Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, flavor-packed dish featuring tender shrimp, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a dreamy Parmesan sauce served over perfectly cooked pasta.
Every swirl brings together silky sauce, sweet bursts of tomato, and the irresistible aroma of garlic warming the whole kitchen. I still remember making this on a chilly New York evening, the windows fogged up while we hovered over the stove just waiting for that first comforting bite. What makes this recipe shine is how effortlessly special it feels simple steps, everyday ingredients, and results that taste like a restaurant meal (without any fuss). This one’s pure comfort, guaranteed to make any dinner feel like a celebration let’s dive right in and make it together!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pasta
- Flavor-packed in every twirl: Tender shrimp, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a dreamy cream sauce combine for crave-worthy bites you can’t resist.
- Perfect for cozy nights in: Whether you’re curled up with family or setting the table for date night, this pasta brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen.
- Simple yet special: Easy enough for a Tuesday, yet just the thing to impress guests no culinary degree required, just big results.
- A dish to create memories: The inviting aroma and luxurious texture make this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta just as fitting for celebrations as it is for slow, quiet evenings at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Raw shrimp: Tender shrimp anchor this pasta, transforming it into something special and restaurant-worthy.
- Dried pasta: Choose your favorite linguine, fettuccine, or a gluten-free variety. Each shape captures the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the base with an irresistible, savory aroma.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: These chewy, tangy bits deepen the flavor and add beautiful pops of ruby color throughout the dish.
- Heavy cream: Essential for that dreamy, silky-smooth sauce that hugs every bite of pasta.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds salty, nutty richness that balances the sauce.
- Butter: A couple pats of butter create a luscious base and help toast the garlic.
- Tomato paste: Adds sweetness and a note of umami, rounding out the sauce with a savory tomato depth.
- Dry white wine or chicken broth: For a gentle lift and acidity; wine adds complexity, broth keeps it family-friendly.
- Fresh basil: Torn at the end, basil brings a burst of fresh, herbaceous brightness.
- Pantry staples: A pinch of dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper round out the harmony of flavors.
How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
- Cook the Pasta
Start by getting your pasta water boiling and cook until the noodles are just al dente think tender with a little bite. This ensures they’ll soak up every drop of sauce later without turning mushy. - Begin the Base
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Whisk in a spoonful of flour until it starts to smell nutty and turns just slightly golden this sets the stage for that silky sauce. - Build Flavor
Stir in minced garlic and a little tomato paste, letting the garlic sizzle and perfume your kitchen. Deglaze with wine or broth and let it bubble, releasing all that delicious aroma. - Simmer with Shrimp
Pour in the cream and scatter in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and gentle heat from red pepper flakes. Add the shrimp and simmer look for them to curl and blush pink, becoming glossy and tender.
- Finish the Sauce
Fold in freshly grated parmesan and torn basil, letting it melt into the sauce. Season to taste with salt and cracked black pepper. - Combine and Serve
Add your cooked pasta straight into the skillet, tossing gently so every noodle is coated. Serve immediately and shower with a little extra parmesan for that perfect, creamy comfort.
Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Keep a close eye on your shrimp once they turn pink and just curl, they’re ready! Overcooked shrimp can go rubbery fast, so pull them from the heat when they’re barely opaque.
- Creamy, Lump-Free Sauce: Whisk your cream slowly into the skillet after deglazing with wine or broth. Stir constantly and keep the heat gentle to make sure your sauce stays silky and smooth.
- Let the Flavors Bloom: Sauté your garlic and sun-dried tomatoes until aromatic before adding other ingredients. This brings out sweet, roasty notes that set your sauce apart.
- Season Generously: Taste as you go, adjusting salt, pepper, and that lovely Parmesan at the end for flavor that sings.
- Explore More Comfort Pastas: If you love this cozy recipe, check out my Cheesy Chicken Spinach Pasta for another creamy dinnertime favorite!
