As I flipped through my favorite cookbooks one rainy afternoon, a comforting recipe caught my eye—Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. This dish promises the rich, indulgent flavors of succulent shrimp wrapped in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, all beautifully tossed with fettuccine. What truly excites me about this recipe is that it’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights, taking just 30 minutes to whip up a meal that feels special enough for date night. With minimal effort and maximum taste, this creamy pasta is destined to become your go-to quick dinner. Have you ever whipped up a dish that had someone asking for seconds (or maybe even a proposal)? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!
Why Is Marry Me Shrimp Pasta a Must-Try?
Simplicity at Its Best: With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a sumptuous meal that impresses without overwhelming.
Ready in 30 Minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner parties, this dish serves up a delicious experience in no time.
Rich, Indulgent Flavors: The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce coupled with tender shrimp elevates your meal to restaurant quality.
Customizable: Want to switch things up? Easily swap out shrimp for scallops, or toss in your favorite vegetables like spinach or asparagus.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a romantic date or a family gathering, this creamy pasta is sure to wow guests and turn any meal into a celebration!
If you enjoy this pasta, you might also love Savory Shrimp Crab or explore other delicious options like Onion Soup Pasta.
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Ingredients
• Get ready to delight your taste buds!
For the Pasta
- Fettuccine (8 ounces) – Perfectly holds the creamy sauce and can be swapped with other pasta types like linguine or penne.
For the Sauce
- Shrimp (1 pound, large, peeled and deveined) – The star of the dish, providing tenderness that pairs beautifully with the sauce.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup) – Creates a decadent and creamy base for the sauce.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes (1/2 cup, chopped) – Adds a tangy-sweet burst of flavor that enhances the creaminess.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth that complements the shrimp.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, freshly grated) – Offers saltiness and richness, making the sauce irresistibly creamy.
- Chicken Broth (1/2 cup) – Lightens the cream while deepening the flavor profile.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon) – Provides a gentle heat that dances nicely with the shrimp.
- Butter (2 tablespoons) – Adds a rich, silky texture to the sauce.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons) – Used for sautéing, contributing additional depth of flavor.
- Salt & Pepper (1/2 teaspoon each) – Essential seasonings to elevate the taste of the dish.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped) – Garnishes the dish with a burst of color and freshness.
This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta brings a sense of restaurant luxury right to your kitchen, perfect for impressing your loved ones!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and bubbling. Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves to the remaining oil and butter. Sauté for 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. This step will infuse the dish with aromatic flavors, laying a delicious foundation for your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta.
Step 3: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Next, add ½ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the pan. Sauté for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together. You’ll notice a rich scent as the tomatoes soften and absorb the garlic’s essence, making your sauce vibrant.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in ½ cup of chicken broth, using a spatula to scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. This deglazing adds depth to the sauce while incorporating the flavorful remnants left from the shrimp. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to reduce slightly for 2–3 minutes.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Base
Now, slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream while stirring continuously to combine. Increase the heat slightly to bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Then, add in ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce that envelops the shrimp.
Step 6: Cook the Fettuccine
While your sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 8 ounces of fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente—usually around 8–10 minutes. Be sure to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining, which will help balance the sauce’s consistency later on.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained fettuccine directly into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss the pasta to coat it evenly, then add a splash of the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce to your desired consistency. The pasta should be beautifully coated, and the aroma should be incredibly inviting.
Step 8: Stir in the Cooked Shrimp
Carefully return the sautéed shrimp to the skillet and gently fold them into the pasta and sauce. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, allowing everything to heat through. The shrimp will absorb some of the sauce flavors, enhancing the dish’s overall richness.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is well combined, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately, enjoying each creamy, flavorful bite with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Variations
Feel free to get creative with this dish and personalize it to your taste!
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Pasta Swap: Use linguine, spaghetti, or penne to change up the texture. Each type brings its own unique charm—experiment with your favorite!
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Veggie Boost: Add fresh spinach or asparagus for extra nutrition and a pop of color. Toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking for a delicious twist.
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Protein Alternatives: Try swapping shrimp with scallops or even chicken for a different flavor profile. Both options will still deliver a satisfying dish everyone will love.
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Add Some Heat: For spice lovers, increase crushed red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or add a different type of chili for a punch! Just be careful—you can always add more, but it’s harder to tone it down.
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Creamy Twist: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative with a hint of tropical flavor. It’s a delightful twist that pairs beautifully with shrimp!
