Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Creamy, garlicky, and packed with juicy shrimp and sun-dried tomatoes, this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is so delicious that it just might make someone fall in love with you! ????????

Inspired by the famous Marry Me Chicken, this version features succulent shrimp cooked in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce with a hint of spice and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. The best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes!

Perfect for date nights, special occasions, or a comforting yet elegant dinner, this dish is guaranteed to impress while being super easy to make!

---

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450g) shrimp (peeled & deveined)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for extra depth)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for brightness)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne)
• ½ teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water (to thicken the sauce)
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta until al dente, according to package instructions.
3. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

---

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
3. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
4. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

---

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1 minute.
2. Stir in Italian seasoning and tomato paste, cooking for another 30 seconds.
3. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
4. Lower heat and add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and salt.
5. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

---

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Return the shrimp and cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce.
2. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches the perfect consistency.
3. Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or extra Parmesan.

---

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

1. Serve immediately with garlic bread and a crisp side salad.
2. Pair with a glass of white wine for a restaurant-quality experience!

---

Why This Recipe Works So Well

• Rich, creamy sauce with a tangy kick – The sun-dried tomatoes balance the richness of the cream.
• Perfectly cooked shrimp – Quick searing keeps them tender and juicy.
• Pasta absorbs all the flavors – Cooking it directly in the sauce ensures a silky texture.
• One-pan meal = easy cleanup!

---

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Use high-quality shrimp – Fresh or frozen works, but thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking.
• Toast the sun-dried tomatoes – This enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the sauce.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp! – They only need 2-3 minutes per side to stay juicy.
• Make it spicy! – Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
• For extra creaminess, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese before serving.

---

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate Values)

• Calories: 550
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g

---

Serving Suggestions

• With a side of garlic bread or bruschetta.
• Topped with crispy bacon or pancetta for extra richness.
• Paired with a Caesar salad for a light contrast.
• Served with roasted asparagus or zucchini for a balanced meal.