Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish made with tender shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with pasta. It’s the perfect recipe for date night, special occasions, or when you want a restaurant-quality meal at home. The creamy sauce paired with juicy shrimp delivers a comforting and indulgent experience that’s hard to resist.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

shrimp (peeled and deveined)olive oilgarlic cloves (minced)red pepper flakes (optional)sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)heavy creamParmesan cheesepasta (fettuccine, linguine, or your choice)chicken brothItalian seasoningsalt and pepperfresh basil (for garnish)

directions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.

In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed and sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for about 30 seconds.

Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.

Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.

Add Italian seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.

Toss in the cooked pasta and combine well until everything is evenly coated.

Simmer for 1-2 minutes to heat through, then garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use scallops or chicken instead of shrimp for a different protein.

Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.

Use half-and-half for a lighter version of the cream sauce.

Swap the pasta with zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.

Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

What is “Marry Me” sauce?

It’s a creamy tomato-based sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan, known for being so good it could inspire a marriage proposal.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, but for best results, cook the shrimp fresh and combine everything just before serving.

What pasta works best?

Fettuccine, linguine, or penne hold the creamy sauce well.

Is this dish spicy?

It can be mildly spicy if red pepper flakes are used. Adjust to your preference.

Can I freeze this pasta?

Freezing is not recommended due to the cream sauce potentially separating upon thawing.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw and pat them dry before cooking.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Heavy cream is best for richness, but whole milk can be used with added flour or cornstarch to thicken.

How do I know the shrimp is done?

Shrimp is fully cooked when it turns pink and opaque, usually in 1-2 minutes per side.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream alternatives and vegan Parmesan-style cheese.

Do I have to use sun-dried tomatoes?

They add depth and sweetness, but cherry tomatoes can be used as a fresh alternative.

Conclusion

Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a show-stopping meal that brings bold flavor and indulgent texture to the table. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or simply want to elevate your pasta night, this recipe delivers irresistible results. One bite and you’ll see why it’s called “Marry Me”—because everyone will want another serving.

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