The Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe is an absolute showstopper, blending succulent shrimp with a luscious, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta. This dish is comfort food redefined—rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to pull together on a weeknight or impress a dinner guest. The marriage of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and just the right hint of spice creates a symphony of tastes that will have you coming back for seconds. Get ready to experience a pasta dish that feels like a warm hug while also making you feel like a kitchen rockstar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is simple but essential, each playing a special role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the tender shrimp to the creamy sauce components, these are pantry staples with a touch of wow.
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti: Pick your favorite pasta shape—linguine or spaghetti holds the sauce beautifully and cooks up just right in about 10 minutes.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp add that juicy, tender protein punch that’s the heart of this dish.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: A good-quality olive oil ensures a flavorful, non-stick surface when cooking shrimp and garlic.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with irresistible aroma and deep flavor layers.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is where the creamy magic happens, turning your sauce silky and rich without overpowering other flavors.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds subtle depth and balances the richness of the cream with a savory note.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan melts into the sauce for nuttiness and a perfect, savory finish.
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: These tiny bursts of umami bring a slightly tangy sweetness that brightens up the creaminess.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A classic blend that enhances the overall flavor with herbs like oregano and basil.
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Just a touch for those who like a little warmth to balance the creamy sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The essentials that elevate every bite and bring all ingredients together.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish: A pop of color and fresh herbal aroma that finishes the dish beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cooking your linguine or spaghetti until al dente is key—it should be tender but still have a slight bite. Drain the pasta, but be sure to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water; this starchy liquid is gold for adjusting the sauce texture later.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp to Tender Perfection
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque—that’s your sign they’re beautifully done. Remove them from the pan and set aside for now.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic for Flavor Depth
Using the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic. Let it sauté for about a minute until the aroma fills your kitchen—this quick step builds the flavor foundation of your sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
To your garlic, add heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, letting it thicken slightly and the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now, add your cooked pasta right into the sauce. Use the reserved pasta water sparingly to loosen the sauce if it seems too thick—this keeps the dish luxuriously creamy and perfectly sauced without being heavy.
Step 6: Return Shrimp and Finish Cooking
Place the shrimp back into the skillet and gently stir everything together. Let it cook for another 2 minutes so the shrimp soak up some of that creamy goodness and the dish heats through evenly.
Step 7: Adjust Seasoning and Garnish
Taste your pasta now and add salt and pepper as needed. Finish with fresh basil leaves for a fresh, vibrant touch that contrasts the creamy sauce and elevates the entire dish.
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the star garnish here, adding lovely herbal brightness and a pop of green color. You can also sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy touch that’s always welcome.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs perfectly with light, crisp sides like a simple mixed green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or garlic-roasted asparagus. The veggies help balance the richness of the main dish and keep your meal feeling well-rounded and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls to showcase the shrimp and glossy sauce. Adding a lemon wedge on the side lets guests add a citrusy zing if they like. For an extra touch, drizzle some high-quality olive oil or sprinkle a pinch of fresh chili flakes right before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce may thicken when chilled, but a quick stir and warming will bring it back to that creamy perfection.
Freezing
Freezing this dish isn’t ideal because cream-based sauces can separate and change texture. However, if you do freeze it, place the pasta and shrimp in a freezer-safe container and use within one month. Thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the pasta gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s silky texture and prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture which can affect the sauce consistency.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can swap the shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or crispy tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian twist that keeps things hearty and satisfying.
Can I substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream?
Heavy cream provides the best richness and texture, but you can use half-and-half for a lighter version. Using milk might thin the sauce too much, so it’s better to supplement with a little flour or cornstarch to thicken if needed.
What pasta works best with this recipe?
Linguine or spaghetti are classic choices as they hold the sauce well, but feel free to experiment with fettuccine, penne, or even rigatoni to suit your preference and make the dish your own.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a mild heat that enhances the flavor without overpowering the creamy delicacy. You can easily omit or adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe is one of those gems that effortlessly elevates weeknight dinners or special occasions with its rich flavors and satisfying textures. Once you make it, I promise it’ll become a trusted favorite you reach for again and again because it is simply that good. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite of this unforgettable pasta dish!
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
Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a luscious and flavorful dish combining tender linguine tossed in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with succulent sautéed shrimp and sun-dried tomatoes. This quick and easy 30-minute recipe is perfect for an impressive dinner that brings Italian-inspired comfort food right to your table.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 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
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, and set aside.
- Sauté 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 them from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t brown or burn.
- Prepare Sauce: Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir and let the sauce simmer gently for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the noodles completely. Use the reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs thinning to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine Shrimp and Pasta: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir everything together. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat the shrimp through and allow flavors to meld.
- Finish and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm for a creamy, satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or if you want a pescatarian option.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer a bit longer or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry.
- For gluten-free pasta, substitute linguine or spaghetti with your preferred gluten-free pasta variety.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil will add extra richness; drain them if you want to reduce oiliness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smoother melting in sauce.
