Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a rich, creamy, and comforting pasta dish made with tender shrimp, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy parmesan sauce. This recipe is inspired by the famous “Marry Me” flavors everyone loves, but made even quicker with shrimp instead of chicken. It’s perfect for date night, special dinners, or when you want a restaurant-style meal at home with simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is fast, elegant, and full of flavor. The shrimp cook in minutes, the sauce is creamy without being heavy, and everything comes together in one pan plus the pasta pot. It feels fancy but is very easy to make, even for beginners.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine)
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Add shrimp back to the skillet and gently mix. Use reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately.
Cooking Notes
- Do not overcook shrimp or they become rubbery
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for best flavor
- Parmesan should be freshly grated for smooth sauce
- Sauce thickens as it cools
- Pasta water helps adjust sauce texture
Variations
- Use chicken instead of shrimp
- Add spinach for extra greens
- Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce
- Add mushrooms for extra depth
- Make it spicy with more red pepper flakes
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread
- Pair with a fresh green salad
- Add roasted asparagus on the side
- Serve with white wine or sparkling water
- Finish with extra parmesan on top
Tips
- Prep all ingredients before cooking
- Keep heat medium to avoid burning garlic
- Season in layers for best flavor
- Use wide pasta to hold the sauce
- Serve immediately for best texture
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approx. 520 calories
32g protein
28g fat
38g carbohydrates
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but leftovers can be reheated gently.
What pasta works best?
Penne, fettuccine, or linguine all work well.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and dairy-free parmesan.
Is this recipe spicy?
Only mildly, and spice can be adjusted.
Conclusion
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is creamy, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes. It’s an impressive yet easy dish that feels special every time you make it. Perfect for cozy dinners, celebrations, or whenever you want a meal that everyone will fall in love with.