There’s nothing quite like the creamy, indulgent taste of Marry Me Shrimp Pasta to elevate your dinner table. This luscious dish combines tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, flavorful sauce that will have everyone raving.
I first made this recipe for a special date night, and it instantly became a hit. Now, it’s my go-to whenever I want to impress with minimal effort. Ready to discover your new favorite recipe? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Get ready to swoon over this irresistible dish. Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the perfect combination of elegance and ease, making it a winner for any occasion.
First off, it’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on your table, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
The rich, creamy sauce is the true star of the show. Infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan, every bite bursts with flavor that pairs beautifully with the tender shrimp and al dente pasta.
And let’s not forget how versatile this recipe is. Whether you’re cooking for two or a crowd, it’s easy to adjust the portions, and you can customize the ingredients to suit your tastes.
Best of all, this dish is a showstopper! The vibrant colors and luxurious texture make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one brings a unique touch to the dish, creating the perfect harmony of tastes and textures.
Shrimp: The star of the dish, large peeled and deveined shrimp are the best choice here. They cook quickly and stay juicy and tender in the creamy sauce. Be sure to pat them dry before cooking to get that perfect sear.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a burst of tangy sweetness and a touch of sophistication. Opt for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for extra richness and easy slicing.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with its signature savory aroma. Use about 3-4 cloves, depending on your preference.
Heavy Cream: The base of the sauce, heavy cream provides a luxurious texture and depth. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is a must for that nutty, salty kick. Avoid pre-grated cheese, as it doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Pasta: Linguine or fettuccine work wonderfully here, as their long strands hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. You can also try penne or spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.
For this recipe, you’ll also need a large skillet, a pot for boiling pasta, and a pair of tongs to toss everything together easily.
How To Make This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Creating this restaurant-worthy dish is simpler than you think. Follow these steps, and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time!
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil, and when it’s shimmering, place the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes to release their flavors.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it begins to thicken. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a silky consistency.
Return the shrimp to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit more reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for an added touch of elegance.
Storage Options
If you happen to have leftovers (a rare occurrence!), this dish stores beautifully.
For refrigeration, place the pasta in an airtight container and store it for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together even more, making it just as delicious when reheated.
To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and prevent the sauce from separating.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you must freeze it, avoid freezing the shrimp as it can become rubbery. Instead, freeze the sauce and pasta separately in airtight containers for up to 1 month.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Switch up the protein: If shrimp isn’t your thing, try chicken, scallops, or even a plant-based alternative.
- Add veggies: Toss in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus for extra nutrients and color.
- Try a different cheese: Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Gruyère for a unique twist on the flavor profile.
- Use gluten-free pasta: Swap out regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free option to accommodate dietary needs.
No matter how you customize it, this Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is sure to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own – the possibilities are endless!
PrintCreamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a delightful recipe featuring succulent shrimp and al dente pasta tossed in a velvety, flavorful creamy sauce. A perfect choice for date nights or special occasions, this dish is guaranteed to impress with its irresistible taste and easy preparation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and gently toss to combine.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor.
- Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a pescatarian-friendly version.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 870mg
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