If you love rich, creamy pasta dishes bursting with flavor, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta! It’s everything wonderful about the viral Marry Me Chicken Pasta, but with perfectly cooked shrimp taking center stage. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh garlic, and tender shrimp swimming in a velvety cream sauce is pure magic – and just might inspire a proposal!

I’ve spent countless hours perfecting pasta recipes in my kitchen, and shrimp dishes hold a special place in my heart. There’s something so satisfying about biting into perfectly cooked shrimp with that signature C-shape (my secret indicator for doneness!). If you’re nervous about cooking shrimp, don’t worry – I’ll walk you through every step to ensure success. And once you master this dish, you might want to try your hand at my Mediterranean Baked Fish for another seafood showstopper!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

Let me count the ways this pasta dish will win your heart:

Simple but sophisticated: Using everyday ingredients like heavy cream, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes creates deep, restaurant-worthy flavors
One-pan wonder: Everything comes together in a single pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy dinner
That sauce though: The combination of heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan creates the most luxurious, silky sauce that clings perfectly to every bite
Family-friendly portions: This recipe serves 4-6 people generously, making it perfect for family dinner or having leftovers for lunch

The best part? While this dish looks and tastes like something from a fancy Italian restaurant, you can make it right in your own kitchen in just about 30 minutes. The secret is all in the timing and temperature control, which I’ll guide you through step by step!

Ingredients Overview

Let’s talk about what makes this creamy shrimp pasta so irresistible! Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating those deep, rich flavors that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

For the Perfect Shrimp

Extra-large shrimp are our star here – they give that satisfying bite and sweet seafood flavor that smaller shrimp just can’t match. If you love seafood as much as I do, you might also enjoy my creamy shrimp gratin for another delicious option.

The seasoning blend combines smoked paprika (for that subtle smokiness), Italian herbs (think oregano and basil), and just the right amount of salt and pepper.

That golden oil from the sun-dried tomato jar? Don’t toss it! We’re using it to cook our shrimp, infusing them with extra flavor before they even hit the sauce.

For the Luscious Sauce

Sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste create our flavor foundation. The tomatoes bring intense, concentrated sweetness while the paste adds body and rich umami notes.

Heavy cream is non-negotiable here – it’s what gives us that velvety, restaurant-style sauce. Trust me, whole milk just won’t cut it!

For the aromatics, we’re using fresh garlic and onions. They might make you tear up a bit while chopping, but they’re worth every sniffle for the depth they add.

Fresh baby spinach wilts perfectly into the sauce, adding color and a subtle earthiness that complements the rich cream.

Freshly grated Parmesan (please, not the stuff in the green can!) melts beautifully into the sauce, creating that gorgeous silky texture while adding a salty, nutty kick.

Success Tips & Tricks

The key to perfectly cooked shrimp is all in the timing and temperature. Like my hearty crockpot cowboy casserole, getting the temperature right makes all the difference.

Watch for the C-shape! When shrimp curl into a gentle ‘C’, they’re perfect. If they’re squeezed into an ‘O’, they’ve gone too far.

Keep your heat at medium – any higher and you risk tough, rubbery shrimp.

Stir that sauce constantly! A silky-smooth sauce needs your attention to prevent any sticking or burning.

When combining everything at the end, fold gently. We want those beautiful shrimp and pasta pieces to stay intact.

By following these tips, you’ll have a perfectly cooked pasta dish that’s sure to impress!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Shrimp

Grab that amazing pasta pot and get your water boiling! While that’s heating up, let’s make the star of our show – those succulent shrimp. In a medium bowl, toss your shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until they’re wearing a beautiful coat of seasonings. Just like my crispy beer battered fish, getting the seasoning right makes all the difference!

Heat your skillet over medium heat with that flavorful sun-dried tomato oil. Once hot, add those seasoned shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side. You’re looking for that perfect C-shape and a lovely pink color. Remember, O-shaped shrimp means they’re overcooked! Use your meat thermometer for perfect results – you want them right at 165°F.

Creating the Creamy Sauce

Once your shrimp are done, set them aside and start building that luxurious sauce in the same pan – we want all those yummy bits of flavor! Melt your butter and add garlic and onions until they’re fragrant and soft. This reminds me of making my Cajun grilled salmon – those aromatics make all the difference!

Add your sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste, letting them dance together for about a minute. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly until it’s well combined. Now comes the magic – pour in that broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly as the sauce begins to thicken.

Recipe Variations

Want to spice things up? Try these delicious twists:

Seafood Medley: Mix in some scallops or lobster for a fancy seafood pasta
Heat Level: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for extra kick
Veggie Boost: Toss in sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers
Wine Option: Add a splash of white wine when making the sauce
Pasta Choices: Try it with linguine or fettuccine instead of penne

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even transform this into shrimp tacos by serving the creamy shrimp over warmed tortillas instead of pasta!

Make-Ahead Tips

– Prep the shrimp mixture up to 8 hours ahead
– Make the sauce base earlier in the day
– Cook pasta al dente and toss with olive oil if making ahead
– Store components separately until ready to combine
– Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You bet! While this shrimp pasta is best served fresh, you can prep components ahead. Just like my street corn chicken rice bowl, a little advance planning makes dinner time a breeze! Cook your shrimp and make the sauce separately, storing them in airtight containers. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce, cook fresh pasta, and combine everything. The sauce may need a splash of cream to reach the perfect consistency.

What’s the best type of shrimp to use?

I always reach for extra-large shrimp (26/30 count) for this recipe. They’re perfect for getting that ideal bite with the pasta! Fresh or frozen both work great – just make sure frozen shrimp are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking. Remember, wild-caught shrimp tend to have the best flavor!

My sauce is too thick/thin – help!

No worries at all! If your sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little warm broth or cream, adding just a tablespoon at a time. Too thin? Let it simmer for a few extra minutes, or make a quick slurry with a teaspoon of cornstarch and cold water. I’ve rescued many sauces this way!

Recipe Notes & Tips for Success

Perfect Pasta Tips:
– Salt your pasta water generously – it should taste like sea water
– Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining
– Don’t rinse your pasta – the starch helps the sauce stick!

Shrimp Success:
– Pat shrimp dry before seasoning for better browning
– Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if needed
– Remove shrimp as soon as they form a C-shape

Make It Your Own:
My family loves when I add extra veggies like roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms. You can adjust the spice level, swap in different herbs, or even try it with scallops! Just remember – cooking should be fun and flexible. Don’t stress too much about making it perfect – it’s all about creating something delicious that you and your loved ones will enjoy!

Remember to tag me in your pasta creations – I absolutely love seeing your kitchen adventures! And if you have any questions, drop them in the comments. Happy cooking! 🍝✨

MARRY ME SHRIMP PASTA

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe