Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Dreamy Creamy “Marry Me” Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Seafood lovers adore this magical marry me shrimp pasta that promises romance on every delectable forkful.

Culinary whispers suggest this dish could spark unexpected connections between hungry souls.

Rich creamy sauce coats perfectly tender shrimp, creating an irresistible melody of flavors.

Parmesan cheese and garlic dance together, building depth in each sumptuous bite.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel extraordinary with this restaurant-quality meal emerging from your kitchen.

Simple ingredients combine into something magnificently compelling that makes hearts skip a beat.

You might want seconds – or even thirds – of this seriously seductive pasta creation.

FAQs

  • What makes the shrimp tender and flavorful?

Seasoning the shrimp with salt and pepper before cooking and removing them from the heat when they turn pink ensures they remain juicy and don’t become rubbery. Cooking them quickly over medium heat preserves their delicate texture.

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw the shrimp completely before cooking and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them brown nicely and prevents the sauce from becoming watery.

  • How do I know if the sauce is the right consistency?

The sauce should be thick enough to coat the pasta but not too heavy. Simmering for about 5 minutes allows it to reduce slightly and develop a creamy, rich texture. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth to thin it out.

  • Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes provide a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste. Use less for a milder flavor or omit them completely if you prefer no spice at all.

Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: Why It’s Simply Irresistible

  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up this restaurant-quality meal in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Flavor Explosion: Packed with creamy Parmesan sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender shrimp, this pasta delivers an impressive combination of rich, tangy, and savory flavors that will make taste buds dance.
  • One-Skillet Magic: Minimize cleanup with this simple recipe that uses a single pan, reducing dish washing time and making meal preparation a breeze for anyone short on cooking patience.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Versatile enough for family dinners or date nights, this creamy shrimp pasta appeals to both seafood lovers and pasta enthusiasts, making it a go-to recipe for various occasions.

Shrimp Pasta Marry Me Creamy Mix

Main Protein and Pasta:
  • Shrimp: Tender seafood protein that creates the star of the dish, best when large and freshly peeled.
  • Pasta: Hearty base that carries the creamy sauce, works well with fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne.
Sauce and Flavor Base:
  • Olive Oil, Garlic: Essential foundation for building deep, rich flavor in the dish.
  • Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Create a smooth, luxurious sauce with balanced consistency.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth and helps thicken the sauce.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Provides tangy, concentrated tomato flavor with slight sweetness.
Seasoning and Herbs:
  • Red Pepper Flakes, Italian Seasoning: Bring warmth and aromatic Mediterranean-style herbs.
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings for enhancing overall taste.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish that adds color and light herbal note.

Guide to Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook pasta in salted boiling water following package guidelines until tender yet firm.

Drain and keep warm.

Step 2: Sizzle Shrimp Golden

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper.

Cook until shrimp turn pink and look translucent.

Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 3: Build Luxurious Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, sauté garlic until aromatic.

Add the following ingredients:
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Italian seasoning

Simmer sauce for 5 minutes, stirring gently to blend flavors.

Step 4: Reunite Shrimp with Sauce

Return cooked shrimp to skillet and gently toss to coat with creamy sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked pasta to skillet and mix thoroughly, ensuring every strand gets covered in the rich, velvety sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish.

Serve hot and enjoy the decadent Marry Me Shrimp Pasta immediately.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta With Cooking Clarity You’ll Love

  • Shake excess water completely to prevent watery sauce and ensure better sauce absorption.
  • Cook shrimp just until pink to maintain tender texture and prevent rubbery consistency.
  • Adjust thickness by adding more chicken broth if sauce becomes too thick during simmering.
  • Modify red pepper flakes to create mild or extra-spicy version based on personal heat preference.
  • Chop garlic, measure spices, and slice sun-dried tomatoes before starting cooking for smoother preparation.

Reheat Marry Me Shrimp Pasta For Another Meal

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore sauce's creamy consistency and prevent drying out.
  • Microwave reheating can make shrimp tough and pasta rubbery, so stovetop method is recommended for best texture and flavor.
  • If freezing, place in freezer-safe container for up to 1 month, but note cream-based sauces might slightly separate upon thawing.

What to Pair with Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

  • Elevate Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Pairings
  • Uncork Crisp White Wine Harmony: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the creamy, tangy sauce with their bright acidity and light fruit notes, cutting through the richness of the dish.
  • Create Fresh Salad Balance: Prepare a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the pasta's creaminess, adding a refreshing crunch and citrusy undertone that enhances the shrimp's delicate flavor.
  • Match Rustic Garlic Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty Italian bread brushed with garlic butter to soak up the luxurious sauce, providing a delightful textural contrast and additional savory depth to the meal.
  • Select Crisp Chardonnay Alternative: Opt for an unoaked Chardonnay with subtle apple and pear hints that won't overpower the shrimp's delicate taste, offering a smooth and elegant wine pairing experience.

Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta with Elegant Additions

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a lactose-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute shrimp with roasted cauliflower or plant-based shrimp alternatives for a meat-free protein option.
  • Spicy Lovers' Remix: Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha sauce for an extra kick of heat and intensity in the creamy sauce.
Print
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Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 33 reviews

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

Description

Spicy marry me shrimp pasta promises culinary romance with its irresistible blend of succulent seafood and rich, velvety sauce. Passionate flavors and creamy textures will seduce diners, making this dish an instant favorite that lingers in memory long after the last delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (453 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup (70 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare pasta according to package guidelines, ensuring a perfect al dente texture. Carefully drain and reserve for later incorporation.
  2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over moderate heat. Carefully introduce shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until shrimp transform into a vibrant pink hue and become completely opaque. Gently transfer shrimp to a separate plate.
  3. Utilize the same skillet to sauté minced garlic until its aromatic essence permeates the kitchen. Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer, creating a luxurious sauce by stirring periodically for approximately 5 minutes.
  4. Reintroduce the perfectly cooked shrimp into the simmering sauce, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly enveloped in the creamy mixture.
  5. Delicately fold the reserved pasta into the skillet, gently tossing to guarantee complete coating with the rich, velvety sauce.
  6. Elevate the dish’s presentation by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley across the surface. Serve immediately while the sauce remains piping hot and the flavors are at their peak.

Notes

  • Perfectly cook shrimp by avoiding overcrowding the pan, ensuring each piece gets golden and crispy edges for maximum flavor development.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes, allowing personalized spice tolerances without compromising the dish’s creamy essence.
  • Transform recipe into vegetarian version by substituting shrimp with roasted cauliflower or white beans, maintaining the luxurious sauce’s rich profile.
  • Enhance meal’s nutritional value by incorporating whole wheat pasta or adding spinach directly into sauce for extra vitamins and texture contrast.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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