Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that will leave everyone at the table speechless (and possibly asking for seconds), Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the answer. This dish is all about indulgence: plump, juicy shrimp nestled in a creamy, garlicky sauce that’s perfectly balanced with a hint of spice and a touch of lemony brightness. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy, yet is surprisingly simple to make—making it perfect for both date night or a weeknight dinner when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. And yes, trust me, after the first bite, someone might just be asking you to marry them.

Why You’ll Love Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Here’s why this shrimp pasta will quickly become your favorite dish:

• Rich and Creamy: The sauce is a velvety combination of heavy cream, parmesan, and just a touch of spice, coating the shrimp and pasta in the most luxurious way.
• Easy Yet Elegant: It looks and tastes like something you’d find at a high-end restaurant, but it’s surprisingly easy to make.
• Flavor Explosion: The garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and crushed red pepper add depth and warmth, while the shrimp provide that perfect bite.
• Customizable: Want to add more veggies or switch up the pasta? You can tweak it to your preferences and still have a showstopper.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making it for a romantic dinner, a gathering with friends, or simply a treat for yourself, this dish fits every scenario.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible shrimp pasta:

For the Shrimp Pasta:

• Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are best for this dish, adding a sweet and juicy bite.
• Pasta: Choose your favorite pasta! Linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work beautifully, but any pasta shape will do.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds that aromatic base to the dish, making the sauce rich and flavorful.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a tangy, slightly sweet depth to the sauce, bringing a burst of umami.
• Heavy Cream: For that creamy, dreamy sauce that’s rich and smooth.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan cheese for the perfect cheesy finish and added flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the shrimp and garlic, giving the dish a nice richness.
• Crushed Red Pepper: A pinch adds just the right amount of heat, but you can adjust to your spice preference.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens up the creamy sauce and balances the richness.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley for a pop of freshness and color to garnish.

For the Seasoning:

• Salt & Pepper: To taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds extra flavor and a herbaceous note to the sauce.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! This dish comes together so quickly, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create something so decadent.

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water, and set aside.

2. Cook the Shrimp

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil. Season the shrimp with a little salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute, letting the flavors meld.

4. Combine the Cream and Cheese

Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic and tomatoes. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper, adjusting the heat to low. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.

5. Bring it All Together

Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Then, add the cooked pasta, tossing everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

6. Garnish and Serve

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a little extra parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 600
Total Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 230mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 32g
Vitamin D: 15%
Calcium: 20%
Iron: 10%
Potassium: 450mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but here are a few sides to elevate your meal:

• Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with garlic bread to dip into that creamy sauce!
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans would add color and balance to the richness of the pasta.
• Side Salad: A crisp, fresh salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly to cut through the richness of the pasta.

Additional Tips

• Make It Spicy: If you love spice, you can add more crushed red pepper or even a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will give you the best texture and flavor, but frozen shrimp will work just as well if that’s what you have on hand.
• Cream Alternatives: For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream, though the sauce may not be as rich.
• Leftovers: This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A1: Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly before cooking.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: This pasta is best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce and shrimp ahead of time and combine everything just before serving.

Q3: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A3: Absolutely! Feel free to use spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

Q5: Can I make the sauce lighter?
A5: You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though it will be a little less rich. A splash of chicken broth can also help lighten it up without losing too much flavor.

Q6: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A6: Absolutely! Spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes would make great additions to the sauce.

Q7: What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
A7: You can use roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes if you prefer something milder.

Q8: How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?
A8: Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them as they can become tough.

Q9: Can I use a different cheese?
A9: Yes! Asiago or Romano cheese would work as a substitute for parmesan, giving the dish a slightly different flavor profile.

Q10: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A10: Yes! Just swap out regular pasta for gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go.

Conclusion

This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a true crowd-pleaser, with its creamy, flavorful sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp. It’s a dish that’s elegant yet simple enough to make on a weeknight, and the best part is, you’ll be able to wow everyone with minimal effort. So, go ahead—get cooking, and watch your loved ones fall head over heels for this irresistible meal!

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