Marry Me Shrimp Pasta That You’ll Follow

If you’re looking for a dish that’s as irresistible as it sounds, Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is your new best friend. Imagine succulent shrimp mingling with a creamy, garlic-infused sauce, all tossed together with pasta in a way that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Trust me, you’re going to love this one. It’s the kind of dish that’ll have you thinking, “Wow, this might just be the one.”

Whether you’re cooking for someone special, treating yourself after a long day, or impressing your friends with your culinary prowess, this dish delivers every time. Plus, it’s the perfect balance of indulgent and comforting, so you’ll feel fancy without the fuss. Ready to dive in?

Why You’ll Love Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about the experience of creating a meal that’s simply so good, you might just want to marry it (or at least invite it over for dinner more often). Here’s why Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is bound to steal your heart:

Versatile

Perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. Picture this: after a long day, you walk into your kitchen, and within no time, you’ve got a dish that feels like a hug. And when you serve it to guests? Expect compliments galore.

Budget-Friendly

The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity. You likely already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen, and the best part is you don’t need to break the bank to make something that tastes like a restaurant-quality meal. No exotic ingredients needed here!

Quick and Easy

No complicated steps—just straightforward instructions that anyone can follow. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a total beginner, this dish is foolproof. And let’s be honest, we could all use a little less stress in the kitchen.

Customizable

Feel free to get creative! Want a little heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes. Prefer it milder? Just adjust the seasoning. You can make this recipe as bold or as gentle as you like!

Crowd-Pleasing

It’s a guaranteed hit, from kids to adults. There’s something about the creamy sauce and shrimp combo that everyone loves. You might even get requests for seconds (and maybe the recipe too).

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Ingredients

The beauty of this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is that it’s made with simple, everyday ingredients that create magic in your mouth. Here’s what you’ll need:

Shrimp

The star of the show! Plump, juicy shrimp cook up beautifully, soaking up all those rich flavors.

Pasta

Pick your favorite—whether it’s spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne, any kind of pasta works beautifully here.

Heavy Cream

To create that dreamy, velvety sauce that’ll have you wanting to slather it on everything.

Parmesan Cheese

For that nutty, salty kick that adds depth to the sauce.

Garlic

Because, well, garlic makes everything better.

Olive Oil

A splash of extra virgin olive oil for sautéing your shrimp and garlic.

Chicken Broth

To help create that rich, flavorful sauce base. It adds a layer of savory goodness that rounds everything out.

Red Pepper Flakes

For just the right amount of heat—feel free to adjust based on how spicy you like it!

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to cook up this delicious dish? Here’s how you’ll do it:

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set it aside, making sure you save a bit of pasta water for later—this helps the sauce stick to the pasta perfectly!

2. Sauté the Shrimp

Heat a bit of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Toss in your shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, which should take about 2-3 minutes per side. Once done, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.

3. Make the Sauce

In the same pan, add a little more olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Then, pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Let it simmer and thicken up for about 5 minutes. Stir in the parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

4. Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta back into the pan with the sauce, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated. Then, add the shrimp back in and stir gently. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with extra parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs (like parsley or basil) before serving. The only thing left to do? Dig in and enjoy every mouthwatering bite!

How to Serve Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Pairing this dish with the right sides can elevate the whole meal. Here are a few ideas to make your dinner extra special:

Fresh Salads

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the richness of the pasta. Think arugula, spinach, or mixed greens for a refreshing contrast.

Crusty Bread

Serve with warm, crusty bread that’ll soak up all the delicious sauce. A buttery garlic bread or a simple baguette would be heavenly.

Creamy Accompaniments

A dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even a creamy dip can bring out the flavors and give the dish a little extra richness.

Vegetable Sides

Roasted vegetables, like zucchini or asparagus, are a wonderful choice to add a burst of color and some nutritional balance to the meal.

As a Standalone

Honestly, this pasta is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Just garnish with some fresh herbs, and you’ve got yourself a meal worthy of a special occasion.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra nuggets of wisdom to help you make the most of this recipe:

Prep Ahead

Save some time by chopping your garlic and measuring your ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge, and you’ll be ready to cook when you are.

Spice It Up

Want to turn up the heat? Add extra chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a splash of hot sauce to make it your own.

Dietary Adjustments

You can easily swap out ingredients to suit dietary preferences. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta, and swap the heavy cream with coconut cream if you prefer a dairy-free option.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce creamy.

Double the Batch

Why not make extra? This pasta freezes beautifully, so you’ll have a delicious homemade meal ready when you need it.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute shrimp with chicken?
A1: Absolutely! If shrimp’s not your thing, chicken breast or thighs would work wonderfully here. Just cook them until golden and juicy, then follow the same steps.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, it’s a great make-ahead meal! Prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp ahead of time, and just combine everything when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan with a splash of cream or broth to keep it smooth and creamy.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, you can! Freeze the pasta and sauce separately. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm up in a pan or the microwave.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: For best results, reheat in a pan on low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to keep the sauce smooth.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! Just make sure you have a large enough pan and adjust the cooking times slightly.

Q7: Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
A7: Yes! Simply swap the pasta for a gluten-free variety and you’re good to go.

Q8: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A8: A fresh salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread make great companions.

Q9: How can I make this dish healthier?
A9: Use low-fat cream or a dairy-free alternative, and add extra veggies like spinach or broccoli.

Q10: What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?
A10: A wide, non-stick skillet or a large sauté pan works best for evenly cooking the shrimp and mixing the pasta.

Conclusion

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience. With its perfect balance of creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and al dente pasta, it’s sure to become one of your go-to recipes. So go ahead, make it tonight, and get ready to fall in love with every bite!

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Marry Me Shrimp Pasta That You’ll Follow

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This creamy, garlicky Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is packed with juicy shrimp in a rich sun-dried tomato parmesan sauce. It’s so good, it might just lead to a proposal! Perfect for a romantic dinner, special occasion, or a delicious weeknight meal.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish, Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  1. For the Shrimp:

    • 1 lb large shrimp (peeled & deveined)
    • 1 tsp salt
    • ½ tsp black pepper
    • ½ tsp smoked paprika
    • ½ tsp garlic powder
    • 1 tbsp olive oil

    For the Pasta & Sauce:

    1. 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
    2. 2 tbsp butter
    3. 3 cloves garlic, minced
    4. ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
    5. ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
    6. 1 cup heavy cream
    7. ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra flavor)
    8. ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
    9. 1 tsp Italian seasoning
    10. 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
    11. 1 tbsp lemon juice (for brightness)
    12. Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta:
    Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water for later.

  • Cook the Shrimp:
    Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

  • Make the Sauce:
    In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes for 1 minute.
    Pour in chicken broth (or wine) and let simmer for 2 minutes.
    Add heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, basil, and lemon juice, stirring until smooth.
    Let simmer for 2-3 minutes, adjusting seasoning as needed.

  • Combine & Serve:
    Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the sauce, tossing to coat.
    If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the desired consistency.
    Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.

Notes

  • Make it lighter: You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version of the sauce.
  • Wine: For extra flavor, replace chicken broth with white wine.
  • For extra heat: Increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Cholesterol: 190mg

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