Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Quick & Dreamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe for Date Night

Succulent marry me shrimp pasta bursts with romantic culinary magic that’ll make your heart skip a beat.

Creamy sauce and plump seafood create an irresistible combination guaranteed to impress.

Garlic and herbs dance together, crafting a melody of flavors that whispers sweet promises.

Simple ingredients blend seamlessly, turning an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience.

Tender shrimp nestle perfectly among silky noodles, promising a meal that speaks volumes without saying a word.

Each forkful promises connection, comfort, and pure deliciousness.

Jump into this enchanting recipe and let love simmer on your plate.

FAQs

  • What are the key flavors in this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta?

The dish combines creamy Parmesan sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a hint of red pepper flakes, creating a rich and slightly spicy flavor profile that complements the tender shrimp.

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice sear in the skillet.

  • Is this recipe considered spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder dish.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Highlights

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Highlights
  • Whip Up Romance: A delightful pasta dish that promises to win hearts with its creamy, tangy flavors and perfectly cooked shrimp.
  • Speedster Meal: Quick and easy preparation makes this recipe ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner dates.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with rich ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan, this dish satisfies diverse taste preferences and leaves everyone feeling happy.
  • Minimal Cleanup Champion: Using one skillet means less washing up and more time enjoying your delicious meal together.

Ingredients for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Pasta Base:
  • Pasta: A classic foundation for this creamy and flavorful dish.
Protein:
  • Shrimp: Succulent seafood that adds a delightful maritime flavor to the pasta.
Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: A smooth cooking medium that helps develop rich flavors.
  • Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create a luxurious and velvety sauce.
  • Garlic: A pungent ingredient that provides depth and aromatic complexity.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Tangy and concentrated tomato pieces that add a sweet and intense flavor.
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings traditional Mediterranean taste.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy element that introduces a gentle heat to the dish.
Seasoning and Garnish:
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the shrimp and sauce.
  • Fresh Basil: A vibrant herb that offers a fresh and aromatic finishing touch.

How to Prepare Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

How to Prepare Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta according to package directions.

After draining, keep one cup of pasta water nearby for potential sauce adjusting later.

Step 2: Sear Succulent Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook shrimp until they transform to a beautiful pink color and look opaque, roughly 2-3 minutes per side.

Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.

Step 3: Awaken Garlic Flavors

Drop minced garlic into the same skillet and sauté until its aromatic essence fills the kitchen, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Add the following ingredients to build a luxurious sauce:
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes

Simmer the mixture for 3-4 minutes until the sauce reaches a delightful thickness.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring every strand gets coated with the creamy goodness.

If sauce seems too thick, splash in reserved pasta water to reach perfect consistency.

Step 6: Reunite Shrimp with Sauce

Return seared shrimp to the skillet, gently tossing to coat each piece in the decadent sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the pasta.

Serve immediately while hot and inviting.

Tips for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Dish

  • Choose large, deveined shrimp for the best texture and fastest cooking time.
  • Reserve pasta water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats every noodle.
  • Keep heat low when adding cheese to prevent the cream from breaking and ensure a creamy consistency.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to match your personal heat preference, from mild to extra spicy.
  • Chop fresh basil right before serving to maximize its aromatic flavor and vibrant green color.

Flavor Variations for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a lactose-free version.
  • Vegetarian Voyage: Swap shrimp with roasted cauliflower or grilled tofu, maintaining the creamy sauce and sun-dried tomato flavors.
  • Low-Carb Comfort: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash as a pasta alternative, keeping the rich sauce and protein intact.
  • Gluten-Free Grace: Choose gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables, ensuring all other ingredients remain the same for a celiac-friendly meal.

Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

  • Romantic Dinner Date: Perfect for an intimate meal with your special someone, served by candlelight with a crisp white wine to complement the creamy sauce.
  • Weeknight Comfort Plating: Layer pasta in a large shallow bowl, artfully arrange shrimp on top, sprinkle extra basil, and add a side of garlic bread for a complete comfort meal.
  • Party Appetizer Twist: Transform the dish into bite-sized portions by using smaller pasta shapes, serving in mini appetizer spoons or small shot glasses for elegant gatherings.
  • Coastal Lunch Styling: Serve on a rustic wooden board with fresh lemon wedges, extra herbs, and a light arugula salad to create a Mediterranean-inspired lunch experience.

Storage Tips for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Pasta and shrimp will keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Cream-based sauces may slightly separate when thawed.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or cream to restore sauce consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a little liquid to prevent drying out.
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Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 39 reviews

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

Description

Creamy marry me shrimp pasta promises culinary romance with its luxurious blend of succulent shrimp and rich garlic parmesan sauce. Romantic dinner guests will swoon over this easy, restaurant-quality meal that delivers maximum flavor in minimal time.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

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

Pasta:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti or fettuccine

Main Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup (40 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare pasta according to package directions, carefully reserving 1 cup of starchy cooking liquid, then set aside.
  2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, introducing seasoned shrimp and cooking until they transform to a vibrant pink and become translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
  3. Using the identical skillet, sauté minced garlic until its aromatic essence fills the kitchen, roughly 30-45 seconds.
  4. Introduce rich heavy cream, grated Parmesan, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic Italian herbs, and fiery red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, reducing and thickening for 3-4 minutes.
  5. Incorporate the prepared pasta into the creamy sauce, carefully tossing to ensure even coating. Modulate sauce consistency by gradually incorporating reserved pasta water as needed.
  6. Reunite the perfectly cooked shrimp with the pasta, gently folding to ensure each morsel is luxuriously enrobed in the velvety sauce.
  7. Elevate the dish with a vibrant garnish of freshly torn basil leaves, then serve piping hot for maximum flavor and enjoyment.

Notes

  • Select large, fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture, ensuring they’re deveined and cleaned thoroughly before cooking.
  • Use high-quality Parmesan cheese and grate it fresh for a more intense, creamy sauce that melts smoothly into the pasta.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining richness.
  • Customize the heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes – add more for extra kick or omit completely for a milder dish that suits sensitive palates.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 470 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 33 g
  • Cholesterol: 165 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.

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