If you are searching for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe. This luscious pasta combines tender shrimp with a rich, velvety sauce bursting with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. It’s an effortless recipe that brings a splash of Italian-inspired elegance to your weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Every bite delivers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, creating creamy texture, and adding vibrant color to the dish. From the fragrant garlic to the zing of sun-dried tomatoes and the richness of Parmesan, every bite sings with delicious harmony.
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta: Choose your favorite long pasta to hold the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed, shrimp add a tender, protein-packed delight.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a fruity base for sautéing and a silky mouthfeel.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps develop a smooth sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic brings that unmistakable savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to keep things interesting without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped): These intense bursts of sweetness and chew add character.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The foundation of the luscious, creamy sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds savory balance and a touch of moisture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The nutty, salty heart of the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant blend of herbs to enhance every bite.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Simple seasonings to elevate the natural flavors.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: Bright green herbs add color and a fresh finish.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until it is al dente, meaning it still holds a little bite. Reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water is like liquid gold and will help you adjust the sauce in the final step.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil so the shrimp gets that perfect silky coating. Place the shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and black pepper, and cook them 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn that lovely pink color and are cooked through. Set them aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic alongside a teaspoon of red pepper flakes for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a minute, allowing their sweet, tangy flavor to infuse the oil.
Step 4: Simmer the Creamy Base
Add the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring everything together. Bring this mixture gently to a simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes smooth and velvety — this will be the luscious heart of your dish.
Step 5: Combine Shrimp and Pasta
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, add your drained pasta, and toss everything together. Slowly incorporate the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired sauce consistency. Finish by tasting and adjusting with salt and pepper for that perfect balance.
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley on top adds a fresh burst of herbal brightness and irresistible color contrast. Don’t shy away from an extra grating of Parmesan cheese to delight those cheese lovers at your table.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and flavorful, so pairing it with light, crisp sides like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables complements it beautifully without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the glistening sauce and shrimp. For an extra cozy touch, try garnishing with edible flowers or a drizzle of chili oil to highlight the red pepper flakes’ warm kick. Individual skillet presentations can make for an impressive, rustic look that feels homemade and welcoming.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy shrimp pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp and sauce may firm up, so it’s best enjoyed freshly reheated rather than stored for too long.
Freezing
Freezing creamy pasta dishes can be tricky because the sauce may separate. If you want to freeze leftovers, remove the shrimp first and freeze the pasta and sauce separately. The shrimp can be added fresh upon reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce’s creamy silkiness. Stir often and avoid overheating to keep the shrimp tender and the sauce smooth.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture and ensure a lovely sear on the shrimp.
Is there a good substitute for heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version, but the sauce may not be quite as rich and thick as with heavy cream.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers work wonderfully and add more texture and nutrition without compromising the dish’s integrity.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Fettuccine or linguine are ideal because their ribbon shapes cling beautifully to the creamy sauce, but feel free to get creative with penne or rigatoni if you prefer.
How spicy is the red pepper flakes’ heat?
The red pepper flakes provide a gentle warmth to balance the richness, but you can adjust the amount up or down depending on how adventurous your palate is feeling.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe is truly a showstopper that feels both indulgent and soothing. Its perfect blend of creamy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors makes it a dish you’ll want to make again and again, whether it’s a cozy date night or simply treating yourself to some culinary love. So grab your skillet, invite a loved one or just treat yourself, and dive into this delicious experience!
Print
Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a luscious sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese, tossed with fettuccine or linguine pasta. This Italian-inspired main course is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a romantic date night.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and butter. Add the shrimp in a single layer, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional minute.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss pasta and shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything to evenly coat with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce needs thinning to reach the desired consistency.
- Adjust and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to create a lighter version of the sauce.
- Add fresh spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables and nutrition.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth melting.
