Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Have you ever wondered what makes a dish so delicious that it could inspire someone to pop the question? Why do some recipes go viral, earning whimsical names and cult followings? The answer lies in the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and simplicity—just like this marry me shrimp pasta. This recipe has taken the internet by storm, challenging the belief that romantic meals require hours of effort or gourmet techniques. Whether you’re looking to impress a loved one, celebrate a special occasion, or just treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this creamy, dreamy shrimp pasta is guaranteed to make hearts flutter. Ready to discover what the hype is all about? Let’s dive into the most irresistible marry me shrimp pasta recipe you’ll ever try.

Ingredients List

To make the creamiest, most flavorful marry me shrimp pasta, gather these ingredients:

• 12 ounces linguine or fettuccine pasta (or your favorite shape)
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¾ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• Juice of ½ a lemon

Substitution Suggestions:

• Swap linguine for gluten-free pasta.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Try spinach or arugula in place of basil for a peppery twist.
• Replace shrimp with scallops or chicken for variety.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes; cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Base

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked pasta, reserved shrimp, and fresh basil to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired sauce consistency. Squeeze in lemon juice for brightness. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer to bowls and garnish with extra basil and Parmesan. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (approx.)
Calories	590
Protein	34g
Carbohydrates	48g
Fat	28g
Fiber	3g

Values based on 4 servings using heavy cream and full pasta amount. Adjust based on substitutions.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber and protein.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut cream to reduce calories or make it dairy-free.
• Increase vegetables: Add spinach, zucchini ribbons, or roasted bell peppers.
• Use less cheese or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a lighter, still-savory finish.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with garlic bread or toasted baguette for dipping in the creamy sauce.
• Serve alongside a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast.
• Add a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a romantic meal.
• Sprinkle with extra red pepper flakes for spice lovers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the shrimp: Remove as soon as they’re pink and opaque to keep them juicy.
2. Boiling the sauce: Simmer gently to prevent curdling or separating.
3. Not saving pasta water: The starchy water helps your sauce cling to the pasta.
4. Adding shrimp too early: Avoid tough, rubbery shrimp by tossing them in just before serving.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing is not recommended due to the cream-based sauce and shrimp texture.

Conclusion

This marry me shrimp pasta is more than just a trendy recipe—it’s a showstopping, flavor-packed dish that’s fast enough for weeknights and special enough for celebrations. Creamy, garlicky, and just spicy enough, it’s guaranteed to win hearts. Try it for your next dinner, share your feedback below, and subscribe for more irresistible recipes!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just thaw them thoroughly and pat dry before cooking.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and use a vegan Parmesan substitute.

Can I make this ahead?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and reheat gently when ready to serve.

What other proteins can I use?

Scallops, cooked chicken, or even tofu work well in place of shrimp.