Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Luscious Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe That Wins Hearts

Indulging in a creamy marry me shrimp pasta promises a culinary adventure that will capture hearts instantly.

Seafood enthusiasts recognize this dish as a romantic game-changer for dinner conversations.

Tender shrimp dance among silky noodles, creating magic on your plate.

Rich, velvety sauce whispers promises of comfort and deliciousness.

Unexpected flavor combinations make this recipe stand out from standard pasta preparations.

Fragrant herbs and perfectly seasoned ingredients guarantee a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta – Pure Indulgence

Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta – Pure Indulgence
  • Customize with Ease: Versatile ingredients allow simple swaps like using different proteins or adjusting spice levels to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Create Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy, flavorful sauce with tender shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta guarantees a delicious meal that will impress family and guests, making it ideal for casual gatherings or date nights.
  • Minimal Cleanup Champion: Using a single skillet reduces dish washing, making this recipe not just delicious but also kitchen-friendly and stress-free for home cooks.

Ingredient List For Creamy Shrimp Pasta

Pasta Base:
  • Pasta: A classic base for this creamy and flavorful dish that captures the main texture of the recipe.
Protein:
  • Shrimp: Tender seafood that provides a delicate and succulent protein element to the pasta.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: A smooth cooking fat that helps develop rich flavors in the dish.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and warmth to the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and velvety sauce with a rich mouthfeel.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds subtle savory complexity to the sauce's overall flavor profile.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty and nutty dimension that enhances the sauce's taste.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intense and concentrated tomato flavor that brings a tangy sweetness.
  • Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Herbs and spices that contribute complexity and a gentle heat to the dish.
Finishing Touches:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the other ingredients.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds color and a light herbaceous note.

Easy Steps For Shrimp Pasta Dinners

Easy Steps For Shrimp Pasta Dinners

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook pasta according to package directions.

Carefully save some pasta water before draining, then set pasta aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Sear Succulent Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Sprinkle salt and pepper over shrimp, then cook until they turn a beautiful pink color, about 2-3 minutes on each side.

Transfer shrimp to a plate and keep warm.

Step 3: Create Dreamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until wonderfully aromatic.

Pour in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes

Let the sauce simmer and develop rich flavors for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Magic Ingredients

Return pasta and shrimp to the skillet.

Gently toss everything together, creating a luscious coating.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to reach your perfect consistency.

Step 5: Serve with Fresh Flair

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top.

Serve immediately while hot and steaming, ready to win hearts with every delicious bite.

Top Tips For Creamy Shrimp Pasta Sauce

  • Select large, deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor, ensuring they're firm and have a mild ocean scent.
  • Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency, creating a silky, clingy coating that perfectly embraces the pasta.
  • Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and curl slightly to maintain tender, juicy meat without becoming rubbery.
  • Modify red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, adding more for extra kick or reducing for a milder dish.
  • Toast Italian seasoning briefly in the skillet before adding liquid ingredients to enhance its aromatic profile and intensify overall taste.

Flavor Twists For Shrimp Pasta Night

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
  • Gluten-Free Goodness: Swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Protein Power Swap: Substitute shrimp with grilled chicken or seared scallops for a different protein option while maintaining the creamy sauce's flavor profile.
  • Spicy Seafood Sensation: Increase red pepper flakes or add jalapeños for an extra kick of heat, perfect for those who love bold flavors.

Presenting Shrimp Pasta For Guests

  • Party Plate Presentation: Serve on a large white platter with the pasta artfully swirled in the center, topped with succulent shrimp and sprinkled with bright green parsley for stunning visual appeal.
  • Dinner Date Companion: Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light chardonnay, and add a simple side salad with mixed greens and lemon vinaigrette for a complete romantic meal.
  • Bread Lover's Dream: Complement the creamy sauce with warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread slices to soak up every delicious drop of the rich, flavorful sauce.
  • Leftover Magic: Store in an airtight container for quick next-day lunch, reheating gently with a splash of additional cream or broth to maintain sauce's creamy texture.

Storage For Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Leftovers

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Separate shrimp and pasta to prevent sogginess.
  • Place pasta and shrimp in a microwave-safe dish. Splash a little water or cream to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to restore sauce's creamy texture. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and maintain even heating.
  • Cream-based sauces and shrimp don't freeze well, as they can separate and lose texture when thawed.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking. Make sure to remove excess moisture to help them sear properly and prevent a watery sauce.

  • Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount to your preference. Use less or omit entirely if you don’t enjoy spice.

  • What type of pasta works best?

This recipe is versatile. Linguine, fettuccine, or penne all work great. Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well and complements the creamy texture.

  • Can I make this recipe lighter?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still delicious.

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Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe


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4.7 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Indulgent marry me shrimp pasta weaves culinary magic with succulent shrimp dancing through rich, silky sauce. Garlic-kissed noodles and tender seafood promise a romantic dinner that whispers love with each delectable bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta and Main Components:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup (40 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare pasta according to package directions, carefully preserving 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
  2. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then quickly sear in olive oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they turn vibrant pink and develop golden edges. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
  3. In the same skillet, gently toast minced garlic until aromatic and translucent, releasing its rich flavor profile.
  4. Create a luxurious sauce by whisking together heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Allow mixture to simmer and reduce for approximately 5 minutes, developing deep, complex flavors.
  5. Reintroduce the cooked pasta and seared shrimp into the creamy sauce, carefully coating each ingredient. Adjust sauce consistency by incorporating reserved pasta water as needed, ensuring a silky, smooth texture.
  6. Finish the dish by scattering freshly chopped parsley over the top, adding a bright, herbaceous note. Serve immediately while the pasta remains hot and sauce remains creamy.

Notes

  • Reserve the starchy pasta water to help create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every strand of pasta.
  • Avoid overcooking shrimp by removing them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink to maintain their tender, juicy texture.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness, making the dish mild for sensitive palates or extra zesty for heat lovers.
  • Swap heavy cream for coconut milk to create a dairy-free version, or use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 515 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 470 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 160 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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