Discover the irresistible flavors of Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta—a rich, dreamy dish that’ll steal your heart and satisfy cravings. This dish combines succulent shrimp with a luscious creamy sauce, perfectly tossed with pasta to create a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously Rich and Creamy: Every bite delivers a velvety sauce that clings lovingly to the pasta and shrimp.
Quick and Easy to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights or last-minute dinners.
Elegant Yet Comforting: It feels fancy enough for date night but cozy enough to enjoy any day.
Versatile Flavors: The garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs combine for a balanced, flavorful punch.
Impress with Minimal Effort: Simple ingredients come together to create a dish that looks and tastes restaurant-quality.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each one essential for building layers of taste, texture, and color that make Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta truly unforgettable.

Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined for juicy, tender bites that soak up the sauce.
Pasta: Fettuccine or linguine work perfectly to hold the creamy sauce with every twirl.
Heavy Cream: Creates the rich, dreamy base that makes the pasta irresistibly smooth.
Garlic: Minced for that essential aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds tangy sweetness and a burst of color to the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for depth of flavor and a slightly nutty finish.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a gentle kick that balances the creaminess.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: For garnish and a fresh, herbal note that brightens the whole plate.
Olive Oil: Lightly coats the shrimp before cooking to lock in moisture and flavor.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Used to deglaze the pan and add subtle savory depth to the sauce.

Variations for Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, letting you tailor it to your taste buds, dietary needs, or pantry ingredients with ease.

Use Chicken Instead of Shrimp: Swap shrimp for grilled chicken breast for a meaty twist.
Make it Gluten-Free: Choose gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.
Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
Spice it Up: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of Cajun seasoning for more heat.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a creamy, cheese-like flavor without dairy.

Why Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Wins Hearts

How to Make Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Cook your choice of fettuccine or linguine in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water for later.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté the shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth to deglaze the pan, then stir in the heavy cream and sun-dried tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer and thicken slightly.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes into the sauce, stirring to combine. Return cooked shrimp to the pan, then toss in the drained pasta. Mix well to coat everything evenly, adding reserved pasta water little by little for the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the pasta and serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Select Fresh Shrimp: Using fresh or properly thawed shrimp ensures the best texture and flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Cook shrimp just until pink to keep them tender and juicy.
Reserve Pasta Water: The starch in the water helps your sauce cling perfectly to the noodles.
Use Quality Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts better and adds authentic richness.
Adjust Creaminess: Add more or less cream based on your preference for sauciness and richness.

How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Garnishes

Top your pasta with freshly chopped herbs like basil or parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for an inviting presentation and a pop of fresh flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair this creamy delight with a crisp green salad or roasted garlic bread for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in deep pasta bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and a twist of lemon zest to enhance brightness and make your dish Instagram-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within two days for optimal flavor and freshness.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing, resulting in a less desirable texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly as long as they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to prevent extra water in the pan.

What kind of pasta is best for Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta?

Fettuccine, linguine, or other long, flat noodles are ideal since their shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The recipe includes a gentle hint of heat from red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the spice level up or down to suit your taste.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can substitute shrimp with mushrooms or a plant-based protein, but the original recipe’s star flavor comes from the shrimp and creamy sauce.

How long does it take to make Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta?

From start to finish, you can expect to spend about 25 to 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a delicious weeknight meal.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dinner recipe that combines ease, elegance, and irresistible flavor, give Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta a try. It’s a dish that will delight your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to share your table. Cooking this creamy, dreamy pasta is like creating a little bit of magic in your kitchen—one bite and you’ll understand why it wins hearts every time.

Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Print Recipe

Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a rich, dreamy dish combining succulent shrimp with a luscious creamy sauce, perfectly tossed with fettuccine or linguine pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this meal blends garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese to create a comforting yet elegant dinner that’s perfect for any occasion.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Diet: Gluten-Free option available (use gluten-free pasta)

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Pasta

1 pound fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta

Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta: Cook your choice of fettuccine or linguine in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water for later.
Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté the shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth to deglaze the pan, then stir in the heavy cream and sun-dried tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer and thicken slightly.
Combine Ingredients: Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes into the sauce, stirring to combine. Return cooked shrimp to the pan, then toss in the drained pasta. Mix well to coat everything evenly, adding reserved pasta water little by little for the perfect consistency.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the pasta and serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

Select fresh shrimp for best texture and flavor; thaw frozen shrimp properly before use.
Do not overcook shrimp; cook just until pink to keep them tender and juicy.
Reserve pasta water as its starch helps sauce cling perfectly to noodles.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for authentic richness and better melting.
Adjust creaminess by adding more or less heavy cream based on preference.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 210 mg

Keywords: Shrimp pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, easy shrimp recipe, fettuccine, linguine, creamy sauce, dinner, seafood pasta