You guys know how much I love a dish that’s both dreamy and delicious, right? Well, the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe is exactly that. It’s the kind of recipe you make when you want to impress but without breaking a sweat.
Creamy, flavorful, and packed with succulent shrimp, this pasta is so good that it just might convince someone to pop the question. Seriously, it’s that good. Stick around because I’ve got all the tips, tricks, and mouthwatering details coming your way—you won’t want to miss this!
If you love creamy, flavor-packed pasta dishes, you have to try this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe—a seafood twist on the classic Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
If there’s one thing I know, it’s that a plate of creamy, dreamy pasta can fix just about anything. And this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta? Oh, it’s next-level. Here’s why you’re going to fall head over heels for it:
- Packed with flavour – Juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp meet a rich, garlicky, creamy sauce that’ll have you scraping the plate.
- Date-night approved – Whether you’re wooing someone special or just treating yourself, this dish brings all the romance with none of the stress.
- One-pan magic – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavour—because who wants to do dishes when they could be eating?
- Easily customizable – Want a little heat? A touch more garlic? Swap in your favourite pasta? This recipe plays nice with all your cravings.
- Ready in no time – From pan to plate in about 30 minutes. That’s less time than it takes to decide what to watch on Netflix.
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Ingredients
Before we dive into cooking, let’s talk about the star players in this dish. The beauty of Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is that it’s made with simple ingredients that come together most magically.
For the Shrimp
- Shrimp – Fresh or frozen (just make sure to thaw first). Go for large shrimp—they stay juicy and tender.
- Olive oil & butter – The dream team for getting that perfect golden sear.
- Garlic – Because is it even a good shrimp dish without garlic? (No, the answer is no.)
- Paprika & Italian seasoning – Adds warmth, depth, and a little herby goodness.
- Salt & pepper – Simple but essential for bringing out all the flavours.
For the Sauce
- Heavy cream – For that velvety, luxurious texture. (Half-and-half works, too, but why not go all in?)
- Chicken broth – Adds depth without making things too heavy.
- Sun-dried tomatoes – Sweet, tangy, and packed with umami flavour.
- Parmesan cheese – The salty, nutty finishing touch that ties it all together.
- Red pepper flakes – Just a little kick to keep things interesting.
- Fresh basil – Because every great pasta dish deserves a pop of freshness.
Substitutions for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Missing an ingredient? No worries—here are some easy swaps:
- No heavy cream? Utilize a combination of milk and cream cheese, or opt for half-and-half.
- Out of chicken broth? Vegetable broth works just fine.
- No sun-dried tomatoes? Try roasted red peppers or a spoonful of tomato paste.
- Want a dairy-free version? Replace the cream with coconut milk and substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan.
- Not a shrimp fan? Swap it out for salmon and try our rich and flavorful Marry Me Salmon Recipe.
How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Alright, it’s time to bring this dreamy dish to life! The best part? It’s surprisingly easy, and you’ll have it on the table in about 30 minutes. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be twirling forkfuls of creamy, garlicky shrimp pasta in no time.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. (Make it as salty as the ocean—this is your sole opportunity to flavor the pasta itself!)
- Add your favourite pasta—fettuccine, linguine, or even penne- and all work.
- Cook until al dente, then drain and set aside. (Reserve a little pasta water just in case we need to loosen up the Sauce later!)
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
- Heat a mix of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned shrimp (don’t crowd them!) and cook for about 2 minutes per side until they’re pink and slightly curled.
- Remove from the pan and set aside—you don’t want overcooked, rubbery shrimp!
Step 3: Make That Irresistible Sauce
- In the same pan, add a little more butter (because why not?) and toss in the garlic. Sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, letting them soften and release their flavour.
- Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for a minute, scraping up all those tasty bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
- Add the cooked pasta to the Sauce, tossing until well coated.
- If the sauce is overly thick, incorporate a bit of reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Gently fold in the shrimp and let everything warm through—just a minute or two.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil and give it one final toss.
Step 5: Serve and Devour
Plate up, garnish with extra Parmesan (because there’s no such thing as too much cheese), and dig in! Pro tip: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that creamy Sauce.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Want to make sure your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta turns out absolutely perfect every time? Here are some pro tips to take it from good to proposal-worthy!
Perfect Shrimp Cooking Techniques
- Pat the shrimp dry before seasoning—this helps them sear beautifully instead of steaming in the pan.
- Don’t overcook! Shrimp only need 2-3 minutes per side. The second they turn pink and curl slightly, pull them out. No one wants rubbery shrimp.
- Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan means they won’t get that delicious golden sear.
Achieving the Ideal Creamy Sauce Texture
- Low and slow is the way to go – Don’t rush the Sauce! Let the cream and Parmesan melt together gently for that smooth, velvety finish.
- Too thick? Incorporate a bit of reserved pasta water to make it less thick.
- Too thin? Let it simmer for another minute, or stir in a touch more Parmesan to thicken.
How to Avoid Common Mistakes
- Don’t add the shrimp too early – They should go back into the Sauce at the very end to avoid overcooking.
- Use fresh Parmesan – Pre-grated cheese can make the Sauce grainy.
- Salt matters! Taste your Sauce before serving—seasoning can make or break the dish.
