Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Introduction

This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta quickly became a family favorite in my home. Inspired by the viral “Marry Me Chicken,” this creamy, flavorful dish delivers bold tastes that are impossible to resist. The combination of perfectly seared shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich, creamy sauce creates a decadent meal that feels like an indulgent treat while being surprisingly easy to make. My family devoured it, and there were literally no leftovers! If you’re looking for a comforting, yet elegant dish to serve for any occasion—whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special dinner—this shrimp pasta is the answer. In just 30 minutes, you can create a gourmet meal that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
This recipe is inspired by the popular “Marry Me Chicken,” and it brings the same level of delicious, creamy richness, but with succulent shrimp as the star of the show. The pasta is perfectly coated with a flavorful sauce that features sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasonings, balanced with a touch of lemon juice and creamy heavy cream. The addition of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil only elevates the dish further, ensuring every bite is filled with layers of flavor. Plus, it’s quick—taking just 30 minutes from start to finish—making it ideal for busy nights when you want to impress your loved ones or guests.

Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this dish:

Pasta

• 11 ounces rigatoni (or any pasta shape of your choice)

Shrimp

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Cooking

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Sauce

• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3.5 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, chopped and drained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon double-concentrated tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional

• Chili flakes, for serving

Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients:
   Peel and devein the shrimp, then toss them in a bowl with sweet paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
   Mince the garlic, chop the sun-dried tomatoes and basil, and grate the Parmesan.
2. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the pasta aside.
3. Sear the Shrimp:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sear for 1 minute per side until the shrimp are cooked through and pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
   Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
   Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and the remaining salt and pepper. Cook for another minute.
   Stir in the flour and cook for 30 seconds.
   Deglaze the skillet with the chicken broth, scraping the browned bits from the pan. Let the broth simmer for about 2 minutes.
5. Make It Creamy:
   Reduce the heat to low, then add the heavy cream, tomato paste, and lemon juice. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Combine the Ingredients:
   Add the cooked pasta, seared shrimp, and chopped basil to the skillet. Toss everything to coat evenly in the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
7. Serve:
   Plate the pasta, garnish with additional Parmesan, fresh basil, and chili flakes (if desired). Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1 plate
• Calories: 722
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 72g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 213mg
• Sodium: 693mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve
This dish can be served in various ways to suit different occasions:

• As a Main Course: Serve the pasta with a side salad or garlic bread for a full meal.
• For a Fancy Dinner: Pair with a glass of white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
• For a Cozy Family Dinner: Serve with a simple green vegetable like sautéed spinach or roasted asparagus.
• For Meal Prep: This pasta is great for leftovers and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat and enjoy!

Additional Tips

1. For an extra creamy sauce, add more Parmesan cheese or a bit more heavy cream to suit your preferences.
2. You can use frozen shrimp in this recipe, but be sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.
3. If you prefer a slightly spicier dish, add chili flakes directly into the sauce or sprinkle on top of the finished pasta.
4. For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or use a non-dairy cream.
5. Experiment with different pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti for variety in texture.

FAQ

1. Can I use other types of pasta?
   Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.
2. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Yes, frozen shrimp work well in this dish. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking.
3. What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
   You can substitute with fresh tomatoes, but sun-dried tomatoes add a unique, concentrated flavor to the sauce.
4. Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
   Yes, chicken breast or thighs can be used instead of shrimp. Just cook the chicken thoroughly before adding it to the sauce.
5. How do I store leftovers?
   Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
6. Can I make this dish in advance?
   It’s best to prepare the dish fresh, but you can prep the shrimp and sauce components ahead of time.
7. What other vegetables can I add?
   Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini would be great additions to this pasta.
8. Can I make the sauce spicier?
   Yes, adding chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or even some hot sauce will give it a spicy kick.
9. Can I freeze this dish?
   This dish is not ideal for freezing, as the cream-based sauce may separate when thawed.
10. What kind of wine pairs well with this pasta?
    A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with this creamy shrimp pasta.

Conclusion
The Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a delightful, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the best of creamy, savory flavors with succulent shrimp and a rich sauce. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special meal for guests. With simple ingredients and a handful of steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal that will undoubtedly leave everyone asking for more. Try it out and see why this shrimp pasta is sure to become a family favorite!

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