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Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or feta for a tangy flavor kick. Just crumble it over the top for a creamy finish.
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Herbal Infusion: Stir in fresh basil or dill to enhance the flavor profile. The herbal notes can elevate your creamy sauce into something truly unique!
If you’re looking for other delicious shrimp recipes, you’ll want to check out Garlic Shrimp Mofongo or consider pairing with a fresh Avocado Salsa Shrimp for an exceptional dining experience!
What to Serve with Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Elevate your dining experience with delightful accompaniments that ensure every bite is memorable.
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Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery side perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, adding a comforting crunch to your meal.
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Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing mix of crisp greens and tangy vinaigrette brightens the palette, balancing the richness of the dish.
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Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned and roasted, these tender spears add a satisfying crunch and vibrant color that complements the pasta beautifully.
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Steamed Broccoli: Serve alongside for a nutritious boost; the subtle bitterness of the broccoli contrasts with the creamy sauce.
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White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully, enhancing the flavors of the shrimp and cream.
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Lemon Sorbet: Light and refreshing, this dessert cleanses the palate after the rich pasta, offering a sweet ending.
Enjoy these pairings for a complete, delightful dining experience that draws you back for more!
Expert Tips for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
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Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Avoid overcooking the shrimp; they should be pink and opaque after 2 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery.
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Fresh Parmesan is Key: Always opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese; it melts better and enhances the flavor of your creamy sauce compared to pre-packaged varieties.
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Use Reserved Pasta Water: Remember to reserve some pasta cooking water. This helps adjust the sauce’s consistency, ensuring every bite of your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is perfectly creamy.
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Customize with Veggies: Feel free to add veggies like spinach or asparagus for a pop of color and added nutrition. Just toss them in during the sauce preparation for a complete meal.
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Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before serving. If it needs more flavor, a pinch of salt or additional crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the taste!
Make Ahead Options
These Marry Me Shrimp Pasta preparations are perfect for those looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can chop the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, and even clean and devein the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Furthermore, you can cook the fettuccine ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days—just toss it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. When it’s time to serve, simply reheat the shrimp in the skillet, add the creamy sauce ingredients, and combine with the pasta for a dish that remains just as delicious and satisfying as if made fresh!
How to Store and Freeze Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Fridge: Store leftover Marry Me Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To keep the sauce creamy, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the pasta in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Note that the sauce may slightly change in texture, but it will still be delicious.
Thawing: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to help maintain texture. Reheat over medium heat, adding a bit of cream or broth for creaminess.
Avoid Room Temperature: It’s best not to leave cooked pasta at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe FAQs
What kind of shrimp should I use for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta?
Absolutely! Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best results. Fresh shrimp has a wonderful texture and flavor, but you can also use thawed frozen shrimp. Just ensure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in your dish.
How should I store leftover Marry Me Shrimp Pasta?
Very! Store your leftover Marry Me Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to help revive the creamy texture.
Can I freeze Marry Me Shrimp Pasta?
Sure, you can! To freeze, place the cooled pasta in an airtight container, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. Just remember that the sauce might change slightly in texture. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding a bit of cream or broth to keep it creamy.
What if my shrimp turns rubbery? How can I avoid this?
To prevent rubbery shrimp, watch the cooking time closely! Sauté the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until they are pink and opaque. Overcooking is the main culprit behind a rubbery texture. If you’re unsure, it’s better to slightly undercook them and let them finish cooking in the sauce for a couple of minutes.
Can I make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta vegetarian-friendly?
Absolutely! You can easily substitute the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian twist. For a creamy base without dairy, try using coconut cream or a cashew-based cream sauce, adjusting seasonings to taste.
How do I make sure my pasta is al dente?
To achieve perfectly cooked pasta, add salt to the boiling water before cooking your fettuccine! Follow package instructions, generally cooking for 8-10 minutes. Test the pasta a minute or two before the time is up to ensure it has a slight bite. This will hold up beautifully against the creamy sauce.
Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Ready in 30 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until melted. Add the shrimp, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 2 minutes per side until cooked, then remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burned.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet and sauté for a minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape any remnants from the skillet, allowing it to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring. Increase heat slightly and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Boil salted water in a pot and cook fettuccine until al dente, reserving some pasta water before draining.
- Add drained fettuccine to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly and adjusting sauce consistency with reserved pasta water.
- Return shrimp to skillet, folding into the pasta and sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
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