Flavor Variations for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Feeling creative? Here are some enjoyable ways to shake things up:
- Add some greens – Stir in a handful of spinach or kale for extra colour and nutrients.
- Go spicy – Love heat? Incorporate additional red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning.
- Switch up the pasta – Fettuccine, penne, rigatoni—use whatever you have on hand!
- Make it extra garlicky – Double the garlic if you’re a true garlic lover (I won’t judge!).
- Lemon lovers, rejoice! – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavours beautifully.
What to Serve with Marry Me Shrimp Pasta?
This dish is already a star, but every great pasta deserves a good supporting cast. Try these tasty pairings:
- Garlic bread – Because you’ll want something to soak up all that dreamy Sauce.
- Simple green salad – A fresh side with balsamic vinaigrette balances out the richness.
- Roasted veggies – Asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli work beautifully.
- Crispy bruschetta – Adds a little crunch and freshness to your meal.
If you prefer a garlic-butter-based shrimp dish, check out our zesty and refreshing Shrimp Scampi Pasta.
Storing Leftover Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
If you somehow have leftovers (impressive self-control, by the way), here’s how to keep them tasting fresh:
- Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container for a maximum of 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended—cream-based sauces can separate and get grainy when frozen.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back that silky texture. The microwave works, too; just heat it in short intervals and stir it in between.
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp salt adjust to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz Penne, fettuccine or linguine
- Water for boiling
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta : Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika to evenly coat.
- Cook the Shrimp : Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce : In the same pan, melt more butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, then add chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add Liquids: Pour in heavy cream
- Incorporate Cheese & Seasonings : Stir in Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Shrimp & Pasta : Return shrimp to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Toss to coat everything in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
- Garnish & Serve x: Sprinkle fresh basil on top and serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Pasta Choice: Fettuccine, linguine, or penne work well for this dish.
- Substitutions: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to prevent drying out.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with garlic bread and a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Marry Me, Shrimp Pasta
Why is it called “Marry Me Pasta”?
The name Marry Me Pasta comes from its rich, creamy, and flavorful Sauce that’s so delicious it’s said to be “marriage proposal-worthy.” The dish became popular after similar versions, like Marry Me Chicken, gained attention for their irresistible flavours. The name is more about how indulgent and comforting the meal is rather than an actual tradition.
What pasta shape is best with shrimp pasta?
Long pasta like fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti works well because it holds onto creamy sauces and pairs nicely with shrimp. However, short pasta like penne or rigatoni can also be used if you prefer a heartier bite. The key is choosing a shape that allows the Sauce to coat evenly.
What is the best Sauce to eat with shrimp?
Shrimp pairs well with light yet flavorful sauces, such as a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, a buttery lemon-garlic sauce, or a tomato-based fra diavolo sauce. The mild sweetness of shrimp complements both creamy and tangy flavours, making it a versatile protein.
How to make a creamy pasta sauce?
A creamy pasta sauce typically starts with a base of butter or oil, followed by garlic and sometimes shallots for flavour. Heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a bit of broth or pasta water help create a smooth, velvety consistency. Simmering the Sauce gently and stirring frequently ensures a rich, lump-free texture.
What is Marry Me Sauce?
Marry Me Sauce is a creamy, garlic-infused sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasonings like red pepper flakes. It’s known for its rich, slightly tangy flavour that pairs well with Chicken, shrimp, or pasta. The Sauce gained popularity through the Marry Me Chicken recipe and has since been adapted for other dishes.
Do Italians put cheese on shrimp pasta?
Traditionally, Italian cuisine avoids pairing cheese with seafood, as it can overpower the delicate flavours of the fish or shellfish. However, modern adaptations, especially outside of Italy, often include Parmesan in shrimp pasta dishes for extra richness. It ultimately comes down to personal preference.
What brings out the flavour of shrimp?
Ingredients like garlic, lemon, butter, and mild spices such as paprika or red pepper flakes enhance shrimp’s natural sweetness. Cooking shrimp quickly over medium-high heat helps retain its juiciness and prevents a rubbery texture. Marinating shrimp briefly in citrus or light seasoning before cooking can also intensify its flavour.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream in my pasta sauce?
Yes, but the Sauce will be less rich and creamy. To maintain a similar consistency, you can mix milk with a bit of butter or thicken it with a cornstarch slurry. Another option is using half-and-half or evaporated milk as a middle ground.
Why do they call it “Marry Me Chicken”?
Marry Me Chicken got its name because of its irresistible flavour—many joked that serving this dish could lead to a marriage proposal. The dish features a creamy, flavorful sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and garlic, making it a comforting yet impressive meal. Over time, the playful name stuck and became widely recognized.
What does “marry me” mean for food?
In food, “marry me” typically refers to flavours that blend harmoniously, creating a dish so delicious that it’s worthy of admiration. The term has been popularized by recipes featuring creamy, well-balanced sauces that elevate simple ingredients into something special. It’s less about actual marriage and more about how the flavours “marry” together beautifully.
What cream is used in Marry Me Chicken?
Heavy cream is typically used in Marry Me Chicken to create a rich, velvety sauce that coats the Chicken and enhances the dish’s overall texture. Some variations use half-and-half for a lighter version, but heavy cream provides the best consistency.