There's nothing quite like the rich, creamy, and garlicky aroma of Marry Me Shrimp Pasta filling your kitchen. This indulgent dish features succulent shrimp tossed in a velvety, sun-dried tomato cream sauce, all swirled together with perfectly cooked pasta. It's the kind of meal that feels fancy enough for date night but is easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

I first made this dish when I wanted to impress my husband with something restaurant-worthy at home. With its luscious sauce and tender shrimp, it became an instant favorite. Now, it’s one of our go-to meals whenever we crave something comforting yet elegant.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with this irresistible pasta dish! Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta isn't just delicious—it’s a game-changer for seafood and pasta lovers alike.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to pull this off; the whole dish comes together in about 30 minutes with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.

Second, the flavor combination is out of this world. The sweetness of shrimp, the slight tang of sun-dried tomatoes, and the richness of the creamy Parmesan sauce make each bite a delight.

This recipe is also budget-friendly. Shrimp might seem like a luxury, but when paired with pasta and a handful of flavorful ingredients, it becomes an affordable indulgence.

Lastly, it’s versatile. Whether you prefer a little spice, a different protein, or a gluten-free version, this dish can easily be adapted to suit your needs.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in the balance of simple yet bold ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Shrimp: Large shrimp work best for this recipe. Make sure they are peeled and deveined for easy eating. Fresh is great, but frozen shrimp work just as well—just be sure to thaw them properly before cooking.

Pasta: I recommend using fettuccine or linguine, as they hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. However, penne or spaghetti will work in a pinch.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a deep, slightly tangy sweetness to the dish. Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.

Heavy Cream and Parmesan Cheese: This is what makes the sauce irresistibly creamy. Be sure to use freshly grated Parmesan—it melts better and adds an authentic depth of flavor.

Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Garlic provides an aromatic base, while red pepper flakes give the dish a gentle kick of heat. Adjust the spice level to your preference.

How To Make This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Making this dish is easier than you think! Here’s how you can bring it to life:

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil. Sauté the shrimp with a sprinkle of salt and pepper for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add a little more oil and toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Let them cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, allowing them to infuse the oil with their rich flavor.

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water can help loosen it up.

Return the shrimp to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the luscious sauce. Let it cook for another minute so the flavors meld together perfectly.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, you’re in luck! This dish stores beautifully with just a few simple steps.

Refrigeration: Store any leftover Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day!

Freezing: While pasta doesn’t always freeze well, you can store the shrimp and sauce separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

Reheating: For the best results, reheat the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to bring back the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the shrimp and make the sauce grainy.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this dish is how adaptable it is. Here are some ideas to switch things up:

Make it spicier: If you love heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of spicy chili oil before serving.

Swap the shrimp: Not a shrimp fan? No problem! Try using grilled chicken, salmon, or even scallops instead.

Go dairy-free: Use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream and swap out the Parmesan for a dairy-free alternative to keep it creamy without the dairy.

Make it gluten-free: Simply swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free alternative. Brown rice or chickpea pasta works great in this recipe.

Add extra veggies: Want to sneak in more greens? Toss in a handful of spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.

This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is guaranteed to be a hit no matter how you customize it. Whether you're making it for a cozy dinner at home or a special occasion, it’s a recipe worth keeping on repeat!