Variations & Substitutions
Switch up your protein: Not feeling shrimp tonight? Tender chunks of chicken, buttery scallops, or even crispy tofu make wonderful stand-ins. This swap keeps things flexible for picky eaters or what you have on hand.
Pasta shapes make it fun: Penne, fusilli, or even gnocchi soak up that creamy sauce so beautifully. Experimenting with shapes can turn the dish into something new every time. (For more cozy pasta inspiration, check out Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi.)
Go dairy-free or gluten-free: Use a plant-based cream and vegan parmesan for a dairy-free version, or opt for your favorite gluten-free pasta to make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta suit your needs.
Amp up the veggies: Baby spinach, artichoke hearts, or a pinch of chili flakes all bring a punch of color and flavor. A handful of peas or some roasted peppers also make this dish extra nourishing.
Adjust the heat: Add more crushed red pepper or a swirl of chili oil if you love a little kick.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator Storage: Let Marry Me Shrimp Pasta cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and flavorful for a couple of days, and the sauce keeps its creamy texture.
- Freezing Tips: While the sauce is cream-based and may separate a bit, you can freeze leftovers for later comfort cravings. Freeze portions in sealed containers for best results. Just know the texture might be a shade less silky after thawing.
- Gentle Reheating: Warm leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce. Microwave in short bursts, stirring each time to prevent shrimp from overcooking.
- Prepping Ahead: If you want to prep ahead, make the sauce and pasta but wait to add the shrimp until just before serving they’re at their most tender when freshly cooked.
Perfect Pairings for a Cozy Meal
- Golden, Buttery Garlic Bread: Nothing says cozy quite like tearing into a piece of warm, crusty garlic bread. The buttery edges are perfect for swiping up that dreamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta sauce.
- Simple Green Salad: A big bowl of crisp greens tossed with lemony vinaigrette and maybe a sprinkle of parmesan keeps things fresh and balances out the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Seasonal Veggies: Roast up some asparagus, broccoli, or carrots until they’re caramelized and tender for a colorful veggie side that feels both rustic and celebratory.
- Light White Wine: Pour a glass of chilled pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc. Their bright notes play beautifully with the creamy sauce and succulent shrimp.
- Family-Style Serving: Heap the pasta into a big bowl and invite everyone to help themselves it turns an ordinary dinner into a cherished memory. For more shrimp inspiration, try my Florida Shrimp Pie next time!
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil a salted pot of water for the pasta and cook it al dente according to package instructions.
- When the pasta is about 10 minutes away from being done, add the butter to a skillet over medium heat. Once it melts, add the flour in and cook for about a minute, stirring often.
- Add in the garlic, tomato paste, and wine. Give it a stir and let it bubble for about one minute.
- Whisk in the cream, then stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, and shrimp, and cook it for about 5 minutes, until the shrimp are cooked and the sauce thickens a bit.
- Stir in the parmesan and basil and take the skillet off the heat. Season with salt & pepper as needed.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until coated. Serve immediately with more parmesan if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Can I make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta without wine?
Absolutely! If you’d rather skip the wine, you can use chicken or vegetable broth instead. It gives you that gentle lift of flavor without the alcohol perfect for family nights or if you just want to keep things simple. You’ll still get all that rich, creamy coziness.
How do I reheat leftover Marry Me Shrimp Pasta so it stays creamy?
To keep things luscious, warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth and stir until the sauce loosens. This helps avoid overcooked shrimp and brings back that creamy, just-made texture everyone loves.
What pasta shapes work best with this creamy shrimp sauce?
Honestly, you can have fun here! Long noodles like linguine or fettuccine feel extra cozy and soak up the sauce beautifully. But short shapes like penne, fusilli, or even gnocchi work like little sauce catchers so every bite is flavorful and comforting.
Can I prepare Marry Me Shrimp Pasta ahead for a dinner party?
You can! Make the sauce and pasta in advance, then refrigerate separately. Wait to cook the shrimp and combine everything until just before serving. That way, you’ll serve up tender shrimp and a sauce that’s silky, not stodgy your guests will feel oh-so spoiled!
