If you’re here for a romantic, flavor-packed dinner that’s just as stunning as it is simple, you’re in for a treat. This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta recipe is everything the name promises—rich, creamy, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or just want a cozy bowl of pasta that tastes like pure indulgence, this dish is ready to sweep you off your feet.
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a creamy tomato-based pasta tossed with juicy, garlicky shrimp and finished with fresh herbs and Parmesan—an absolute showstopper.
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What is Marry Me Shrimp Pasta?
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta takes its name from its legendary predecessor—Marry Me Chicken—and gives it a seafood twist. It’s a creamy, tangy, slightly spicy pasta that feels like it came from a candlelit bistro, but it all comes together in your own kitchen in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Weeknight Fancy: Quick enough for a weeknight, fancy enough for date night
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor
Flavor Bomb: Garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and chili flakes? Anything but boring!!
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s rich, creamy, and indulgent—impossible not to love
What Does It Taste Like?
This pasta is creamy and decadent with layers of flavor. The shrimp adds a sweet brininess, the sun-dried tomatoes and chili flakes punch in some tang and heat, and the Parmesan brings that nutty depth that makes the sauce stick beautifully to every swirl of pasta.
Benefits of This Recipe
- High in protein from shrimp
- Easily adaptable for gluten-free or low-carb versions
- Impresses guests without a culinary degree
- Comfort food that feels like a hug
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up Marry Me Shrimp Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan (for serving)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Pasta pot
- Tongs or pasta fork
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
No cream? Use full-fat coconut milk or evaporated milk
Lactose-free? Swap in lactose-free cream and Parmesan-style cheese
No sun-dried tomatoes? Try roasted red peppers for a smoky twist
Make it spicy: Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce to the cream
Boost the greens: Stir in baby spinach or arugula before serving
How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning.
Step 4: Add Creamy Goodness
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce thicken slightly—about 3–5 minutes.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Add cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in that luscious sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while everything is hot and melty!
What to Serve with Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
- Garlic Bread – Because wiping up the sauce is not optional
- Simple Green Salad – A zesty vinaigrette pairs beautifully
- Roasted Veggies – Think asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini
- A Crisp White Wine – Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is perfect
Tips for the Creamiest, Dreamiest Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan—it melts better and tastes way more flavorful
- Don’t overcook the shrimp! They go rubbery fast
- Reserve pasta water—it’s liquid gold for adjusting your sauce texture
- Finish with basil right before serving for the freshest flavor
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth
- Not freezer-friendly—the cream sauce can separate
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
Can I make it ahead?
You can prep the sauce and shrimp ahead, but cook the pasta fresh for best texture.
Is it spicy?
It has a little kick from red pepper flakes, but you can easily reduce or omit them.
What pasta works best?
Fettuccine, linguine, or even penne all hold the sauce well.
Final Thoughts
If there was ever a pasta that could make someone fall in love, this is it. Marry Me Shrimp Pasta delivers big flavor with simple steps, perfect for impressing your date—or just treating yourself to something truly special. Creamy, comforting, and a little bit fancy… it’s everything dinner dreams are made of.
✨ Craving more irresistible dinner ideas? Don’t miss these reader favorites:
- Cranberry Orange Chicken – sweet, tangy, and perfectly roasted
- Loaded Butterscotch Cheesecake – rich, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth indulgent
- Coconut Curry Baked Cod – bold flavor and a healthy twist
Let’s Stay Connected!
Tried this recipe? I’d love to see it! Share your creation and tag me over on Pinterest—it seriously makes my day to see what you’re cooking. Don’t forget to leave a review in the comments too!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: The Creamy, Dreamy Dinner That’ll Win Hearts
This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, garlicky dream that comes together in just 30 minutes. Loaded with tender shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan in a velvety sauce, it’s the kind of dinner that gets rave reviews and second helpings. Fancy enough for date night, easy enough for any night!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Ingredients
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8 oz fettuccine or linguine
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
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½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
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Extra Parmesan (for serving)
Instructions
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Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
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Lower the heat and add butter to the same skillet. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Cook for another minute.
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Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then stir in Parmesan. Let it thicken for 3–5 minutes.
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Add shrimp and pasta to the sauce. Toss gently to coat. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
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Top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving. Enjoy while warm!
Notes
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You can use any pasta shape you love—penne, spaghetti, or linguine all work great.
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For a lighter version, sub half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce may be thinner.
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Add baby spinach or arugula during the final minute of cooking for extra greens.
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Want it extra spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 205mg
Keywords: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, romantic pasta recipe, seafood pasta, easy date night dinner