Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a rich, indulgent, and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with a creamy, garlic-infused sauce, all tossed with pasta for the ultimate comfort meal. The combination of spices, a touch of sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy base creates a rich sauce that coats the shrimp and pasta beautifully. It’s a dish so delicious that it might just make someone pop the question!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What I love about Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is how the flavors come together in the most satisfying way. The shrimp is tender and juicy, and the sauce is a perfect blend of creaminess, garlic, and a little hint of tang from the sun-dried tomatoes. The pasta soaks up all the rich sauce, creating a comforting dish that’s truly irresistible. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but fancy enough to serve to guests or a special someone. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and every bite feels like a little piece of heaven!

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 8 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

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

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the garlic for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld.

4. Add the Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Simmer for 4-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

5. Combine the Pasta and Shrimp: Return the shrimp to the skillet and add the cooked pasta, tossing everything together to coat the pasta and shrimp with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, I can add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

6. Season and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prep, 15-20 minutes to cook, and a total of about 30 minutes to get this dish from start to finish. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a delicious dinner.

Variations

• Spicy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: If I want more heat, I can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, I can substitute the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or grilled chicken. The sauce will still be rich and creamy, and the flavors will remain delicious.

• Lemon Zest: For an extra citrusy kick, I can add some lemon zest to the sauce along with the lemon juice.

• Bacon: I can add crispy bacon bits to the pasta for extra flavor and crunch.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I can microwave it or reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, I can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, I can use any pasta I like, such as penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti. The creamy sauce will pair well with any shape, so it’s up to my personal preference!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, I can prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp ahead of time, storing them separately in the refrigerator. When I’m ready to serve, I can heat the sauce, add the shrimp, and toss with the freshly cooked pasta.

Is there a dairy-free option?

To make this dish dairy-free, I can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use dairy-free Parmesan cheese. The flavor will change a little, but it will still be delicious!

Can I make the sauce thicker?

If I want a thicker sauce, I can add a bit more Parmesan cheese or let it simmer for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce further. Adding a little bit of the reserved pasta water also helps to create a creamy, cohesive sauce.

Conclusion

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate comforting dish that’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor. The combination of tender shrimp, a luscious garlic cream sauce, and a hint of sun-dried tomato is absolutely irresistible. Whether I’m cooking for a special occasion or just looking for a delicious dinner, this recipe is sure to impress every time.