There’s something magical about the combination of tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a creamy, flavorful sauce. Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the perfect dish to impress someone special or simply elevate an ordinary weeknight dinner into something unforgettable. With its bold flavors and irresistible texture, this recipe might just earn its name as “proposal-worthy.”

I first made this dish for a special date night, and it’s been a go-to ever since. The rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce paired with succulent shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta is always a hit. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to make anyone fall in love. Let’s dive in and see what makes this dish so amazing!

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Get ready to meet your new favorite pasta dish. Marry Me Shrimp Pasta combines elegance, flavor, and ease into one unforgettable meal.

First, it’s surprisingly quick and simple to make. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner parties. The steps are straightforward, even for beginner cooks.

Next, it’s packed with bold, rich flavors. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates a sauce that’s creamy yet vibrant. Add in the perfectly seasoned shrimp, and you’ve got a taste sensation.

This recipe is also highly versatile. Whether you prefer linguine, fettuccine, or penne, you can easily adapt it to suit your pasta preferences. Plus, it works wonderfully with a variety of proteins, like chicken or even scallops.

Finally, it’s a dish that feels special without being fussy. Serve it with a simple side salad and some crusty bread, and you’ve got an elegant meal that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Marry Me Shrimp Pasta lies in its carefully chosen ingredients, each contributing to its incredible flavor and texture.

Shrimp: Large or jumbo shrimp are ideal for this recipe. Look for peeled and deveined shrimp to save time. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before cooking. The shrimp should be seasoned generously to complement the creamy sauce.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These are the star of the sauce, providing a tangy, slightly sweet flavor. Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are preferred, as they add richness and blend easily into the sauce.

Heavy Cream: This forms the base of the luxurious sauce. For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half, but the sauce will be less creamy.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is a must for its nutty, salty flavor. Pre-grated varieties often don’t melt as well, so grate your own if possible.

Pasta: Linguine or fettuccine work wonderfully here, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Ensure you cook it to al dente for the best texture.

For this recipe, you’ll also need basic kitchen staples like olive oil, garlic, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. A large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta are all the equipment required.

How to Make This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Making Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a straightforward process that delivers incredible results. Here’s how to create this unforgettable dish step by step.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining; this will help adjust the sauce later if needed.

While the pasta cooks, season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, followed by minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavor.

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, whisking until the cheese melts into the sauce.

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, ensuring the sauce coats the pasta and shrimp evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. The result is a stunning, restaurant-quality meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, Marry Me Shrimp Pasta stores beautifully for another day. Let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat, add a splash of cream or chicken broth to the pasta before warming it on the stove over medium heat. This helps revive the creamy texture of the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

While freezing is possible, the creamy sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. If you choose to freeze, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month and reheat gently on the stove.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few variations to try:

Swap the shrimp for chicken or scallops for a different protein option. Simply adjust the cooking time based on your choice.
Use spinach or kale to add a pop of color and extra nutrients. Stir them into the sauce just before combining it with the pasta.
For a smoky twist, add a few slices of crisped bacon or a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce.
If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Gluten-free pasta works wonderfully in this recipe if you’re accommodating dietary restrictions.

This dish is your canvas – don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own! Whether you stick to the original recipe or put your own spin on it, Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is guaranteed to win hearts and satisfy cravings.