This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate romantic dinner, featuring succulent shrimp in a creamy, garlicky sauce that’s infused with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. The rich, flavorful sauce perfectly coats tender pasta, making each bite a delicious experience. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to a flavorful dish, this pasta will surely win hearts and make you feel like you’re dining at a five-star restaurant.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is not only delicious, but it’s also quick and easy to make. The creamy garlic sauce with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, combined with the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the rich depth of Parmesan, creates an unforgettable dish. The shrimp adds a lovely, tender texture, and the pasta is the perfect vehicle to soak up all the flavorful sauce. It’s a meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to prepare. You’ll be left wondering why this dish isn’t a regular in your meal rotation!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine work well)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
- Cook the shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the garlic over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the red pepper flakes and sun-dried tomatoes, and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine pasta and shrimp: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine, making sure the shrimp and pasta are coated in the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add vegetables: Spinach, arugula, or zucchini make great additions to this dish. Add spinach directly to the sauce until wilted, or sauté zucchini ribbons along with the garlic for extra texture and color.
- Use a different protein: If shrimp isn’t your favorite, chicken breast or scallops would work wonderfully in this dish. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Make it lighter: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative for a less rich but still creamy sauce.
- Add a squeeze of lemon: A fresh squeeze of lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors and add a refreshing zing.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
2. Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, any pasta you prefer can be used for this dish. Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne would all work well with the creamy sauce.
3. Can I make this recipe without sun-dried tomatoes?
If you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, you can skip them or replace them with roasted red peppers for a similar flavor.
4. How can I make the sauce spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a diced fresh chili pepper to the sauce.
5. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and shrimp ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Just cook the pasta and combine everything when ready to serve.
6. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, if you prefer a different cheese, you can use Gruyère, pecorino, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
7. Can I add more garlic to the sauce?
Absolutely! If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two to the sauce for an even stronger garlic flavor.
8. Can I use a dairy-free cream alternative?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with a non-dairy cream alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version of this dish.
9. Can I add a squeeze of lemon to the sauce?
Yes, a little lemon juice can add a fresh burst of flavor to the sauce, brightening it up and balancing the richness.
10. Can I freeze leftovers?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Just be aware that the sauce may change in texture once thawed and reheated.
Conclusion
This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for date night or any special occasion. The creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan elevates the shrimp, creating an irresistible meal that’s both comforting and luxurious. With its simplicity and elegance, this pasta will quickly become a favorite in your dinner repertoire.
Print
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a rich and creamy dish that combines succulent shrimp with a flavorful garlic sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. Served over pasta, this indulgent meal feels like fine dining and is perfect for any special occasion or a cozy dinner at home. It’s a quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious dish that will win hearts!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine work well)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water for later.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté garlic over medium heat for about 1 minute. Add red pepper flakes and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Make the creamy sauce: Pour in chicken broth, bringing it to a simmer. Scrape up any bits from the skillet. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Combine pasta and shrimp: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to loosen. Return shrimp to the skillet, tossing to combine everything.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Add vegetables: Spinach, arugula, or zucchini are great additions for extra color and nutrients.
- Use a different protein: Chicken breast or scallops would be wonderful substitutes. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- Make it lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.
- Add lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the sauce.
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