Perfect Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

The Dreamy “Marry Me Shrimp Pasta” Recipe That Seals The Deal

Seafood lovers adore this marry me shrimp pasta that promises culinary magic in every delectable bite.

Creamy sauce envelops perfectly cooked prawns, creating an irresistible symphony of flavors.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike cherish this simple yet elegant dish.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel extraordinary with such a luxurious recipe.

Romantic undertones hint at its charming nickname, suggesting a meal so delicious it could inspire proposals.

Fresh ingredients and minimal preparation time make this pasta a go-to comfort food.

Dive into this mouthwatering experience and let the first forkful sweep you off your feet.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

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

  • Is this dish spicy?

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

  • What type of pasta works best?

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

  • How can I make this dish lighter?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use less Parmesan cheese to reduce the calorie content.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Full Of Flavor

  • Savor Quick Culinary Magic: This shrimp pasta delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just a few simple steps, making gourmet cooking accessible for home chefs of all skill levels.
  • Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels by controlling red pepper flakes, swap protein types, or add extra vegetables to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The creamy, rich sauce combined with tender shrimp provides a universally appealing dish that satisfies both adults and kids, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
  • Master One-Skillet Wonder: Minimizing dishes and cooking time, this recipe allows busy individuals to prepare a delicious meal without complicated techniques or extensive cleanup.

Ingredients For Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Main Ingredients:
  • Shrimp: Succulent seafood that serves as the star protein of this creamy pasta dish.
  • Pasta: The perfect base for capturing the rich and flavorful sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth sauce for the pasta.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onion, Garlic: Provide a deep, savory foundation for the sauce's flavor profile.
  • Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Add depth and a subtle kick of spice to the dish.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the recipe.
Sauce and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Diced Tomatoes: Bring a bright, tangy element to the creamy sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds additional depth and moisture to the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a rich, salty, and nutty flavor to the dish.
  • Olive Oil: Used for cooking and building the base of the sauce.
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, green garnish that brightens the final presentation.

How To Prepare Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook pasta according to package directions. Scoop out and save some pasta water, then set the cooked pasta aside.

Step 2: Sizzle Succulent Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle salt and pepper on shrimp, then cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink.

Remove shrimp and set them aside.

Step 3: Caramelize Aromatic Onions

In the same skillet, sauté onions until they become soft and translucent.

Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce Magic

Combine ingredients in the skillet:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes

Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes until it slightly thickens.

Step 5: Reunite Shrimp with Sauce

Return cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to coat with the sauce.

Step 6: Merge Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked pasta to the skillet and mix thoroughly.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.

Step 7: Finish with Fresh Flair

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and serve the dish immediately while hot.

Tips For Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

  • Swap shrimp with chicken or tofu for alternative protein options that maintain the dish's delicious flavor profile.
  • Reserve pasta water before draining to help create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats every strand of pasta.
  • Reduce red pepper flakes for mild palates or increase for a spicier kick that adds exciting depth to the creamy sauce.
  • Choose fresh shrimp over frozen for the most tender and succulent texture in this romantic dinner recipe.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions without compromising taste and richness.

New Takes On Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

  • Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Swap: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, gluten-free version that cuts carbohydrates and adds extra vegetables.
  • Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Version: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, lactose-free alternative.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add kalamata olives, swap Italian seasoning for dried oregano, and include crumbled feta cheese to give the dish a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Protein Option: Replace shrimp with pan-seared tofu cubes or chickpeas, maintaining the creamy sauce and herbs while creating a plant-based meal.

Pairings For Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

  • Romantic Dinner Date Night: Perfect for an intimate evening, serve this creamy shrimp pasta on elegant white plates with soft candlelight to create a magical dining experience.
  • Weeknight Family Feast: Pair the pasta with a crisp green salad and garlic bread to transform this dish into a satisfying family meal that everyone will enjoy.
  • Potluck Party Favorite: Transfer the pasta to a large serving dish, sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh parsley on top, making it an impressive contribution to any gathering that will have guests asking for the recipe.
  • Summer Outdoor Dining: Serve the pasta in colorful ceramic bowls on a patio or deck, accompanied by a chilled white wine, creating a relaxed and delightful al fresco dining moment.

Proper Storage For Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer pasta and shrimp to a shallow container to help cool down quickly before refrigerating.
  • Separate sauce and pasta if possible to prevent soggy noodles and preserve texture.
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Perfect Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Perfect Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 26 reviews

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

Description

Marry me shrimp pasta combines creamy garlic sauce with succulent shrimp for an irresistible dinner. Romantic flavors and simple ingredients promise a restaurant-quality meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 500 grams (1.1 pounds) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Carbohydrates:

  • 300 grams (10.5 ounces) linguine or spaghetti

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare pasta according to package directions, preserving 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid for potential sauce adjustment.
  2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, introducing seasoned shrimp and cooking 2-3 minutes until they transform into a vibrant pink hue and achieve complete doneness. Extract shrimp from pan and reserve.
  3. Utilize the identical skillet to caramelize onions until they become translucent and soft, then introduce minced garlic and sauté briefly for approximately 60 seconds.
  4. Incorporate diced tomatoes, rich cream, savory chicken broth, aged Parmesan, aromatic Italian herbs, and fiery red pepper flakes into the skillet. Allow mixture to gently simmer 5-7 minutes, enabling sauce to develop thickness and complex flavors.
  5. Reintroduce perfectly cooked shrimp into the bubbling sauce, delicately coating each piece with the luxurious mixture.
  6. Fold prepared pasta into the skillet, ensuring thorough integration with sauce. Strategically add reserved pasta water if sauce requires subtle consistency modification.
  7. Elevate dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley across the surface. Serve immediately while temperature and texture remain optimal.

Notes

  • Keep pasta slightly undercooked to prevent mushiness when mixing with sauce.
  • Use fresh shrimp for best flavor and texture, ensuring they’re deveined and patted dry before cooking.
  • Reserve pasta water as a secret weapon to control sauce thickness and help ingredients cling perfectly.
  • Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version without compromising creamy richness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 485 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 195 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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