Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

A Dish Worth Falling in Love With

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with a luscious sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce. Inspired by the popular “Marry Me Chicken,” this version swaps out chicken for tender shrimp, making it an indulgent yet easy-to-make meal. With a perfect balance of garlic, cream, and a hint of spice, this dish is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try it.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-quality at home – This dish is as creamy, flavorful, and decadent as something you’d order at an upscale restaurant.
• Quick & easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or date night special.
• Irresistible flavors – The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and cream creates a bold, well-rounded taste.
• Customizable – Adjust spice levels, swap out proteins, or make it low-carb with zucchini noodles.

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Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp butter
• Juice of ½ a lemon (optional, for brightness)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.

2. Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.

4. Add the Cream and Cheese

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes before adding the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and basil. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.

5. Combine Everything

Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add the drained pasta, tossing everything together until fully combined. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the desired sauce consistency.

6. Final Touches

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta (if using) and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with extra basil and more Parmesan cheese before serving.

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Variations & Substitutions

• Protein swap – Try this with chicken, salmon, or even scallops for a different twist.
• Make it spicy – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a kick.
• Low-carb version – Serve the sauce over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
• Dairy-free alternative – Substitute coconut cream and nutritional yeast for the cream and Parmesan.
• Vegetarian option – Skip the shrimp and add mushrooms or roasted red peppers instead.

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Servings & Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

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Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
• Freeze: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, freeze the sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?

Shrimp cook very quickly—about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque to avoid a rubbery texture.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes! Just add them in the last minute of cooking to warm them through without overcooking.

What pasta works best for this dish?

Linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti are great choices since they hold onto the creamy sauce well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce in advance, but for the best texture, cook the shrimp and pasta fresh.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

You can substitute roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes, or omit them altogether for a simpler flavor.

Is there a way to lighten up the sauce?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of Parmesan.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer for a few extra minutes, or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry (mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 teaspoons water).

What wines pair well with this dish?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus make excellent additions.

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Final Thoughts

Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for date nights, special occasions, or a comforting weeknight meal. With its velvety sauce, juicy shrimp, and bold flavors, this dish might just be the key to winning over hearts at the dinner table. Enjoy!

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