A luscious, Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta featuring tender shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and a hint of spice. This dish is the ultimate comfort meal and perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s a restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home.
The creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan is rich and flavorful.
Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Versatile enough to customize with your favorite pasta or added veggies.
A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or garlic bread.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
12 oz linguine or spaghetti
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons 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 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve the desired consistency.
Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 2 more minutes until heated through.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper if desired.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
Protein: Swap shrimp for scallops, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Pasta: Use fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta as an alternative.
Veggies: Add sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Spice Level: Increase or decrease the crushed red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
Cheese: Experiment with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate upon thawing.
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FAQs
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce isn’t thick enough, let it simmer a little longer to reduce. You can also stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in a tablespoon of cold water.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water before cooking.
What type of sun-dried tomatoes should I use?
I prefer oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for their softer texture and richer flavor, but dry-packed ones can be rehydrated and used as well.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of butter for a lighter option, though the sauce will be less creamy.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can cook the sauce ahead of time and reheat it before tossing with freshly cooked pasta and shrimp.
Conclusion
This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a dish that lives up to its name—it’s so good, it just might lead to a proposal! Whether you’re making it for a romantic night or a comforting weeknight meal, the creamy sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp make this recipe a true standout.
📖 Recipe:
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Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Indulge in this Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, a luxurious dish featuring tender shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan in a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect for romantic dinners or cozy nights in, this quick and easy recipe is a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients
12 oz linguine or spaghetti
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water, and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
- Return shrimp to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes until heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
For a thicker sauce, let it reduce longer or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).
Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for best flavor.
Swap shrimp for other proteins or tofu for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 520 kcal
