The Enchanting “Marry Me” Shrimp Pasta Recipe You’ll Adore

Whipping up a delectable marry me shrimp pasta feels like creating culinary magic in your kitchen.

Succulent shrimp dance alongside perfectly cooked noodles, promising a romantic dinner experience.

Creamy sauce hugs each strand with luxurious tenderness.

Bold flavors blend seamlessly, turning an ordinary meal into an extraordinary celebration.

Fresh ingredients become the secret weapon of this irresistible dish.

Aromas will fill your space, making everyone’s stomach rumble with anticipation.

You won’t be able to resist falling in love with every single bite.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Delivers Bold Flavor

• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Creamy, spicy, and packed with succulent shrimp, this recipe guarantees smiles around the dinner table and satisfies diverse taste preferences.
• Impress Without Stress: Looks and tastes gourmet but requires basic cooking skills, making it ideal for home cooks wanting to elevate their meal game without complicated techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping ingredients like using different proteins or adjusting spice levels to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.

Shopping Guide For Shrimp Pasta Night

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that serves as the star protein of this creamy pasta dish.
• Pasta: The hearty base that carries the delicious sauce and shrimp.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and luxurious sauce that coats the pasta and shrimp.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty and nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Provide a warm and spicy depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the shrimp and other ingredients.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds complexity and traditional Italian taste.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the shrimp and creating a base for the sauce.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Adds a burst of freshness and slight acidity to balance the creamy sauce.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: A fragrant garnish that brings a bright, herbal note to the finished dish.

Making Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Easily

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook your pasta in a pot of salted water according to the package directions.

Once the pasta reaches that ideal al dente texture, drain it completely and set it aside, ready for its creamy destiny.

Step 2: Sizzle the Shrimp

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Gently place the shrimp into the pan, sprinkling with salt and pepper.

Cook these little ocean gems for 2-3 minutes on each side until they transform into a beautiful pink color and are cooked through.

Carefully remove the shrimp and set them aside.

Step 3: Awaken the Aromatics

In the same skillet, dance some minced garlic and red pepper flakes around until they release their intoxicating fragrance, filling your kitchen with anticipation.

Step 4: Burst the Tomatoes

Introduce cherry tomatoes to the skillet, letting them soften and slightly burst, creating little pockets of juicy goodness for about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Create the Luxurious Sauce

Pour in heavy cream, sprinkle Parmesan cheese, and shower with Italian seasoning.

Let the mixture simmer and transform into a velvety sauce, thickening for about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Reunite the Shrimp

Gently return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, coating them lovingly in the creamy sauce.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Merge the cooked pasta with the saucy shrimp, mixing everything together until each strand is gloriously covered.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Scatter fresh basil leaves on top for a final touch of freshness.

Serve immediately and watch everyone swoon over this irresistible dish.

Chef-Approved Tips For Shrimp Pasta

• Choose high-quality pasta like linguine or fettuccine for better sauce absorption and texture.
• Use fresh, deveined large shrimp for the most tender and flavorful result, ensuring even cooking.
• Gently simmer the sauce to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, silky consistency.
• Add chopped fresh basil right before serving to enhance the dish's aroma and brightness.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, creating a personalized flavor profile.

Shrimp Pasta Variations For Every Mood

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, lactose-free version.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based shrimp alternative, keeping the same sauce and seasonings.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles as a base, ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños for an extra heat level, perfect for those who love a fiery meal.

Best Ways To Present Shrimp Pasta

• Romantic Dinner Companion: Pair this creamy shrimp pasta with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio to enhance the delicate seafood flavors.
• Fresh Side Kick: Serve alongside a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy sauce and add a zesty contrast.
• Bread Lover's Dream: Complement the dish with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a satisfying crunch.
• Vegetable Harmony: Add roasted asparagus or sautéed zucchini on the side to introduce extra nutrients and color to the plate.

Shrimp Pasta Leftovers: Keeping Them Fresh

• Store leftover pasta in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep shrimp and sauce together to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warm.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore sauce consistency. Gently stir to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Pack cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• What makes the shrimp cook perfectly in this recipe?

The key is cooking shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side over medium heat, ensuring they turn pink and are just cooked through without becoming rubbery.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture that could make the shrimp steam instead of sear.

• How spicy is this pasta with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild warmth, but you can adjust the quantity to make it more or less spicy according to your preference.

• Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?

Absolutely! The entire dish comes together in about 20 minutes, making it a quick and delicious meal for busy evenings.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 28 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent marry me shrimp pasta blends creamy garlic sauce with perfectly seasoned jumbo shrimp, creating a romantic dinner that promises to enchant. Romantic flavors and easy preparation make this dish irresistible for date nights or special celebrations.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 12 ounces (340 grams) linguine or spaghetti
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Spices:

• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions, then drain and reserve.
2. Sear shrimp in olive oil over medium heat at 375°F, seasoning with salt and pepper until they turn vibrant pink, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
3. In the same skillet, infuse garlic and red pepper flakes, releasing their aromatic essence for about 30-45 seconds.
4. Incorporate cherry tomatoes, gently cooking until they soften and slightly burst, developing a rich, concentrated flavor.
5. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, blending with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer and reduce, creating a velvety, harmonious sauce for 4-5 minutes.
6. Return shrimp to the skillet, delicately coating each piece with the luxurious cream sauce.
7. Merge the cooked pasta with the shrimp and sauce, ensuring every strand is generously enveloped in the creamy mixture.
8. Elevate the dish by scattering fresh basil leaves on top, serving immediately to preserve the optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Opt for jumbo or large shrimp to ensure a luxurious, meaty texture that holds up well in the creamy sauce.
• Choose fresh cherry tomatoes at peak ripeness for the most vibrant, sweet flavor that complements the rich sauce.
• Toast red pepper flakes in the olive oil briefly to release their maximum aromatic heat and deepen the overall spice profile.
• Consider using gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version without compromising the dish’s delicious essence.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 630 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg