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 .

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta – Creamy & Flavorful Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

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

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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.

Author: Sanae
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