Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: A Creamy, Irresistible Dish

Introduction

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a luxurious and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Inspired by the famous Marry Me Chicken, this recipe is packed with bold flavors, a hint of spice, and a velvety texture that makes it perfect for a romantic dinner or an indulgent weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-quality meal at home – This dish tastes like something from a high-end Italian restaurant but is simple to prepare.
• Rich, creamy, and flavorful – The combination of garlic, Parmesan, heavy cream, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a mouthwatering sauce.
• Quick and easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable – You can easily adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or make it low-carb with zucchini noodles.

Ingredients

For the shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra depth)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped

For the pasta:

• 8 ounces fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti
• ½ teaspoon salt (for boiling water)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

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

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine), scraping up any bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and mix well.
2. Toss in the cooked pasta, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
3. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.

Variations & Substitutions

• Protein swap – Try this recipe with chicken, scallops, or even salmon instead of shrimp.
• Make it spicy – Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for extra heat.
• Low-carb version – Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash in place of pasta.
• Lighter option – Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Vegetarian version – Omit the shrimp and add mushrooms, spinach, or artichokes.

Serving Size & Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to the creamy sauce, which may separate when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level depends on the amount of red pepper flakes used. You can adjust it to your taste or omit it altogether for a mild version.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

What type of pasta works best?

Fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti are great choices, but you can use any pasta you like.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp ahead, but it’s best to toss everything together just before serving to keep the pasta fresh and creamy.

What can I serve with Marry Me Shrimp Pasta?

A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make excellent side dishes.

Can I substitute milk for heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich. If using milk, add a bit of flour or cornstarch to help thicken it.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

It can be! Swap out the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to maintain the creamy consistency.

Can I add other vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus would complement the flavors well.

How do I make this dish dairy-free?

Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Conclusion

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, indulgent dish that’s packed with flavor and easy to make in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a delicious meal, this pasta will impress. Try it tonight, and you might just fall in love with it!

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