Imagine a dish so irresistibly delicious, it might just inspire a marriage proposal! This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, garlicky, sun-dried tomato-infused masterpiece that’s perfect for date nights, celebrations, or even an elevated weeknight dinner. With plump shrimp, a luscious sauce, and al dente pasta, this recipe is foolproof, flavor-packed, and guaranteed to impress.
We’ve tested multiple versions to perfect the balance of rich creaminess, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and savory garlic—so you get the best Marry Me Shrimp Pasta every time. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or just treating yourself, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort.
What Exactly Is Marry Me Shrimp Pasta?
This dish likely draws inspiration from the famous “Marry Me Chicken,” known for its rich, creamy sauce and bold flavors. The shrimp pasta version swaps chicken for succulent shrimp, cooked in a velvety sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and a touch of herbs.
Key Components:
✔ Juicy shrimp – Tender, perfectly seared.
✔ Creamy sauce – A blend of heavy cream, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes.
✔ Al dente pasta – Fettuccine or linguine works best.
✔ Flavor boosters – Parmesan, basil, and a hint of red pepper flakes.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with THIS Recipe
✅ Incredible Flavor – The perfect harmony of creamy, tangy, and savory.
✅ Surprisingly Easy – Simple steps for a gourmet result.
✅ Restaurant Quality at Home – Impress without the high cost.
✅ Perfectly Cooked Shrimp – No rubbery seafood here!
✅ Customizable – Adjust spice, add veggies, or swap proteins.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shrimp & Pasta:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine (or gluten-free pasta)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed for best flavor)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
🔹 Shrimp: Use large (21/25 count) shrimp for best texture. Frozen shrimp works—just thaw properly.
🔹 Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed adds richness; dry-packed can be rehydrated in warm water.
🔹 Heavy Cream: For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half + 1 tsp cornstarch to thicken.
🔹 Pasta: Fettuccine, linguine, or penne hold sauce well. Gluten-free? Use GF pasta.
🔹 Wine Option: Deglaze with 1/4 cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio) or sub with extra broth + lemon juice.
Essential Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for pasta
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Whisk
- Chef’s knife & cutting board
How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta (Step-by-Step)
1. Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente (reserve 1/2 cup pasta water). Drain and set aside.
2. Sear the Shrimp
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high.
- Add shrimp, season with salt & pepper, and cook 1-2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and broth, whisking to combine. Simmer 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
4. Combine Everything
- Add cooked pasta and shrimp to the sauce, tossing to coat.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water (a few tbsp at a time) to loosen the sauce.
5. Garnish & Serve
- Top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
- Enjoy immediately with crusty bread or a side salad!
Pro Tips for the BEST Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
🔥 Don’t overcrowd the shrimp – Cook in batches if needed for a perfect sear.
🧀 Use freshly grated Parmesan – Pre-shredded won’t melt as smoothly.
🍝 Reserve pasta water – The starch helps emulsify the sauce.
⏱ Time it right – Have pasta and sauce finish around the same time.
Delicious Variations to Try
🌶 Spicy Kick – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
🥬 Veggie Boost – Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus.
🍗 Chicken Version – Swap shrimp for chicken (adjust cook time).
🍋 Lemon Zest – Brighten the dish with a squeeze of lemon.
What to Serve with Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
🥖 Crusty bread – For soaking up every drop of sauce.
🥗 Simple salad – Arugula with lemon vinaigrette.
🥦 Roasted veggies – Broccoli or asparagus.
🍷 Wine pairing – Crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
❄ Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
🔥 Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream. Avoid microwaving (can make shrimp rubbery).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the sauce and cook shrimp separately, then combine when ready.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely—thaw in the fridge overnight or under cold running water.
Is this dish spicy?
Only if you add red pepper flakes—adjust to taste!
What’s a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
Half-and-half or milk + cornstarch (though sauce will be thinner).
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and check broth labels.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is creamy, dreamy, and packed with flavor—guaranteed to win hearts at any table. Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a family feast, this dish delivers every time.
Ready to impress? Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments! Don’t forget to share your masterpiece on social media.
👇 Tag us if you make it—we’d love to see your creations!
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Happy cooking! 🍤🍝