Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a rich and creamy dish full of juicy shrimp, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a garlicky parmesan cream sauce tossed with pasta. I like to think of it as romantic comfort food—simple to make, full of flavor, and perfect for impressing anyone lucky enough to be at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this pasta because it feels indulgent but comes together in just 35 minutes. The shrimp cook fast, and the sauce is built from scratch without being fussy. It’s flexible too—I’ve swapped in chicken or mushrooms, added spinach or bell peppers, and even turned it into a Cajun-style dish with andouille sausage. No matter what, it’s always restaurant-quality comfort food.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Pasta and Sauce

• 10 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for pasta water)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup chicken broth (or seafood broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Directions

I start by cooking the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. I reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set it aside.

While the pasta cooks, I pat the shrimp dry and toss them with olive oil, butter, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. I sear them in a hot skillet for 1.5–2 minutes per side, then remove and set them aside.

In the same skillet, I lower the heat and melt butter. I sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then stir in sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes. After a minute, I pour in chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer.

I add the heavy cream and Italian seasoning and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes. Then I stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. I adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Next, I toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, using a splash of reserved pasta water if it’s too thick. I return the shrimp to the skillet and let everything simmer for another minute or two.

I plate it hot and garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan. I like to serve it with garlic bread or a simple green salad.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Cajun Style: I swap the Italian seasoning for Cajun seasoning and add sliced andouille sausage.
• Protein Swap: I’ve made this with grilled chicken, scallops, and even tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Add Veggies: Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers make great additions.
• Different Pasta Shapes: I’ve used rigatoni, tagliatelle, and penne—all hold the sauce really well.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Since the sauce thickens as it sits, I reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to bring the texture back.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. I thaw them completely, pat them dry, and proceed with the recipe as written.

What type of pasta works best?

I like using fettuccine or linguine, but penne and rigatoni are great for catching the sauce in every bite.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a little kick from the red pepper flakes, but I adjust them based on who I’m serving. You can leave them out for a milder version.

Can I make this ahead?

I recommend making it fresh for the best texture, but the sauce and shrimp can be cooked in advance and gently reheated with the pasta.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half works, but the sauce will be thinner. I’ve also tried coconut cream for a dairy-free option with decent results.

Conclusion

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is one of those dishes I reach for when I want something that feels special but doesn’t take all night. It’s creamy, flavorful, and comes together with just a few key ingredients. Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a treat-yourself night, this pasta always earns its name.

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