Irresistible Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Irresistible “Marry Me” Shrimp Pasta Recipe for Date Night

Nestled in culinary traditions, this creamy marry me shrimp pasta emerges as a romantic dinner sensation that captivates hearts and taste buds.

Delicate shrimp mingle with luxurious sauce, creating an irresistible harmony of flavors.

Garlic and herbs dance across tender pasta strands, promising an intimate dining experience.

Surprisingly simple ingredients combine to craft an elegant meal that feels like a restaurant-quality masterpiece.

Mediterranean influences shine through each carefully seasoned bite, inviting you to savor every moment.

Seafood lovers will absolutely adore this effortless yet impressive dish that speaks volumes without uttering a single word.

You can transform an ordinary evening into a memorable celebration with just one skillet and these magical ingredients.

Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe Details

Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe Details
  • Savor Quick Flavor Explosion: This recipe delivers a mouthwatering blend of creamy, spicy, and savory tastes that come together in minutes for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
  • Master Simplified Cooking Technique: With just one skillet and basic ingredients, home cooks can create an impressive dish without complicated steps or professional culinary skills.
  • Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, swapping proteins, or adding extra vegetables to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.
  • Impress Dinner Guests Instantly: The rich, luxurious sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp make this pasta a show-stopping main course that looks and tastes like a gourmet restaurant creation.

Ingredients Checklist for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Main Protein:
  • Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides a tender and succulent base for the pasta dish.
Pasta and Base:
  • Pasta: The foundational carbohydrate that carries the creamy sauce and other ingredients.
Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and adds a subtle rich flavor.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides depth and warmth to the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and smooth base for the creamy sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds depth and additional liquid to the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a salty and nutty flavor to the sauce.
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that provides traditional Mediterranean flavor.
  • Chili Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and spicy kick to the dish.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Provides a tangy and concentrated tomato flavor.
Seasonings and Garnish:
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that adds a fresh finish and visual appeal.

Step-by-Step Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Instructions

Step-by-Step Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Instructions

Step 1: Boil Delicious Pasta

Follow the pasta package instructions for perfect cooking. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for the magical sauce.

Step 2: Sizzle Succulent Shrimp

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cook until the shrimp turn a beautiful pink color. Carefully remove the shrimp and keep them warm.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Garlic Base

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Pour in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Parmesan cheese

Stir the ingredients until they blend smoothly.

Step 4: Enhance Sauce with Flavor Boosters

Add these exciting ingredients to the simmering sauce:
  • Italian seasoning
  • Chili flakes
  • Sun-dried tomatoes

Let the sauce bubble and thicken for 3-5 minutes, developing rich, complex flavors.

Step 5: Combine Shrimp and Pasta

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.

Toss in the reserved pasta and gently mix until every strand is beautifully coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top.

Serve the pasta piping hot and enjoy the mouthwatering Marry Me Shrimp Pasta.

Tips for Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

  • Select jumbo or large shrimp for the best texture and meatiness in this creamy pasta dish.
  • Avoid overcooking shrimp by removing them from heat as soon as they turn pink to prevent rubbery consistency.
  • Grate fresh Parmesan cheese instead of using pre-packaged for a richer, more authentic flavor profile.
  • Balance spice levels by adjusting chili flakes according to personal heat tolerance, starting with a small amount.
  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the sauce, keeping the creamy consistency intact.

Flavor Variations for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a lactose-free version.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Replace shrimp with roasted cauliflower or chickpeas, maintaining the creamy sauce and seasonings.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets while keeping the original flavor profile.
  • Spicy Seafood Remix: Substitute shrimp with crab meat or scallops, and increase chili flakes for an extra kick of heat.

Serving Ideas for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

  • Romantic Dinner Date Night: Serve this pasta on elegant white plates with soft candlelight, creating a romantic atmosphere perfect for impressing your special someone.
  • Seafood Feast Gathering: Present the dish family-style in a large shared platter, allowing friends and guests to scoop generous portions with extra parmesan and fresh herbs sprinkled on top.
  • Quick Weeknight Comfort Meal: Pack leftovers in meal prep containers for a delicious lunch the next day, pairing it with a simple mixed green salad for added nutrition and freshness.
  • Summer Patio Entertaining: Serve alongside chilled white wine and crisp garlic bread, creating a relaxed outdoor dining experience that highlights the creamy shrimp pasta's vibrant flavors.

Storage Tips for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

  • Refrigerate leftover Marry Me Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain optimal taste and food safety.
  • Keep pasta and sauce together to prevent drying out and preserve flavor.
  • Separate toppings like fresh parsley when storing to maintain crispness.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they brown properly and don’t release excess water.

  • What type of pasta works best with this dish?

Fettuccine, linguine, or penne are excellent choices that hold the creamy sauce well and complement the shrimp.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The chili flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount to your preference or omit them entirely for a non-spicy version.

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook shrimp in advance, then combine just before serving to maintain the pasta’s texture.

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Irresistible Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Irresistible Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe


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4.7 from 17 reviews

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

Description

Mary’s marry me shrimp pasta combines succulent prawns with a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce over perfectly al dente linguine. Romantic dinner guests will swoon over this elegant coastal-inspired Italian-American fusion dish you’ll want to savor slowly.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) fettuccine or spaghetti
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
  2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Season shrimp with sea salt and cracked pepper, then sauté until they transform into a vibrant pink color and curl slightly, approximately 2-3 minutes. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence without browning. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking continuously to create a smooth base.
  4. Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts completely and integrates with the liquid. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and red chili flakes for depth of flavor.
  5. Add sun-dried tomatoes to the simmering sauce, letting them soften and release their tangy essence. Allow the mixture to gently bubble and reduce for 4-5 minutes until it reaches a luxurious, velvety consistency.
  6. Reintroduce the seared shrimp to the skillet, then fold in the prepared pasta. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each strand is lavishly coated with the creamy sauce.
  7. Transfer to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while piping hot for maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy texture and adds subtle tropical flavor.
  • Select fresh, large shrimp for best taste and ensure they’re deveined to enhance presentation and eating experience.
  • Toast chili flakes briefly in the skillet before adding to sauce to release deeper, more complex heat and aromatic profile.
  • Consider using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising overall dish richness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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