If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm embrace on a plate, the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. This creamy, flavorful pasta features succulent shrimp bathed in a rich sauce loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan, all tossed with perfectly cooked linguine. It’s a recipe that has a way of making any meal feel special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe, it might just become your new go-to for cozy dinners or impressing someone you adore.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and inviting colors. Each one plays a vital role, from the briny shrimp to the tangy sun-dried tomatoes and the creamy Parmesan sauce that holds everything together.

12 oz linguine or pasta of your choice: The silky strands soak up the sauce beautifully, providing the perfect base.

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Tender and juicy, shrimp bring a subtle sweetness and meaty texture.
1 tbsp olive oil: Adds a gentle richness and helps sauté the shrimp and aromatics.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with a fragrant, savory depth essential to this dish.

1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a gentle heat that livens up the flavors without overpowering.
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Brings a tangy, chewy contrast that brightens the creamy sauce.
1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps deglaze the pan to capture all those tasty bits.

1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety sauce that wraps around every bite of pasta and shrimp.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a sharp, salty finish that keeps you coming back.
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbaceous brightness that elevates the dish beautifully.

Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that balance all the flavors just right.

How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Once perfectly tender, drain the pasta and set it aside so it’s ready to soak up all that incredible sauce later on.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add your seasoned shrimp. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque—this quick step ensures they stay juicy and tender. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside; they’ll rejoin the dish just before serving.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned. This step releases a beautiful aroma that will form the backbone of your sauce.

Step 4: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Deglaze

Next, introduce the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth to the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, taking time to scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the skillet’s bottom. This adds so much depth and richness to your sauce.

Step 5: Creamy Sauce Time

Pour in the heavy cream and let everything gently simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This step is when the magic happens—transforming the flavors into a luscious, silky base that clings to every strand of pasta.

Step 6: Melt in the Cheese

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese slowly, ensuring it melts completely into the sauce. This not only thickens the sauce further but also adds the perfect savory sharpness that so beautifully complements the shrimp.

Step 7: Combine and Toss

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the drained linguine. Toss everything together to coat each piece evenly with the creamy, flavorful sauce. This final step brings all the layers of flavor into one irresistible dish.

How to Serve Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil sprinkled on top isn’t just for color—it adds a bright, herbal punch that cuts perfectly through the richness of the cream and cheese. A little extra Parmesan grated over the finished dish will also earn you immediate compliments.

Side Dishes

This pasta shines on its own but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables will add contrasting textures and freshness. A slice of crusty garlic bread also makes an ideal match to soak up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a delightful presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls, allowing the shrimp and sun-dried tomatoes to be front and center. Adding a lemon wedge on the side offers a subtle citrus option to brighten bites according to personal taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner on busy days.

Freezing

While this dish tastes best fresh, you can freeze the shrimp and sauce separately from the pasta. Freeze them in freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly over low heat, stirring often to prevent the sauce from breaking. Adding a splash of cream or broth while warming helps restore the creamy texture and prevent dryness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While linguine is traditional, feel free to swap in fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne depending on your preference or pantry availability.

Is the red pepper flakes ingredient necessary?

Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick, but they are completely optional. If you prefer a milder dish, you can skip them without losing the dish’s signature flavor.

Can I substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth?

Yes, vegetable broth works well as a substitute and keeps the dish vegetarian-friendly if you’re using plant-based shrimp alternatives.

What’s the best way to peel and devein shrimp?

Use a small paring knife or shrimp deveiner to remove the shell and the dark vein along the back. Buying shrimp already peeled and deveined saves prep time and effort.

How do I make this dish dairy-free?

Swap the heavy cream for a coconut cream or cashew cream alternative, and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy taste.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that quickly becomes a favorite because it feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly. With its creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and bright notes from sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, it’s a fantastic meal to share with loved ones or enjoy as a special treat for yourself. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it over and over again!

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe