The Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is an elegant yet easy dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich, velvety Parmesan cream sauce. The sun dried tomatoes bring a touch of tangy sweetness, while the fresh basil adds a pop of herbal freshness. The sauce clings beautifully to every strand of pasta, making each bite a perfect balance of flavors.
This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a romantic dinner or a family meal. With just 30 minutes of cooking time, you can create a restaurant quality dish in your own kitchen. Serve it with a crisp glass of white wine and some crusty garlic bread for an unforgettable meal!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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12 oz linguine or pasta of your choice
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 tbsp olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Cook the linguine in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
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Stir in the heavy cream and let simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Add Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and combined.
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Return the shrimp to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until coated in the creamy sauce.
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Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 620 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: A Dish to Fall in Love With
If you’re looking for a dish that is rich, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress, Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the perfect recipe to try. This creamy, garlicky, and cheesy seafood pasta has become a viral sensation, known for its irresistible combination of ingredients that come together in a beautifully balanced dish.
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is inspired by the well known Marry Me Chicken, a creamy Tuscan style dish that earned its name because it is so delicious, people joke that it could inspire a marriage proposal. The shrimp version takes this idea to the next level by incorporating the delicate sweetness of shrimp, the richness of a Parmesan cream sauce, and the tangy depth of sun-dried tomatoes. The result is a pasta dish that feels luxurious yet is incredibly easy to make at home.
The Origins of Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
While this dish doesn’t have a traditional Italian background, it draws heavy inspiration from Tuscan-style cooking, which is known for its use of fresh herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and cream based sauces. These elements create a dish that is bold, creamy, and packed with flavor.
Shrimp pasta dishes have always been a staple in seafood cuisine, with classics like shrimp scampi and garlic butter shrimp pasta being beloved by many. Marry Me Shrimp Pasta takes those familiar flavors and elevates them with a rich and indulgent sauce that coats each bite perfectly.
What Makes This Dish So Special?
The magic of Marry Me Shrimp Pasta lies in its balance of flavors and textures. Here’s what makes it stand out:
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Succulent Shrimp – Shrimp is a fantastic protein that cooks quickly and soaks up the flavors of the sauce. When seared properly, shrimp develop a slightly crispy exterior while remaining juicy and tender inside.
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Creamy Parmesan Sauce – The sauce is what makes this dish truly irresistible. A combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a velvety, cheesy texture that coats the pasta beautifully.
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Sun-Dried Tomatoes – These add a subtle tanginess that balances out the richness of the sauce. Sun-dried tomatoes also bring a hint of sweetness and a chewy texture that contrasts well with the creaminess.
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Fresh Basil – A sprinkle of fresh basil at the end brightens up the dish and adds a fragrant, slightly peppery flavor that cuts through the heaviness of the sauce.
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Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes – Garlic infuses the sauce with deep, aromatic flavor, while red pepper flakes add just the right amount of spice to enhance the dish without overpowering it.
The Perfect Pasta Pairing
When making Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, choosing the right pasta is crucial. Long pasta varieties like linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work best because they hold the creamy sauce well and allow for even coating. However, if you prefer shorter pasta, penne or rigatoni can also work well by trapping the sauce inside their ridges.
For a healthier alternative, you can substitute regular pasta with whole wheat pasta, gluten-free pasta, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb version of the dish.
Tips for Making the Best Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
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Use Fresh Shrimp – If possible, use fresh shrimp instead of frozen for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
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Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – Shrimp cook quickly, usually within 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking will make them rubbery and tough. Remove them from the pan once they turn pink and opaque.
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Grate Your Own Parmesan – Pre-packaged grated Parmesan often contains anti caking agents that can affect the texture of the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and enhances the creamy consistency.
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Adjust Spice Level – If you love a bit of heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or even add a dash of cayenne pepper for extra spice.
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Make It Even Creamier – For an even richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end or add a splash of white wine while simmering the sauce.
What to Serve with Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
While this dish is already satisfying on its own, pairing it with the right sides can make it even more enjoyable:
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Garlic Bread – A warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
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Side Salad – A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the dish.
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Steamed or Roasted Vegetables – Asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini make great accompaniments that add texture and nutrition.
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White Wine – A crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the creamy, garlicky flavors of this dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick & Easy – Despite its gourmet taste, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
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Restaurant-Quality at Home – You don’t need to go to a fancy seafood restaurant to enjoy an elegant, delicious pasta dish.
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Versatile & Customizable – You can easily swap shrimp for chicken, scallops, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
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Perfect for Special Occasions – Whether it’s a date night, a family dinner, or a gathering with friends, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Conclusion
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is more than just a delicious meal it’s a dish that brings people together and makes every bite feel like a special occasion. With its creamy Parmesan sauce, juicy shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s easy to see why this recipe has become so popular.
Whether you’re cooking for a loved one, preparing a romantic dinner, or simply treating yourself to a comforting yet luxurious meal, this pasta dish is a guaranteed winner. Try it out, and you might just find yourself falling in love with it again and again!