If you are craving a dinner that feels both indulgent and comforting, the Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. This luscious dish brings together tender shrimp, velvety cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all topped with vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and a hint of spice. It’s a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that can easily become a much-loved staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to elevate your weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way every ingredient plays a key role. Each component not only enhances the flavor but also creates the perfect balance of richness, freshness, and a subtle kick. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to bring this mouthwatering dish to life.
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti: Choose your favorite long pasta to soak up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Provides a tender, flavorful protein that cooks quickly.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds a silky base to sauté the shrimp and garlic beautifully.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Brings aromatic depth and a punch of flavor to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, silky texture that defines the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Balances the creaminess with a subtle savory note.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds that irresistible, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Contributes color and a concentrated sweet-tart burst.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend that infuses herby warmth and complexity.
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a gentle heat that can be adjusted to your taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to bring all flavors into balance.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish perfect for presentation and flavor.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. When ready, drain the pasta but be sure to save about half a cup of the pasta water—it will come in handy later to perfect your sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your shrimp generously with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn beautifully pink and opaque. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Let it sizzle gently for about one minute until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t burn—this step builds a wonderful aromatic foundation for the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Now, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Allow the sauce to simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and becomes luscious.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your cooked pasta directly to the skillet and toss it in the creamy sauce. Use the reserved pasta water little by little if you need to loosen the sauce to your ideal consistency. This ensures every strand of pasta is luxuriously coated.
Step 6: Add the Shrimp Back
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir everything together. Let it heat through for another 2 minutes so the shrimp and pasta flavors meld beautifully.
Step 7: Finish and Season
Taste your masterpiece and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving to add a burst of color and freshness that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a must—they elevate the dish visually and add an herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. If you want to get fancy, sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper for a dramatic finish.
Side Dishes
A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs wonderfully to lighten your plate. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that decadent sauce. Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the creamy pasta without overwhelming the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the shrimp and colorful sun-dried tomatoes. You can also twirl individual portions onto plates for an elegant touch. For a special occasion, place a sprig of basil or a lemon wedge on the side to brighten each serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken, so be sure to loosen it with a splash of cream or broth when reheating.
Freezing
The creamy nature of this dish makes freezing less ideal as the texture may change, but if necessary, freeze the shrimp and pasta separately in sealed containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Warm leftovers over low heat on the stove, adding a little heavy cream or chicken broth to revive the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can make the sauce separate or the shrimp rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine or spaghetti works best for coating in the creamy sauce, feel free to experiment with fettuccine, penne, or even a gluten-free pasta to suit your preferences.
Is the crushed red pepper flakes necessary?
No, they are optional! They add a subtle heat that enhances the flavors, but you can omit them if you prefer a milder dish.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream cheese for a lighter sauce, but keep in mind the texture won’t be quite as rich or velvety.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect quick yet indulgent option for weeknight dinners or last-minute guests.
Can I prepare any parts ahead of time?
You can prep the shrimp and chop the sun-dried tomatoes ahead to save some time. The sauce and pasta are best made fresh to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Try the Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe the next time you want a dish that feels both effortlessly elegant and irresistibly comforting. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients turning into a spectacular meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare, but actually comes together quickly. Once you make it, this pasta is sure to become a new favorite to share with friends and family.
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: Italian
Description
This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a luscious and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasonings, served over perfectly cooked linguine or spaghetti. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an elegant yet easy meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Set pasta and reserved water aside.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening to your desired consistency.
- Combine shrimp and pasta: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently stir them into the pasta and sauce. Cook together for 2 minutes until the shrimp are heated through and flavors meld.
- Season and serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
- For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- Make sure not to overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used as a substitute for a gluten-free version.
