If you have been searching for a dish that feels like an indulgent celebration of flavor, look no further than the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. This dish wraps plump, juicy shrimp in a sauce so creamy and perfectly seasoned with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs that it practically demands to be shared with someone special. Every bite delivers a harmonious balance of smoky paprika, tangy tomato paste, and fresh basil, making it an irresistibly romantic meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. The Marry Me Shrimp Pasta truly turns any ordinary night into something memorable and utterly delicious.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Marry Me Shrimp Pasta lies in its simple yet thoughtfully combined ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the complex layers of flavor—from the smoky paprika giving just the right kick to the creamy parmesan melting into the sauce. With fresh spinach adding vibrant color and nutrition, this recipe is both comforting and impressive.

Extra large shrimp (1 pound): Peeled and deveined for quick, even cooking and maximum tenderness.
Smoked paprika (1/2 tbsp): Adds a subtle smoky depth that elevates the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
Italian seasoning (3/4 tbsp + 1 tbsp): A fragrant blend of herbs that infuses the dish with classic Mediterranean flair.
Black pepper (1/4 tsp) and salt (3/4 + 1/2 tsp): Essential seasonings that bring out the flavors in every ingredient.
Sun-dried tomato oil (1 1/2 tbsp): Intensely flavored oil that forms the luxurious base for cooking shrimp.
Cento tomato paste (2 1/2 tbsp): Concentrated tomato goodness to enrich the sauce’s body and tang.
Cento sun-dried tomatoes (1/2 cup, diced): Adds chewy bursts of rich, sweet acidity to the sauce.
Sweet smoked paprika (1/3 tsp): Gives a gentle, sweet smokiness that complements the savory elements.
Dried basil (3/4 tsp): Provides an aromatic freshness with subtle hints of mint and clove.
Gluten free 1:1 flour (2 tbsp): Helps thicken the sauce without compromising on creaminess or texture.
Fresh spinach (2 cups, diced): Brings a vibrant green hue and delicate earthiness balancing the richness.
Butter (2 tbsp): Adds a silky richness and helps meld all the flavors together.
Minced onion (2 tbsp) and garlic (2 tbsp): The aromatic foundation that makes the sauce irresistible.
Vegetable broth (2 cups): Light liquid base that lifts the sauce’s flavors without heaviness.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates that decadently velvety texture that coats every strand of pasta.
Parmesan cheese (1 cup): A sharp, nutty addition that melts into creaminess and ties everything together.
Fresh basil (chopped): Bright herbal topping that enhances aroma and gives an elegant finish.
Gluten free penne (12 oz): A perfect vehicle to soak up the luscious sauce and seafood flavors.

How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your gluten free penne until al dente, following package directions. This timing ensures your pasta has the right bite, essential for standing up to the rich sauce and tender shrimp later on.

Step 2: Season Your Shrimp

In a medium bowl, toss your peeled and deveined extra large shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This coating layers smoky and herbal flavors on your shrimp, creating the first burst of taste in the dish.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook them for about two minutes per side. You’ll know they’re perfectly done when they turn pink, opaque, and curve into a gentle C shape—overcooking makes them curl into an O and turn rubbery, so keep an eye out. Once cooked, set the shrimp aside.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic, onion, the diced sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sweet smoked paprika, salt, and dried basil. Stir and cook for about two minutes until the mixture fills your kitchen with fragrant aromas that promise deliciousness.

Step 5: Thicken and Enrich the Sauce

Sprinkle in the gluten free flour and stir carefully to combine with the aromatics. Then slowly add vegetable broth, heavy cream, and diced spinach. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes, giving the spinach just enough time to wilt and blend its subtle earthiness with the creaminess. Finish by folding in the parmesan cheese until it melts into a perfect, luscious sauce.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Shrimp

Gently mix the drained pasta into the sauce, letting every piece soak up that creamy goodness. Finally, fold the cooked shrimp back into the pan, distributing them evenly so every forkful has that signature burst of seafood. Top it all off with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil and prepare to savor one of the most satisfying dishes you’ll ever make.

How to Serve Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Garnishes

This dish shines when garnished with freshly chopped basil, adding a burst of color and a fragrant herbal lift to the creamy sauce. A light grating of extra parmesan right before serving can also elevate each serving, giving a savory, cheesy finish that’s hard to resist.

Side Dishes

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta pairs beautifully with crisp, fresh sides to contrast its richness. Consider a simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Garlic bread or gluten-free baguette slices also make perfect accompaniments to soak up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve the pasta in elegant shallow bowls and garnish each portion with a few whole fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. You could also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a surprise kick. Serving in a large communal dish encourages sharing the love—because this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta tastes even better when enjoyed together with friends or family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, but a quick reheat with a splash of broth or cream will bring it back to its glorious creamy texture in no time.

Freezing

While the pasta and shrimp mixture can be frozen, the texture of the seafood may change upon thawing. For best results, freeze the sauce and cooked pasta separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months, and cook fresh shrimp when ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a bit of vegetable broth or cream as needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough. Once warmed through, garnish again with fresh basil for a fresh finish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning to avoid excess moisture. This helps the shrimp sear beautifully and keeps the flavors concentrated.

Is this recipe naturally gluten free?

Yes, if you use gluten free penne and gluten free 1:1 flour as noted, the dish is suitable for gluten-sensitive diners without sacrificing any delicious flavors.

What can I substitute for sun-dried tomato oil?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomato oil on hand, use good quality olive oil and add extra diced sun-dried tomatoes to maintain that rich, tangy flavor in the sauce.

Can I make this dish dairy free?

For a dairy free version, swap out the butter and heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream and use a dairy free parmesan alternative. The result is still creamy and satisfying with a slightly different but delicious twist.

How spicy is Marry Me Shrimp Pasta?

This recipe is mildly spiced with smoked paprika and a hint of black pepper. It’s meant to be warm and flavorful rather than hot. You can always add crushed red pepper flakes if you like more heat.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is one of those magical recipes that feels special but comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or a simply indulgent weeknight treat. Its rich, creamy sauce combined with tender shrimp and vibrant herbs invites you to slow down and appreciate each bite. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself falling in love over and over again with every forkful.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 14 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a rich and creamy gluten-free dish featuring large shrimp cooked in a flavorful sun-dried tomato sauce infused with Italian herbs, smoked paprika, and parmesan cheese. This quick and easy recipe combines tender shrimp, al dente gluten-free penne, and fresh spinach for a comforting yet elegant meal perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners.

Instructions

Boil Pasta: Cook the gluten-free penne according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Season Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Cook Shrimp: Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until shrimp turn pink, opaque, and form a ‘C’ shape. Avoid overcooking as ‘O’ shaped shrimp are overdone. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside to cool.
Saute Aromatics: In the same pan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic, minced onion, diced sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sweet smoked paprika, salt, and dried basil. Cook for approximately 2 minutes until fragrant.
Make Sauce: Stir in the gluten-free flour to coat the aromatics, then gradually add vegetable broth, heavy cream, and diced spinach. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and spinach wilts. Remove from heat and stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine: Gently fold the cooked gluten-free penne and shrimp into the sauce mixture until well combined and heated through.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the pasta before serving. Enjoy your creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta!

Notes

Do not overcook the shrimp; they should form a “C” shape, not “O.”
Use gluten-free flour as a thickening agent to keep the dish gluten-free.
Sun-dried tomato oil adds intense flavor—reserve it from your sun-dried tomatoes jar.
This meal can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it suitable for weeknight dinners.
For a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Sautéing and Boiling
Cuisine: Italian-American