Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like the rich, creamy goodness of Marry Me Shrimp Pasta to bring everyone together at the dinner table. Tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious sauce make this dish irresistible, whether it’s for a romantic dinner or a comforting family meal.

this Recipe

The first time I made this, it was meant to impress my significant other—and it worked like a charm! Now, it’s my go-to recipe for any special occasion or when I want to indulge in something truly delicious. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a keeper.

Why You'll Love This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Get ready to fall head over heels for this creamy, dreamy pasta dish. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience you’ll want to recreate again and again.

First off, this recipe is a breeze to make. Despite its restaurant-quality taste, you’ll have this pasta ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.

The flavors are out of this world. The combination of tender shrimp, creamy sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a perfect harmony of savory, tangy, and rich notes that keep you coming back for more.

It’s surprisingly versatile. Whether you want to swap out the shrimp for chicken or adjust the spice level to suit your preferences, this recipe adapts beautifully.

Finally, it’s a dish that impresses. Serve this to guests, and they’ll think you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. It’s that good—and it’s that easy.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Marry Me Shrimp Pasta lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at the stars of this dish.

Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined shrimp are the way to go. Large shrimp work best for this recipe, as they hold their texture beautifully while cooking. Be sure to pat them dry to ensure a good sear.

Pasta: Fettuccine or linguine is ideal for this creamy sauce, but you can use any long pasta you prefer. The sauce clings beautifully to the strands, ensuring every bite is coated in flavor.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little gems add a tangy, slightly sweet depth to the dish. Look for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, as they’re softer and more flavorful than their dry counterparts.

Heavy Cream: This is the base of the luxurious sauce. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as rich.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding a nutty, salty kick. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it doesn’t melt as smoothly.

Special Equipment: A large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta are all you need to bring this dish to life. A microplane for grating Parmesan is a helpful bonus.

How To Make This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Creating this restaurant-worthy dish at home is easier than you might think. Follow these steps for a flawless result.

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining; it’s perfect for adjusting the sauce's consistency later.

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, and once hot, add your shrimp in a single layer. Sear them for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add a bit more olive oil. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, letting them soften and release their flavor.

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat them in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing everything together until the pasta is fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.

Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley. The total cook time is under 30 minutes, and the result is a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare.

Storage Options

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored for later indulgence.

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Because seafood is delicate, it’s best not to keep it longer than that.

When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta before microwaving or gently warming it on the stovetop. This helps revive the creamy sauce and keeps the shrimp tender.

Unfortunately, this dish doesn’t freeze well due to the cream-based sauce. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or within a couple of days.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking.

If shrimp isn’t your thing, swap it out for chicken or even scallops. Both proteins work beautifully with the creamy sauce.

For a vegetarian version, skip the shrimp and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for a hearty, flavorful alternative.

To lighten things up, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan slightly. While it won’t be as indulgent, it’s still incredibly tasty.

Want to add more spice? Increase the red pepper flakes or drizzle in a bit of chili oil before serving.

For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce pairs well with any type of noodle.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a recipe you can truly make your own, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect combination. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself to a special dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your rotation!

Print