Indulgent Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Dreamy Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe That Wows

Stumbling upon this creamy marry me shrimp pasta recipe might just spark a culinary romance that changes dinner forever.

Seafood enthusiasts will adore how tender shrimp mingle with silky sauce and perfectly cooked noodles.

Rich flavors dance across your plate with unexpected harmony.

Garlic and butter create an irresistible backdrop for succulent shellfish.

Comfort meets elegance in this simple yet sophisticated dish that promises to impress even discerning palates.

Each forkful delivers a delightful combination of textures and savory notes.

You won’t be able to resist falling head over heels for this delectable meal that comes together faster than cupid’s arrow.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Rich and Flavorful

  • Craft Romantic Dinner Magic: Create a showstopping meal that feels like a special occasion without complicated techniques, perfect for impressing your significant other or celebrating a date night.
  • Speed Through Gourmet Cooking: Prepare an elegant restaurant-quality dish in under half an hour, making it ideal for busy home cooks who want delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Satisfy Seafood and Pasta Lovers: Combines creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta into one harmonious dish that appeals to multiple taste preferences and pleases the whole family.
  • Customize with Easy Variations: Adaptable recipe allows you to swap ingredients like using different proteins, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables to match personal tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Main Ingredients:
  • Shrimp: Large, succulent seafood that provides the primary protein for this creamy pasta dish.
  • Pasta: The hearty base that carries the rich and flavorful sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth sauce that coats the pasta and shrimp.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the shrimp.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and spicy kick to the dish.
  • Garlic: Provides a deep, aromatic base flavor to the sauce.
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds complexity and traditional Italian taste.
Supporting Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Fats that help cook the shrimp and create a rich, smooth sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds depth and liquid to the sauce for better consistency.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Brings a sweet and tangy element to the pasta.
  • Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herbs that garnish and add a final layer of flavor.

How to Prepare Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Once done, drain completely and set aside while you prepare the other components of the dish.

Step 2: Sear Succulent Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper.

Cook until the shrimp turn a beautiful pink color, approximately 2-3 minutes on each side. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and add:
  • Minced garlic
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Chopped sun-dried tomatoes

Saute these ingredients for about 1 minute to release their aromatic flavors.

Step 4: Build Creamy Sauce

Pour in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth

Stir the liquids together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Enhance Sauce Texture

Add:
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning

Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the seared shrimp to the pan and mix well.

Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together, ensuring each piece is generously coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 7: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil and parsley over the pasta.

Serve immediately and watch everyone fall in love with this irresistible dish.

Tips for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Success

  • Choose firm, fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor in this creamy pasta dish.
  • Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a perfect golden sear and prevent watery sauce.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream and use less butter.
  • Add extra red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier kick to the creamy sauce.

Delicious Twists on Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan-friendly version.
  • Spicy Seafood Swap: Substitute shrimp with grilled chicken or seared scallops for a protein alternative that maintains the creamy sauce's richness.
  • Low-Carb Mediterranean: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta, keeping the flavorful sauce and seafood intact.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort: Choose gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for a safe, delicious meal that everyone can enjoy.

Serving Complements for Shrimp Pasta

  • Romantic Dinner Date Night: Transform this pasta into an intimate meal with soft candlelight, elegant wine glasses, and a crisp white tablecloth to create a restaurant-worthy experience at home.
  • Coastal Picnic Twist: Pack the cooled pasta in mason jars for a beachside or lakeside lunch, adding extra fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon for bright, refreshing flavors.
  • Quick Meal Prep Champion: Portion the pasta into meal prep containers for easy work lunches, keeping the shrimp and sauce separate to maintain perfect texture when reheating.
  • Family-Style Sharing Platter: Serve in a large, rustic ceramic dish with extra Parmesan and herbs sprinkled on top, encouraging everyone to dig in and enjoy together.

Storage Guidelines for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking, keeping the pasta and sauce together for maximum flavor preservation.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to restore the sauce's creamy consistency and prevent dryness.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to distribute heat evenly and prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.

FAQs

  • What makes this pasta dish so creamy?

The combination of heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats the pasta and shrimp perfectly, giving it an indulgent and luxurious texture.

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water into the sauce.

  • Is this dish spicy?

The recipe includes red pepper flakes, which add a mild heat. You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to make it more or less spicy according to your preference.

Print
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Indulgent Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Indulgent Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe


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4.8 from 38 reviews

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

Description

Creamy marry me shrimp pasta delivers a romantic Italian-inspired meal that promises to enchant dinner guests. Succulent shrimp nestled in a luscious sauce will make hearts melt and create memorable dining moments you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta and Base:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Seasonings and Extras:

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare pasta following package guidelines until al dente, then drain and reserve.
  2. Sauté shrimp in a skillet over medium heat with olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper until they turn vibrant pink, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
  3. Using the same skillet, melt butter and introduce minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, allowing them to release their aromatic flavors for one minute.
  4. Create a luscious sauce by incorporating heavy cream and chicken broth, gently stirring to ensure smooth integration. Allow the mixture to simmer softly.
  5. Enhance the sauce’s richness by whisking in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring continuously until the sauce reaches a velvety, thickened consistency.
  6. Reunite the sautéed shrimp with the sauce, ensuring thorough coating. Introduce the cooked pasta and delicately toss until every strand is enveloped in the creamy sauce.
  7. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile by generously sprinkling fresh basil and parsley as a final flourish before serving.

Notes

  • Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for personal spice preferences.
  • Use fresh jumbo shrimp for optimal texture and flavor intensity.
  • For lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories.
  • Replace regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 525 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 470 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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