If you are searching for a dish that brings together indulgence and simple elegance, look no further than this Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe. It’s a gorgeous blend of succulent shrimp, rich cream, and bright sun-dried tomatoes all tossed with tender pasta that feels like a warm hug with every bite. This pasta recipe effortlessly transforms weeknight dinners into something special enough to share with loved ones or even impress on a date night. The balance of flavors, texture, and color is just right, making it a delicious showstopper you will want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is easier than you think. Each one is carefully chosen to provide a burst of flavor, a perfect texture, or a touch of color, creating harmony in every mouthful.
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or linguine): The long strands soak up the creamy sauce perfectly for each bite.
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Juicy and tender, shrimp is the star protein that makes this dish irresistible.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness while helping to cook the shrimp beautifully.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic introduces a fragrant base that adds depth to every forkful.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch for those who love a gentle kick of heat.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This blend infuses the dish with classic Mediterranean herbs.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped): Provides bursts of tangy sweetness and lovely color.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The backbone of the signature creamy sauce that envelops the pasta.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Adds savoriness and balances the richness of the cream.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: A sharp, nutty finish that makes the sauce luxuriously cheesy.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that highlight the other flavors.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbaceous brightness just before serving.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta to perfection
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente, which means it should be tender but still have a slight bite. Set aside half a cup of that pasta water before draining — this will help you loosen the sauce later if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the shrimp with care
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season your shrimp well with salt, freshly cracked pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook them for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn that perfect pink and are opaque all the way through. Remove them from the pan and set aside to keep them tender.
Step 3: Build the flavor base
Lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic and red pepper flakes into the same skillet. Stir quickly for around 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned. Then add your sun-dried tomatoes to release their deep, sweet flavor.
Step 4: Create the creamy sauce
Pour in chicken broth and allow it to simmer gently, melding the flavors together. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan, whisking continuously so the sauce becomes smooth and thick without any lumps. This luscious sauce will coat every strand of pasta beautifully.
Step 5: Combine shrimp, pasta, and sauce
Return the shrimp to the skillet and add your drained pasta as well. Toss everything together so each bite is bursting with flavor. If the sauce seems a bit thick, add a splash of saved pasta water to loosen it just right. Let it cook another 1 to 2 minutes until everything is heated through and perfectly combined.
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Top your dish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of vibrant green color and a herbal lift that cuts through the creamy richness. A final sprinkle of extra Parmesan never hurts either, making every plate a little masterpiece.
Side Dishes
Serve this pasta alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some garlicky roasted vegetables for added texture and freshness. Crusty bread is also a winner for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the creamy pasta in individual ramekins or swirl it into a nest shape on the plate, then crown with shrimp and herbs. A wedge of lemon on the side invites guests to add a squeeze of brightness if they want to brighten the luscious creaminess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, but this Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe is easy to revive with gentle reheating.
Freezing
Because the sauce is cream-based, freezing isn’t usually recommended as it can change the texture. If you do freeze, expect some separation and thaw slowly overnight in the fridge, with stirring or whisking when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore the sauce’s silky texture. Microwaving is fine too, just heat in short bursts and stir often for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for the recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. This will ensure they sear nicely and don’t release too much water into your sauce.
What pasta works best with this recipe?
Fettuccine and linguine are perfect here since their flat shapes hold onto the creamy sauce well, but feel free to experiment with other long pastas like spaghetti or bucatini.
Is there a lighter version of this Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream for a lighter sauce. Just keep in mind that the sauce will be thinner and less rich.
Can I add vegetables to make it more nutritious?
Definitely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus can be stirred in toward the end of cooking for extra color, flavor, and nutrients.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth that balances the creaminess without overpowering. You can easily omit or increase the amount depending on your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe is truly one of those magic meals that feels fancy but comes together so easily. From the tender shrimp to the velvety sauce and the bright bursts of herb and tomato, every component works in harmony. I hope you give it a try soon because once you do, it might just become your new weeknight favorite or go-to for impressing friends and family alike.
Print
Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a luscious, flavorful dish combining tender shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine or linguine. This Italian-inspired recipe is quick to prepare and makes for an impressive and comforting main course that’s perfect for dinner occasions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or linguine)
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Simmer: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Make Cream Sauce: Add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and shrimp are evenly coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Heat Through and Serve: Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through evenly. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped basil or parsley.
Notes
- For extra brightness and flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or stir in a handful of spinach to the sauce.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to make a lighter version of the sauce.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be gently reheated over low heat without compromising texture.
