Name: Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta; 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken or seafood broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning; Chopped fresh basil or parsley

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re looking to impress someone special or simply treat yourself to a restaurant-worthy meal at home, Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is about to become your new go-to. Picture lush, silky noodles tangled with plump, juicy shrimp all cloaked in a dreamy sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and a gentle kiss of garlic. This dish is the perfect harmony of richness and brightness, making every bite feel just a little bit magical. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or a weeknight indulgence, Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta brings flavor, flair, and a touch of luxury to your table with minimal fuss.

Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple, quality ingredients come together to create the decadent taste and gorgeous color of Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. Each element plays a starring role, so don’t skip or skimp — the magic is in the details!

Pasta (12 oz fettuccine or linguine): The perfect canvas for soaking up every drop of that luscious sauce.
Large shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): Sweet, tender, and quick-cooking, shrimp make this dish feel extra special.
Olive oil (1 tbsp): Adds savory richness and helps the shrimp achieve a beautiful golden sear.
Butter (2 tbsp): Infuses the sauce with creamy depth and a hint of indulgence.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Brings an irresistible aroma and punchy flavor to the base of the sauce.
Red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp, optional): For a subtle, warming kick that balances the creaminess perfectly.
Sun-dried tomatoes (1/2 cup, chopped): Their tangy-sweetness and vibrant color make each bite pop.
Heavy cream (1 cup): The backbone of the sauce, giving it that signature silky, dreamy texture.
Chicken or seafood broth (1/2 cup): Adds depth and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Melts into the sauce for a nutty, salty finish that ties everything together.
Italian seasoning (1/2 tsp): A fragrant blend that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your plate.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish just right.
Fresh basil or parsley (chopped, for garnish): A sprinkle of green adds freshness and a beautiful finishing touch.

How to Make Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your fettuccine or linguine and cook until it’s just al dente — you want it to have a little bite since it’ll finish cooking in the sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a splash of pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat your shrimp dry, season with salt and black pepper, and arrange them in a single layer. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink and opaque, then transfer them to a plate so they don’t overcook. This step is where the flavor starts to build!

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet (keep all those delicious browned bits!), lower the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and, if you’re feeling bold, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté for a minute until the garlic is fragrant — your kitchen will smell amazing.

Step 4: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Cream

Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute, letting their flavors infuse the butter and garlic. Pour in the heavy cream and broth, scraping up anything stuck to the pan. Let the sauce gently bubble for 3–4 minutes so it thickens just a bit.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Combine

Stir in the grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning, watching as the sauce becomes glossy and creamy. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Add the drained pasta and cooked shrimp back to the skillet, tossing everything together so the noodles and shrimp are fully coated in that irresistible sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water will bring it to the perfect consistency. Heat through, then turn off the heat.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the top for a burst of color and herbal freshness. Serve immediately while everything is piping hot and ultra-creamy, making sure everyone gets plenty of shrimp in their bowl!

How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Garnishes

A final flourish of fresh herbs like basil or parsley makes Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta truly sing. For extra decadence, add a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving. If you’re a fan of a little heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top is the perfect finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This dish loves simple sides that let its flavors shine. Think crisp green salads with a zesty vinaigrette, warm garlic bread for sopping up the sauce, or lightly roasted asparagus or broccolini for a pop of color and crunch. Each side brings extra freshness and balance to the richness of Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to take things up a notch, serve Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta in shallow pasta bowls with a swirl of sauce on the bottom, then artfully pile the noodles and shrimp on top. For a date night, try portioning into individual cast iron skillets or ramekins for a cozy, restaurant-style touch. A lemon wedge on the side adds a pop of brightness and color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), store Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The sauce will thicken as it chills, but the flavors only get better as they mingle.

Freezing

While you can technically freeze this dish, creamy sauces tend to separate when thawed, so it’s not the best candidate for the freezer. If you do freeze it, let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth, cream, or even a bit of water to loosen the sauce. Stir often and heat just until steaming — avoid boiling to keep the shrimp tender and the sauce silky.

FAQs

Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?

Absolutely! Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is just as delicious with scallops, chunks of chicken breast, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on your chosen protein.

What kind of pasta works best?

Fettuccine and linguine are classic choices because their broad noodles hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. However, you can use spaghetti, penne, or even gluten-free pasta if you’d like — just keep an eye on the cooking time.

How spicy is this dish?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but the dish is not overly spicy. If you love heat, feel free to add more, or leave them out entirely for a milder flavor that lets the other ingredients shine.

Can I make this dish ahead for a dinner party?

This pasta is best fresh, but you can prep the shrimp and chop the sun-dried tomatoes and herbs ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce just before serving for the creamiest texture and brightest flavors.

What can I do if my sauce is too thick or too thin?

If your sauce gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or broth to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a few extra minutes or stir in a bit more Parmesan to help it thicken.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistibly special about Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta — it’s rich, comforting, and just fancy enough to make any night feel like an occasion. Give it a try and see how quickly it wins over everyone at your table!

Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A rich and flavorful Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, tossed with fettuccine or linguine for a comforting and elegant Italian-American main course perfect for romantic dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta

Shrimp

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Sauce

1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken or seafood broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Garnish

Chopped fresh basil or parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper. Add shrimp to the skillet and sauté for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare Sauce Base: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavor.
Create Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken or seafood broth, stirring to combine all ingredients. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until it slightly thickens.
Incorporate Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Continue cooking until the sauce becomes creamy and well incorporated.
Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked pasta and sautéed shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the pasta and shrimp evenly with the sauce. Heat through to warm everything.
Adjust and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra richness, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese into the sauce.
Substitute the shrimp with scallops or chicken breast if preferred.
This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the sauce while it’s creamy and hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American