If one bite of food could steal someone’s heart, this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta would be it. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with rich garlic and sun-dried tomato flavor, this dish is everything you want in a romantic, comfort-filled dinner. Tender shrimp soak up the luscious sauce while al dente pasta brings it all together into one irresistible bowl.
It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy enough for date night but easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. And yes—someone just might propose after the first forkful.
💛 Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Shrimp Pasta
- It’s creamy, dreamy, and full of bold, savory flavors.
- Shrimp cooks fast, so the whole dish is ready in under 30 minutes.
- You only need one pan and a pot—less cleanup, more love.
- It looks and tastes impressive but is simple to make.
📝 Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: ~580 per serving
Estimated Total Cost: Moderate (shrimp, cream, cheese)
Ingredients:
- 12 oz linguine or fettuccine
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
🍝 Instructions
Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Stir until combined. Pour in cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
Return shrimp to the skillet. Toss in cooked pasta and stir to coat. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with reserved pasta water. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and serve warm.
🌿 Tips and Variations
- Add baby spinach to the sauce for a pop of color and extra nutrition.
- Substitute shrimp with cooked chicken or scallops if preferred.
- Make it even richer with a splash of white wine in the sauce.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make it GF-friendly.
Ingredients
Method
- Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and garlic. Sauté 30 seconds, then stir in red pepper flakes, tomato paste, and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then lower heat.
- Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
- Return shrimp to the pan and toss to coat. Add lemon juice and cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot!
Notes
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the pan.
Linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti all work well. Short pasta like penne is also great if you prefer.
It’s best fresh, but you can prep the sauce ahead and reheat it gently. Cook the pasta right before serving for the best texture.
The red pepper flakes add a mild kick. Adjust to taste or leave them out entirely for a milder version.
A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies make perfect pairings.
✨ A Pasta Dish That’s Worth Falling For
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is more than just a catchy name—it’s a creamy, savory, love-at-first-bite kind of meal. It brings people together, fills the kitchen with rich aromas, and leaves everyone at the table completely smitten. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or treating yourself, this dish makes any night feel a little more magical.