Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

The Dreamy Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe That Wows

Seafood enthusiasts might fall head over heels for this creamy marry me shrimp pasta that promises culinary romance on a plate.

Silky sauce embraces plump, succulent shrimp in a dance of flavors.

Each twirled forkful whispers promises of comfort and indulgence.

Garlic and parmesan create a harmonious melody that sings directly to your taste buds.

Weeknight dinners never looked so seductive with this simple yet impressive dish.

Bold ingredients combine effortlessly to craft a meal that could potentially spark love at first bite.

You won’t be able to resist this irresistible pasta that might just make someone propose.

Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: Romance on a Plate

  • Whip Up a Gourmet Meal: Elevate your dinner game with this restaurant-quality pasta that impresses without complicated techniques.
  • Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or add vegetables to make this recipe perfectly suited to your taste preferences.
  • Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare a delicious meal in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy families and professionals craving a satisfying dinner.
  • One-Skillet Magic: Minimize cleanup with this single-pan recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, flavor-packed dish everyone will love.

Ingredients for Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Pasta Base:
  • Pasta: A classic Italian staple that serves as the perfect foundation for this creamy seafood dish.
Protein:
  • Shrimp: Tender seafood that brings a delightful oceanic flavor and protein to the recipe.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing and adds a rich, smooth flavor.
  • Garlic: Adds a sharp, aromatic punch to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a deep, savory liquid base for the creamy sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Delivers a luxurious, silky texture that makes the sauce incredibly rich.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty, nutty flavor that helps thicken and enrich the sauce.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Provide a balanced blend of herbs and a subtle kick of heat.
  • Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright green garnish with a mild herbal note.

Instructions for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Boil the pasta following the package guidelines.

Carefully set aside some pasta water, then drain the pasta completely.

The reserved water will help create a silky sauce later.

Step 2: Sizzle the Shrimp

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook the shrimp until they turn a beautiful pink color, which takes about 2-3 minutes on each side.

Once done, remove the shrimp and keep them aside.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and let it dance around for about 30 seconds until its aromatic essence fills the kitchen.

Step 4: Create the Magical Sauce

Pour in these delightful ingredients:
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes

Let the mixture simmer and blend together for 3-5 minutes, creating a rich and creamy base.

Step 5: Introduce the Cheese Magic

Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and luxuriously creamy.

Step 6: Reunite the Shrimp

Gently return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, coating them in the luscious sauce.

Let them simmer together for 2 minutes.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together.

If the sauce needs adjusting, use the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 8: Final Flourish

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve the pasta piping hot.

Get ready to fall in love with every bite!

Pro Tips for Creamy Shrimp Pasta

  • Reserve the starchy liquid to help thicken and smooth out your sauce, giving it a perfect silky texture without diluting flavors.
  • Remove shrimp immediately after turning pink to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
  • Toast Italian seasoning in the pan for 30 seconds before adding liquids to release deeper, more robust herb aromatics.
  • If sauce breaks or looks grainy, whisk in a tiny splash of cold water or gradually stir to restore smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly version of this delicious dish.

Variations for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

  • Dairy-Free Dream: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a creamy, lactose-free version.
  • Mediterranean Makeover: Swap shrimp with grilled chicken or white fish, add sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
  • Spicy Veggie Swap: Substitute shrimp with roasted cauliflower or chickpeas, increase red pepper flakes for extra heat, perfect for vegetarian diets.
  • Low-Carb Zoodle Edition: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles, maintain the creamy sauce and protein for a lighter, keto-friendly alternative.

Serving Ideas for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

  • Romantic Dinner Date: Elevate this dish for a cozy, intimate evening with soft candlelight and a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio that complements the creamy shrimp pasta perfectly.
  • Seafood Feast Presentation: Serve in elegant white ceramic plates, garnish with extra fresh parsley, and add a lemon wedge for guests to squeeze over the pasta for bright, zesty flavor.
  • Hearty Side Companions: Pair with a crisp caesar salad or garlic-roasted asparagus to balance the richness of the creamy sauce and add nutritional variety to the meal.
  • Quick Lunch Transformation: Pack leftovers in a sealed container for a delicious next-day lunch, which reheats wonderfully and provides a gourmet midday meal at the office or home.

Storage Recommendations for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool pasta completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Separate shrimp and sauce if possible to maintain texture.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
  • Warm pasta in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of broth or cream to prevent drying. Stir gently until heated through, approximately 3-4 minutes.

FAQs

  • What makes the shrimp tender and flavorful?

Sauteing the shrimp quickly over medium heat prevents overcooking, keeping them juicy and preserving their natural sweetness. The quick 2-3 minute cooking time ensures they remain succulent and perfectly pink.

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. Removing excess moisture helps the shrimp brown nicely and prevents them from becoming watery in the sauce.

  • Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that can be adjusted to your preference. You can reduce or omit them for a completely mild version, or increase for more kick.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mary’s marry me shrimp pasta combines succulent seafood with a rich, garlicky sauce that promises romance on a plate. Dinner guests will swoon over this Mediterranean-inspired dish that brings passion to the table.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta and Base:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth

Seasonings and Aromatics:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare pasta according to package directions, setting aside 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
  2. In a large skillet, sear shrimp over medium heat until they transform to a vibrant pink, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
  3. Using the same skillet, quickly toast minced garlic until aromatic, releasing its intense flavor profile.
  4. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, incorporating Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to gently simmer and reduce for 3-5 minutes, developing rich depth.
  5. Gradually whisk Parmesan cheese into the simmering liquid, creating a velvety, uniform sauce that coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Reintroduce seared shrimp to the skillet, ensuring each piece becomes lavishly coated with the creamy sauce. Let the mixture harmonize for 2 minutes.
  7. Fold cooked pasta into the sauce, using reserved pasta water to calibrate the sauce’s consistency if needed, ensuring every strand is luxuriously enrobed.
  8. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve immediately while piping hot, allowing the flavors to dance on the palate.

Notes

  • Swap shrimp with chicken or tofu for dietary flexibility, ensuring protein lovers and vegetarians can enjoy this delightful dish.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste or creamy texture.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes, allowing personalization for heat-sensitive palates.
  • Quickly thicken sauce with a cornstarch slurry if the consistency feels too thin, creating a perfectly smooth finish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 540 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 195 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star