There’s something magical about the combination of tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce. Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a dish that’s guaranteed to make anyone fall in love at first bite. It’s indulgent, flavorful, and just the right amount of fancy for a special evening or a casual weeknight dinner.

I discovered this recipe during a dinner party where I needed something quick yet impressive. The creamy, garlicky sauce, paired with succulent shrimp and al dente pasta, was a hit, and it’s now one of my most requested dishes. Let’s dive in and discover why this recipe is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s as delicious as it is simple to make. Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta checks all the boxes for a meal that impresses without stress.

First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. From start to finish, you can have this dish on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings or last-minute dinner plans.

Second, the flavors are out of this world. The creamy sauce is infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan, creating a luscious base that pairs perfectly with the shrimp and pasta.

This recipe is also budget-friendly. You don’t need expensive ingredients to create a gourmet meal that feels indulgent.

Finally, it’s versatile enough to customize. Whether you’re swapping the shrimp for chicken or experimenting with different pasta shapes, this recipe adapts beautifully to suit your preferences.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its carefully chosen ingredients, each one playing a vital role in the recipe’s flavor and texture.

Shrimp: Opt for large, raw shrimp that have been peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen shrimp work equally well, but ensure they’re thawed if frozen. Shrimp cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook them.

Pasta: Use long pasta like linguine or fettuccine for the best texture and sauce coverage. These shapes complement the creamy sauce beautifully, but shorter pastas like penne or rigatoni work well, too.

Heavy Cream: This forms the base of the sauce, giving it a luxurious, creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half can be used, but the sauce won’t be as rich.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a burst of tangy sweetness to balance the creaminess. Look for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, as they’re softer and more flavorful than the dried ones.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan is key to achieving a smooth, cheesy sauce. Avoid pre-shredded parmesan, as it doesn’t melt as well.

For this recipe, you’ll also need olive oil, butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a splash of chicken broth to round out the sauce. No special equipment is required, just a large skillet and a pot for boiling the pasta.

How To Make This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

This dish comes together effortlessly, and the results are absolutely worth it. Here’s how to make it step by step.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining, as it can be used to adjust the sauce consistency later.

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of butter. Once the butter melts, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. This helps deglaze the pan and adds depth to the sauce. Next, stir in heavy cream and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.

Add freshly grated parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Finally, combine the sauce and shrimp with the cooked pasta, tossing until everything is well-coated. Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of parmesan and fresh basil for garnish.

Storage Options

This pasta dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored for later. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to help loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as the shrimp can become rubbery.

Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy sauce can separate upon thawing.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some ideas for making it your own:

Swap the shrimp for chicken or scallops if you prefer a different protein.

For a vegetarian version, skip the shrimp and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.

Experiment with different cheeses. While parmesan is traditional, a touch of pecorino romano can add a sharper flavor.

Add a spicy kick by stirring in red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.

Use whole-grain or gluten-free pasta to suit your dietary needs.

This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a recipe you’ll return to time and time again. Its irresistible flavors and simple preparation make it a true kitchen staple. Give it a try, and let the magic of this dish work its charm on your family and friends!