If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to make at home, this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the dish for you! Juicy, succulent shrimp are coated in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce with bursts of flavor from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. It’s a perfect combination of indulgence and simplicity, making it an excellent choice for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or even a cozy weeknight meal.
This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, so you can enjoy gourmet flavors without the hassle. Whether you’re a seafood lover or a pasta enthusiast, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Rich & Creamy – The Parmesan cream sauce is ultra-luxurious and full of flavor.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for date nights, family dinners, or impressing guests.
✔ Seafood Perfection – Shrimp brings a light yet decadent touch to the creamy pasta.
Let’s dive into this irresistible shrimp pasta recipe!
Ingredients for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz linguine (or pasta of choice)
- Salt (for boiling water)
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the linguine according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Sear the Shrimp:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes.
- Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Build the Sauce:
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Make It Creamy:
- Stir in heavy cream and let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and combined.
6. Combine Everything:
- Return the shrimp and cooked pasta to the skillet.
- Toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your indulgent shrimp pasta!
Chef’s Tips & Variations
✔ Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh, wild-caught shrimp have the best flavor, but frozen shrimp (thawed) also works.
✔ Adjust the Spice Level: Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat or leave them out for a milder dish.
✔ Swap the Protein: If you’re not a shrimp fan, you can use chicken, salmon, or even scallops instead.
✔ Make It Lighter: Swap half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version.
✔ Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta for a delicious GF-friendly meal.
What to Serve with Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
This creamy shrimp pasta pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Side Salad – A fresh arugula or Caesar salad adds balance.
- Roasted Vegetables – Asparagus, green beans, or broccoli make great sides.
- White Wine – A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs well with the creamy sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerating Leftovers:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore the sauce’s consistency.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing?
- Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, so it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh.
FAQs – Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Why is it called “Marry Me Pasta”?
The name “Marry Me Pasta” comes from the viral Marry Me Chicken recipe, which became famous for being so delicious that it could supposedly inspire a marriage proposal! The shrimp version follows the same concept, featuring a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce with bold flavors like garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. The combination of luxurious textures and irresistible taste makes this dish worthy of a special occasion—or even a proposal! 💍🍝
What Pasta Shape is Best with Shrimp Pasta?
The best pasta shapes for shrimp pasta are ones that hold onto the creamy sauce well:
✔ Linguine – The classic choice for shrimp pasta, offering a perfect balance of thickness and sauce absorption.
✔ Fettuccine – Slightly thicker, making it great for rich, creamy sauces.
✔ Spaghetti – A versatile option that works well with shrimp and creamy sauces.
✔ Pappardelle – A wide, ribbon-like pasta that enhances the luxurious feel of the dish.
✔ Penne or Rigatoni – Great for soaking up sauce in every bite, especially if you prefer short pasta.
For gluten-free options, use rice-based or chickpea pasta for a similar texture.
What is Creamy Scampi Sauce Made Of?
A creamy scampi sauce is a rich, buttery sauce with a slight citrusy kick. It typically includes:
Butter – The base of the sauce, giving it richness.
Garlic – Essential for deep, aromatic flavor.
White Wine – Adds a bright acidity (or use chicken broth as a substitute).
Heavy Cream – Creates a smooth, velvety texture.
Parmesan Cheese – Enhances the creaminess and adds a salty, nutty flavor.
Lemon Juice – Adds freshness and balance.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) – For a little heat.
This sauce is perfect for shrimp pasta, balancing the buttery richness with a light citrusy touch.
What Pairs Well with Shrimp Pasta?
Shrimp pasta is rich and creamy, so pairing it with the right sides can balance the meal:
Garlic Bread – A crispy, buttery side for soaking up the sauce.
Side Salad – A light arugula, Caesar, or balsamic-dressed salad adds freshness.
Roasted Vegetables – Asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts pair beautifully.
For a low-carb option, serve shrimp pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
📌 More Must-Try Pasta Recipes
If you love this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, here are some other delicious pasta dishes you need to try:
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – Creamy, cheesy, and packed with rich garlic flavor.
Homemade Tagliatelle Recipe – Learn how to make fresh, silky tagliatelle pasta from scratch!
Garlic Parmesan Sauce – A versatile, creamy sauce perfect for pasta, chicken, or even dipping.
Shrimp Casserole – A baked shrimp and pasta dish with bold, comforting flavors.
Try these recipes and let me know which one is your favorite! 🍽️✨
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 bowl of pasta
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the perfect blend of creamy, garlicky, and savory flavors that will wow anyone who tastes it. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner or just treating yourself, this easy, 30-minute pasta is guaranteed to impress.
Try it tonight and let me know what you think! 😊👇
Print
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp, Parmesan cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. It’s the perfect recipe for date nights, special occasions, or a comforting family meal. The best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes, bringing restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz linguine (or pasta of choice)
- Salt (for boiling water)
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.Sear the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.Build the Sauce
Add sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.Make It Creamy
Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and combined.Combine Everything
Return the shrimp and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and shrimp in the creamy sauce.Serve & Enjoy
Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately!
Notes
- Use Fresh Shrimp – Fresh, wild-caught shrimp have the best flavor, but frozen shrimp (thawed) work great too.
- Adjust Spice Level – Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat or leave them out for a milder dish.
- Swap the Protein – Try this with chicken, salmon, or scallops for a delicious twist.
- Make It Lighter – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Gluten-Free Option – Swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: DINNER
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl of pasta
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Cholesterol: 220mg