Easy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Looking for a dish that will impress someone special or take your weeknight dinner up a notch? Just prepare Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. Thought to be so irresistible it’ll steal hearts across your dining table, here, this creamy pasta recipe harmonizes tender shrimp with a luscious sauce and al dente pasta to create a meal worthy enough to call it a night that’s knocking.
To start with its namesake, this recipe is easy enough to make, packed with flavor and adaptable to every occasion, from date nights to family suppers. No matter whether you are an experienced home cook or have just begun to dabble with experimenting in the kitchen, this step-by-step guide outlines everything you need to know about making this mouth-watering meal. Prepare to fall in love (with dinner).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick And Easy: On the table in 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
- Takeout-Quality Flavor: A buttery tomato-cream sauce that tastes fancy but easy.
- Adaptable: Use your pastas shapes of choice, scale up for a crowd, or add some heat if you’re feeling brave.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Always a winning choice, whether as a date-night dinner or a family favorite.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Ingredients
Pasta Base
- 8 oz (225g) linguine or fettuccine pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Creamy Tomato Shrimp Sauce
- 12 oz (340g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken stock
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnishes
- Freshly chopped parsley or basil (optional)
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
Required Equipment
- Large pot – for boiling the pasta.
- Large skillet – to cook the shrimp and create the sauce.
- Colander – for draining pasta.
- Tongs or spatula – for stirring and mixing.
Instructions
Step 1 – Boil the Pasta
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Drizzle with olive oil to keep from sticking, then set aside.
Step 2 – Sauté the Shrimp
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the shrimp.
- Dust with smoked paprika, then sear for 2–3 minutes on both sides, or until pink and opaque. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
Step 3 – Prepare the Sauce Creamy
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant (30 seconds).
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using) and stir, cooking for 1 more minute.
- Add the chicken stock and deglaze the skillet, scraping up browned bits from the bottom for added flavor.
- Reduce the heat and stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3–5 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4 – Combine and Serve
- Get the cooked pasta and sautéed shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated and heated through. Loosen the sauce with reserved pasta water, if needed.
- Transfer to serving plates or bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for an elegant touch. If you wish, scatter extra Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
How To Serve Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
This works well with a crisp salad, like a Caesar or mixed greens dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. Serve with crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of the creamy sauce. If you’re feeling frisky, a glass of chilled white wine, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, will do the trick.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 600
- Protein: 33g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different protein instead of the shrimp?
Absolutely! Chicken, scallops, even a vegetarian option such as mushrooms will perform beautifully here.
2. Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes, substitute a canned coconut milk alternative for the heavy cream and swap in nutritional yeast in place of the Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
It is best eaten fresh, but the sauce can be made ahead and kept in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat slowly on the stovetop, thinning with a splash of milk or stock so that the sauce doesn’t get too thick.
4. What pasta shapes go well with Marry Me Shrimp Pasta?
Long shapes, such as linguine or fettuccine, are classic choices but short pasta, like penne or rigatoni, works beautifully with the creamy sauce.
5. Can I make it spicier?
Of course! Amp up the number of red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
One Last Bite
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta delivers on its name, coming together with big flavors and adding creamy elements to create a dish worthy of any special occasion, or none at all. The balance of the tender shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan-cream sauce will leave you going back for seconds (if not thirds). And the best part? This show-stopping dinner is made in just 30 minutes, so it’s a good recipe to have on hand in your repertoire.
Feeling inspired? Try this newly revised recipe tonight and take your dinner from ordinary to extraordinary!