If you’re looking for a dish that is both indulgent and packed with flavor, the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe will become your new go-to comfort meal. This creamy, garlicky pasta features tender shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil, all wrapped up in a luscious sauce that practically begs for a second helping. Its beautifully balanced flavors and straightforward preparation make it perfect for everything from a weeknight dinner to a special occasion that calls for a little culinary magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients each play a vital role in crafting the perfect Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe. From the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes to the richness of heavy cream, every element adds a delightful layer of flavor and texture that will have you hooked by the first bite.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta: Choose your favorite type—fettuccine or linguine work beautifully to hold the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky sauce base.
- 1/2 tablespoon flour: A secret weapon to thicken the sauce to just the right consistency.
- 3-4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with a punch of aromatic flavor.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Deepens the sauce’s color and brings a subtle tang.
- 1/3 cup dry white wine or chicken broth: Adds acidity and complexity to brighten up the creaminess.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: The star ingredient that creates a luscious, velvety sauce.
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes: Sweet and chewy, they add bursts of savory punch halfway through each bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers an earthy herbal note that pairs perfectly with shrimp.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to keep things interesting without overpowering.
- 1 pound uncooked shrimp: Choose peeled and thawed shrimp for quick cooking and tender texture.
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish; keep extra handy for serving.
- 1 small handful fresh basil (torn/chopped): Freshness and a pop of green to uplift the dish.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to tie all flavors together perfectly.
How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your pasta until it’s al dente—still with a little bite to it—following the package’s timing. This texture ensures the pasta won’t get mushy when tossed with the creamy sauce later.
Step 2: Make the Sauce Base
When the pasta has about 10 minutes left, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for around one minute, stirring frequently to avoid lumps. This simple roux is what thickens your sauce and gives it that irresistible velvety texture.
Step 3: Build Flavor with Garlic, Tomato Paste, and Wine
Add minced garlic, tomato paste, and your choice of white wine or chicken broth to the skillet. Let everything bubble together for about one minute. This step lets the garlic soften and the tomato paste caramelize a little, unlocking deeper flavors in your sauce.
Step 4: Pour in Cream and Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Herbs, and Shrimp
Whisk in the heavy cream until smooth, then sprinkle in sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Add the shrimp on top and cook for approximately five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn opaque and pink and the sauce thickens nicely.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Basil
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped basil. This finishing touch enriches the sauce and adds a lovely fresh note that balances the richness perfectly. Don’t forget a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance all the layers of flavor.
Step 6: Combine with Pasta and Serve
Drain your pasta and add it directly to the skillet. Toss everything together gently until each noodle is luxuriously coated in that creamy shrimp sauce. Serve immediately, topping with extra parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent.
How to Serve Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley brightens the plate visually and adds a fresh aroma that complements the rich sauce wonderfully. Don’t forget an extra dusting of parmesan cheese for optimal cheesiness.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, consider a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans bring a touch of vibrant color and crunch alongside the creamy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re making this for a special dinner, serve the pasta in shallow bowls with a drizzle of good olive oil and a lemon wedge on the side for added zest. For a fun twist, plate the shrimp and sauce over zoodles or cauliflower pasta for a low-carb version that still delivers on flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Marry Me Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this heavenly dish even on busy days.
Freezing
While the shrimp pasta tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave using short bursts to avoid overcooking the shrimp and curdling the sauce. Adding a splash of cream or broth while reheating helps return the sauce to its creamy glory.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture in your pasta.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Long, thin pasta like fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti are ideal as they capture the creamy sauce beautifully and create a wonderful mouthfeel with the shrimp.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a similar cheesy flavor.
How spicy is the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
The recipe has just a hint of heat from crushed red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust this amount to make it milder or spicier depending on your preference.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?
You can prep ingredients like minced garlic, chopped basil, and sun-dried tomatoes ahead of time to save time on cooking day. Just combine and cook everything fresh for the best results.
Final Thoughts
The Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe is undeniably one of those dishes that makes you feel like you’re treating yourself to something truly special without spending hours in the kitchen. Its creamy, garlicky sauce combined with sweet sun-dried tomatoes and tender shrimp is a flavor party you won’t want to miss. I can’t wait for you to try it and see why this recipe earns its romantic name every single time.
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Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring perfectly cooked shrimp in a rich tomato cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and fresh basil. This delicious, quick-to-make meal combines tender pasta with a luxurious sauce that’s guaranteed to impress your loved ones.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
Shrimp and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 tablespoon flour
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/3 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 pound uncooked shrimp (31–40 per pound, thawed and peeled, tails optional)
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 1 small handful fresh basil, torn or chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside once done.
- Make the Roux: When the pasta is about 10 minutes from being finished, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about one minute, stirring frequently to create a smooth roux.
- Add Aromatics and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, and white wine (or chicken broth). Let the mixture bubble for about one minute to meld the flavors and reduce the wine slightly.
- Incorporate Cream and Seasonings: Whisk in the heavy cream, then add sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and the shrimp. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss with Pasta and Serve: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well, such as fettuccine or penne.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute white wine with chicken broth.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for your preferred spice level.
- For easier prep, shrimp can be pre-cooked, but reduce cooking time in the sauce accordingly.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with parsley if desired.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up extra sauce.
