cooking: Prepare a delightful pasta dish with minimal steps, using basic kitchen ingredients that come together seamlessly for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
• Flavor Explosion: Combine creamy Parmesan sauce, succulent shrimp, and vibrant cherry tomatoes that create a mouthwatering blend of textures and tastes perfect for satisfying dinner cravings.
• Versatile Meal Option: Adaptable recipe works great for romantic dinners, family gatherings, or casual weeknight meals, allowing easy customization with additional spices or vegetable mix-ins.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup with a single skillet cooking method that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary pasta experience, reducing kitchen stress and saving precious time.

Key Ingredients in Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

• Pasta: A classic Italian pasta that serves as the foundation of this creamy dish.

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that adds a delightful marine flavor and protein to the recipe.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Rich fats that provide a smooth base and deep flavor for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and velvety texture for the pasta sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty taste and helps thicken the sauce.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that adds Mediterranean depth to the recipe.
• Chili Flakes: Optional ingredient that brings a subtle heat and spiciness.
• Parsley: Fresh herb used for garnishing and adding a bright, fresh note.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Adds a sweet and tangy element to the creamy pasta.
• Pasta Water: Helps adjust the sauce consistency and bind the ingredients together.

How to Prepare Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Boil Perfect Pasta

Cook pasta until it reaches that magical al dente texture. Capture a splash of pasta water before draining – this liquid gold will be your sauce’s secret weapon.

Step 2: Sizzle Succulent Shrimp

Warm a skillet with a swirl of olive oil and a pat of butter. Drop in the shrimp and season generously.

Cook until they turn a beautiful pink and curl up, about 2-3 minutes per side. Scoop out the shrimp and set them aside temporarily.

Step 3: Awaken Aromatic Flavors

In the same skillet, welcome minced garlic and a sprinkle of chili flakes. Let them dance and release their intoxicating fragrance for about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Create Dreamy Cream Sauce

• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Cherry tomatoes

Let the sauce thicken and develop its rich personality for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Return the shrimp to the skillet, coating them in the luscious sauce. Add the cooked pasta and mix thoroughly.

Splash in reserved pasta water to create the perfect sauce consistency.

Step 6: Final Flavor Adjustment

Taste and sprinkle extra salt and pepper as needed to make the flavors sing.

Step 7: Serve With Flair

Shower the pasta with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while the dish is hot and inviting.

Flavor-Boosting Tips for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

• Opt for large, tail-on shrimp for maximum flavor and a restaurant-quality presentation.
• Ensure pasta is perfectly al dente by tasting it during cooking to prevent overcooking.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, more authentic taste compared to pre-packaged options.
• Keep pasta water handy to adjust sauce consistency and help sauce cling to pasta better.
• Select ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness that complements the creamy sauce.

Creative Swaps for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, lactose-free version.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower florets for a plant-based alternative that maintains the dish's rich flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to make the recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities while keeping the sauce and seasonings the same.
• Spicy Seafood Variation: Add diced jalapeños or increase chili flakes for extra heat, and mix in crab meat or scallops alongside shrimp for a more complex seafood experience.

What Goes Best with Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

• Romantic Date Night Delight: Create an intimate dinner setting with soft candlelight, your favorite wine, and this creamy shrimp pasta served on elegant plates.
• Seafood Feast Twist: Transform the dish into a Mediterranean-style spread by adding crusty garlic bread, a fresh Greek salad, and serving alongside lemon wedges for extra zest.
• Quick Lunch Upgrade: Pack the pasta in a thermal container for a gourmet workplace meal that'll make coworkers jealous, or enjoy as a quick weekend lunch with a crisp white wine.
• Potluck Party Star: Bring this crowd-pleasing pasta to gatherings, keeping it warm in a slow cooker and providing extra Parmesan cheese for guests to sprinkle on top.

Dreamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy marry me shrimp pasta promises romantic dinner magic with robust garlic butter sauce and succulent shrimp. Quick Mediterranean-inspired ingredients deliver restaurant-quality elegance you can savor at home.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 400 grams (14 ounces) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 300 grams (10.5 ounces) fettuccine or pasta of choice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions, ensuring it reaches al dente texture. Keep 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid nearby.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium temperature until butter melts completely.
3. Add seasoned shrimp to the skillet, cooking approximately 2-3 minutes per side until they transform into a vibrant pink color and become fully cooked. Transfer shrimp to a separate plate.
4. In the same skillet, quickly sauté minced garlic and optional chili flakes for approximately 30 seconds, releasing their aromatic essence.
5. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, allowing it to reach a gentle simmer. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and halved cherry tomatoes.
6. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, watching it thicken and develop rich flavors.
7. Reintroduce cooked shrimp to the skillet, gently coating them with the creamy sauce.
8. Fold in the prepared pasta, ensuring even distribution. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
9. Taste and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and pepper to personal preference.
10. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Perfectly cook shrimp by avoiding overcrowding the skillet, ensuring each piece has enough space to sear and develop a golden color without steaming.
• Select large or jumbo shrimp for a more substantial bite and attractive presentation in the pasta dish.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili flakes or adding fresh chopped jalapeños for extra spiciness.
• Transform into a lighter version by substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 340 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg