Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a luscious and indulgent dish that combines tender, juicy shrimp with a rich, flavorful cream sauce, all tossed with al dente pasta. This romantic and comforting meal is inspired by the popular “Marry Me Chicken” recipe, but with a seafood twist that elevates it to a new level of decadence.

Perfect for date nights, special occasions, or even a weeknight dinner when you’re craving something extra special, this pasta dish is guaranteed to impress. The creamy sauce is flavored with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a hint of spice, creating a balanced and memorable flavor profile. Easy to make and absolutely irresistible, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds and maybe even proposing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Flavorful: The creamy, garlicky sauce is infused with sun-dried tomatoes and spices for a bold flavor.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this is a perfect option for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
Show-Stopping Presentation: The vibrant colors and creamy sauce make this dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
Customizable: Swap the shrimp for chicken, scallops, or your favorite protein to make it your own.
Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for date nights or a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress your loved ones.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size: 1 bowl

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces linguine or fettuccine pasta
• 1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken or seafood broth
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Shrimp

1. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with paprika, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, or until fragrant.
2. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavor.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Add the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Shrimp

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to coat evenly. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
2. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Cook for 1–2 minutes to warm everything through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Transfer the pasta to serving plates or bowls.
2. Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness!

Ingredient Background

Shrimp

Shrimp are the star of this dish, providing a tender, slightly sweet protein that pairs beautifully with the rich sauce. Use large or jumbo shrimp for the best presentation.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

These add a burst of tangy, concentrated flavor to the creamy sauce, balancing its richness.

Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the sauce. For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream creates the luxurious, velvety base for the sauce, giving it its signature richness.

Technique Tips

Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and become rubbery if overdone. Remove them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, basil, and Parmesan cheese make a significant difference in flavor and elevate the dish.

Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water helps thin the sauce while helping it cling to the pasta.

Layer Flavors: Sautéing the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes before adding the cream builds depth and complexity in the sauce.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Baked Pasta Casserole: After combining the shrimp, pasta, and sauce, transfer everything to a baking dish. Top with extra Parmesan cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden and bubbly.

Zucchini Noodles: Replace the pasta with spiralized zucchini for a low-carb option.

Shrimp Alfredo Pizza: Use the creamy sauce as a base for pizza dough, then top with shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheese before baking.

Additional Tips for Success

Prep Ingredients Ahead: Have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to go before starting the recipe for a smoother cooking process.

Adjust Spice Levels: Add more or less red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.

Serve Immediately: This dish tastes best fresh. If reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency.

Recipe Variations

Chicken Marry Me Pasta: Swap the shrimp for chicken breast or thighs, cooked and sliced, for a hearty alternative.

Vegetarian Option: Use sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach in place of shrimp for a vegetarian-friendly dish.

Seafood Medley: Add scallops, crab meat, or mussels for a seafood extravaganza.

Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.

Freezing and Storing

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

Freezing: Freeze the sauce and shrimp separately for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and tossing with freshly cooked pasta.

Reheating Tips: Avoid overheating, which can cause the shrimp to become rubbery and the sauce to separate.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Lighten the Sauce: Replace half of the heavy cream with milk or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream for a lighter option.

Add Vegetables: Incorporate spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli for added nutrients and color.

Whole Wheat Pasta: Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber and a nutty flavor.

Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium broth and unsalted butter to reduce the sodium content.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Romantic Dinner: Pair this pasta with a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, for an elegant date night.

Family Gathering: Serve family-style with a large Caesar salad and garlic bread for a comforting and hearty meal.

Holiday Celebration: Elevate your holiday spread by serving this alongside roasted vegetables and a festive dessert.

Potluck Dish: Prepare the pasta in a casserole dish, and keep it warm in a slow cooker for a convenient potluck contribution.

Special Equipment

Large Skillet: A wide, deep skillet ensures even cooking and provides ample space for mixing the pasta and sauce.

Tongs: Perfect for tossing the pasta and shrimp in the sauce without breaking them apart.

Garlic Press: Makes mincing garlic quick and easy, enhancing the dish’s flavor.

Microplane: Use this for grating Parmesan cheese finely for a smooth, creamy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Yes, thaw frozen shrimp in cold water before cooking.
2. What pasta works best for this recipe?
   Linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti are ideal, but penne or rigatoni also work well.
3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
   Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
4. What if I don’t like sun-dried tomatoes?
   Replace them with fresh cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a milder flavor.
5. Can I prepare this in advance?
   While best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead and reheat it before tossing with pasta and shrimp.
6. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
   Yes, but add the shrimp at the end to prevent overcooking.
7. How can I thicken the sauce?
   Simmer the sauce longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
8. Is this dish spicy?
   The spice level is mild, but you can omit or increase the red pepper flakes based on your preference.

Conclusion

Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a decadent and flavorful dish that combines the richness of creamy pasta with the succulence of perfectly cooked shrimp. The balance of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese creates a sauce that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner or treating yourself to a luxurious meal, this recipe delivers on flavor, presentation, and ease. Try it today, and fall in love with the irresistible flavors of Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta!

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