Name: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486878H50M50S
Total time: PT-486878H50M50S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for heat); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish); 12 ounces pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti); Salt, for boiling water

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Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, where tender shrimp, a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together to create a dish that might just make you say “I do!” Whether it’s for a special occasion or a weeknight treat, this flavorful pasta is bound to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy & decadent – The rich, creamy sauce with Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes makes every bite feel luxurious.
Perfectly seasoned shrimp – The shrimp are perfectly seasoned with smoky paprika and garlic, making them the star of the dish.
Easy to make – With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, this recipe comes together quickly for a weeknight meal that feels gourmet.
Customizable heat – Add a dash of red chili flakes for a little extra kick, or leave it out for a milder dish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

For the Pasta:

12 ounces pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti works well)
Salt, for boiling water

Directions

Prepare the shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute. Then, add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Combine the pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Add the shrimp: Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm everything through.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with freshly chopped basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

Spicy shrimp: Add extra red chili flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the shrimp for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian option: Replace the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a delicious meat-free version.
Different pasta: Feel free to swap the pasta type based on your preference—penne, rigatoni, or even a gluten-free pasta works perfectly.
Dairy-free version: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese substitute to make this recipe dairy-free.
Add spinach or kale: For extra greens, stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale into the sauce just before adding the pasta.

Storage / Reheating

Storage: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
Freezing: While this dish is best served fresh, you can freeze the shrimp and pasta with the sauce for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the pasta and shrimp in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before adding to the pasta.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but keep in mind it will be less rich and creamy.

Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, jarred sun-dried tomatoes are perfect for this recipe, especially those packed in oil for added flavor.

How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Shrimp cook very quickly. Be sure to cook them for just 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and form a “C” shape. If they curl into an “O,” they’re overcooked.

What can I substitute for the Italian seasoning?

You can substitute Italian seasoning with dried basil, oregano, and thyme for a similar flavor profile.

Can I use low-fat cream or milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream or milk, but the sauce will be less creamy. For the best result, heavy cream is recommended.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

How can I make this recipe more flavorful?

For extra flavor, you can sauté the shrimp in sun-dried tomato oil, or add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce before serving.

Can I add more vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers to the sauce to make it even heartier.

Conclusion

This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the kind of dish that will make you want to cook dinner for two every night. With tender shrimp, a creamy and flavorful sauce, and the perfect amount of seasoning, it’s a dish that will leave you craving more. Whether for a romantic evening or a special occasion, this pasta is sure to be a hit!