Dreamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Dreamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe with Creamy Romantic Flavor

Creamy pasta takes an unexpected turn with this marry me shrimp pasta that could spark romance at first bite.

Succulent shrimp swim through silky sauce, promising pure culinary seduction.

Each forkful delivers rich, indulgent flavors that dance between comfort and elegance.

Delicate pasta strands intertwine with tender seafood, creating a dish that whispers sweet promises.

Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick that elevates every single mouthful.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel luxurious and intimate with this show-stopping recipe.

You won’t be able to resist falling head over heels for this irresistible meal that might just make someone propose.

What You Need For Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

For Protein:
  • Shrimp: Sweet ocean treasures that bring a delicate seafood flavor and tender texture to the dish. Choose fresh, deveined shrimp for the best taste and easiest preparation.
  • Chicken Broth: Liquid gold that amplifies the depth of flavor and adds a savory undertone to the sauce. Select low-sodium versions to control salt levels.
For Creamy Base:
  • Heavy Cream: Silky smooth ingredient that transforms the sauce into a luxurious, velvety dream. Look for high-fat content cream for the richest consistency.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, nutty cheese that adds a salty punch and helps thicken the sauce. Opt for freshly grated for maximum flavor complexity.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that brings a pungent warmth to the entire dish. Choose fresh cloves for the most vibrant taste.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Tiny sparks of heat that wake up the entire flavor profile. Adjust quantity based on spice tolerance.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated bursts of tangy sweetness that add depth and complexity to the sauce. Select oil-packed varieties for extra richness.
  • Italian Seasoning: Herbal blend that infuses the dish with Mediterranean flair. Use dried mix or fresh herbs for a bright flavor boost.
  • Lemon Juice: Citrusy brightness that cuts through the richness and adds a fresh, zesty note.
  • Fresh Basil or Parsley: Verdant herbs that provide a final fresh, aromatic garnish to lift the entire dish.
Additional Cooking Elements:
  • Pasta: Hearty foundation that catches and holds the creamy texture.

Kitchen Tools For Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

  • Large Skillet: Essential for cooking shrimp and creating the creamy sauce, preferably with high sides.
  • Large Pot: Needed for boiling pasta, must be big enough to accommodate water and pasta.
  • Colander: Perfect for draining pasta after cooking.
  • Cutting Board: Useful for prepping ingredients like garlic and herbs.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for chopping garlic and herbs precisely.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and combining ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring seasonings and spices.

How To Make Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

  • Boil the Pasta

Drop pasta into a pot of salted boiling water and cook until perfectly tender. Drain and keep warm.

  • Sizzle the Seafood

Pat shrimp dry and season generously. Melt butter and olive oil in a skillet, then cook shrimp quickly until they turn beautiful pink and curl slightly. Set aside these succulent morsels.

  • Craft the Dreamy Sauce

Toss minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes into the same pan, creating a fragrant base. Pour in broth and scrape up those delicious browned bits. Swirl in cream, parmesan, and seasonings, letting everything simmer and dance together until the sauce thickens beautifully. Splash in fresh lemon juice for brightness.

  • Merge the Magic

Return shrimp and pasta to the skillet, gently coating everything in the luxurious sauce. Let the flavors mingle and get acquainted for a couple minutes.

  • Finish and Feast

Sprinkle fresh herbs over the top and serve immediately. Grab some crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce!

Helpful Hints For Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

  • Shrimp Showstopper Tips: Learn how to make this dish shine!
  • Seafood Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality jumbo shrimp for the most tender and flavorful results. Look for shrimp that smell clean and have a firm texture without any fishy odor.
  • Sauce Success: Keep your cream sauce from breaking by using low, steady heat and stirring constantly. Remove the pan from direct heat if the sauce starts to look too bubbly or separated.
  • Pasta Perfection: Always cook pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to absorb sauce when mixed. Slightly undercooking ensures a perfect texture when combined with the creamy sauce.
  • Low-Carb Twist: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, low-carbohydrate version that's equally delicious and packed with flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan to create a rich, creamy sauce that's completely dairy-free and just as indulgent.

Ways To Serve Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra parmesan cheese generously over the pasta, creating a luxurious melty layer that enhances the creamy sauce's richness.
  • Date Night Delight: Pair this elegant shrimp pasta with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to elevate the dining experience and create a romantic atmosphere.
  • Veggie Boost: Add sautéed spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes to the dish for extra nutrition, color, and a burst of fresh flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
  • Bread Companion: Serve with toasted garlic bread or crusty French bread to soak up the delicious sauce, ensuring not a single drop goes to waste and adding a delightful textural contrast.

How To Store And Plan Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

  • Refrigeration Rescue: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, allowing quick and easy reheating for busy weeknights.
  • Gentle Reheating Method: Warm pasta slowly in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent sauce separation and maintain creamy texture. Avoid microwave to prevent rubbery shrimp.
  • Freezing Strategy: Not recommended due to cream-based sauce potentially breaking down. Fresh preparation ensures best taste and texture. If freezing is necessary, separate sauce and pasta, storing individually for maximum quality.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare shrimp and sauce separately, storing components in different containers. Keep pasta uncooked or cooked separately. Combine just before serving to maintain optimal flavor and prevent soggy texture. Perfect for making ahead and enjoying within 2-3 days.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 646 kcal

Servings: 5

Print
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Dreamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Dreamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe


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4.9 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta delivers irresistible flavors from coastal kitchens with a romantic twist. Coastal ingredients and simple techniques create a memorable dinner experience you’ll want to savor again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 grams) shrimp, peeled & deveined
  • ½ lb (227 grams) pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth (or seafood broth)
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (for balance)
  • 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Instructions

  1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a generously salted water reservoir to a rolling boil. Submerge pasta strands and cook until achieving the perfect tender-yet-firm texture. Carefully extract and reserve the cooked noodles.
  2. Seafood Seasoning: Pat shrimp dry and lavish with a harmonious blend of salt, pepper, and smoky paprika, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly seasoned.
  3. Protein Searing: Ignite a skillet with olive oil and butter, creating a golden stage for shrimp. Sear crustaceans until transforming into blush-pink, then gently relocate from the pan.
  4. Aromatic Foundation: In the same heated vessel, introduce garlic, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes, allowing their essence to permeate the environment for a fleeting moment.
  5. Sauce Development: Stream chicken broth into the skillet, liberating caramelized remnants. Cascade heavy cream, parmesan, Italian herbs, and seasoning, allowing the mixture to waltz and thicken into a velvety consistency.
  6. Flavor Refinement: Brighten the sauce with a splash of lemon juice, stirring to integrate its luminous character. Reunite reserved shrimp and pasta within this creamy sanctuary, gently tumbling to ensure lavish coating.
  7. Final Touches: Let the ensemble simmer briefly, permitting flavors to intertwine. Crown the dish with fresh basil or parsley, transforming the presentation into a verdant masterpiece.
  8. Serving Suggestion: Present immediately, accompanied by additional parmesan and golden garlic bread, inviting diners into a sensory journey of maritime elegance.

Notes

  • Moisture Management: Pat shrimp completely dry before seasoning to ensure perfect golden-brown searing and prevent steaming instead of caramelizing.
  • Seasoning Depth: Use freshly ground black pepper and high-quality paprika to elevate the spice profile and create complex flavor layers.
  • Cream Consistency Control: Simmer sauce gently to prevent separating or breaking, maintaining a smooth, luxurious texture without curdling.
  • Dietary Flexibility: Swap regular pasta for gluten-free alternatives, use dairy-free cream substitutes, or replace shrimp with chicken for varied dietary needs.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 646
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 960 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 170 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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