Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. Tender shrimp are cooked in a rich tomato and cream sauce, tossed with pasta for a comforting and elegant meal.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
• 1 pound medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small shallot or 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice, optional

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with salt and black pepper.
3. Step 3: Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until pink and lightly golden. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, then sauté the shallot for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
5. Step 5: Add the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir for 1 minute until the tomato paste darkens slightly and becomes fragrant.
6. Step 6: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in the chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
7. Step 7: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until smooth, then add the Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and creamy.
8. Step 8: Return the shrimp to the skillet and let them warm gently for 1 minute.
9. Step 9: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until fully coated. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
10. Step 10: Finish with chopped basil or parsley and lemon juice, if using. Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top.

Tips & Variations

• Use gluten-free pasta or zoodles for a gluten-free option.
• Add a splash of white wine when adding chicken broth for extra depth of flavor.
• Swap shrimp for chicken strips or scallops if preferred.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness to your liking.
• For a lighter sauce, substitute half the heavy cream with milk.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just be sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before cooking to prevent excess moisture and ensure they sear nicely.

Is this dish spicy?

The recipe includes red pepper flakes for mild heat, but you can adjust or omit them based on your spice preference.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 139 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring perfectly cooked shrimp in a rich tomato cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Tossed with your choice of pasta, this quick and indulgent meal is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Grains & Pasta

• 12 ounces pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine

Shrimp

• 1 pound medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Fats & Oils

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small shallot or 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

Condiments & Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Liquids & Dairy

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs & Finishes

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice, optional

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Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
2. Prepare Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season them with salt and black pepper.
3. Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and lightly golden. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, then sauté the shallot (or onion) for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add Tomato Paste and Seasonings: Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until the tomato paste darkens slightly and becomes aromatic.
6. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Broth: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits for extra flavor.
7. Create Cream Sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until smooth, then add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and creamy.
8. Reheat Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and warm gently for about 1 minute to combine flavors.
9. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss well to coat evenly. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick to loosen it.
10. Finish and Serve: Stir in chopped fresh basil or parsley and optionally lemon juice. Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
• You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
• If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit red pepper flakes.
• Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and creaminess.
• This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: shrimp pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, Marry Me Shrimp, Italian pasta recipe, seafood pasta, quick shrimp dinner