Have you ever tasted something so irresistibly creamy, so perfectly spiced, that it made you fall in love with cooking all over again? That’s exactly what this Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe is all about! A marriage of tender shrimp, silky cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta—this dish will charm its way into your weekly dinner rotation. It’s indulgent, comforting, and oh-so-easy to make!
Trust me, this is one of those recipes that’s a joy to cook and even more delightful to share with family and friends. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this flavorful journey together!
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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
1. It’s Love at First Bite!
This recipe combines plump, juicy shrimp with a luscious cream sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of spice. The flavors are bold yet balanced, creating a dish that tastes like it came straight from a five-star restaurant.
2. Quick and Simple
From start to finish, this recipe takes just 30 minutes! Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a romantic date night meal, you won’t spend hours in the kitchen.
3. Versatile and Customizable
Want to switch things up? Add some sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or even a splash of white wine to elevate the flavor. The possibilities are endless!
4. Comfort Food Meets Elegance
This dish feels fancy enough to impress dinner guests but is comforting enough to enjoy in your favorite cozy sweatpants. It’s the best of both worlds!
What Does This Recipe Taste Like?
This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is pure decadence. The sauce is rich, velvety, and packed with garlicky, cheesy goodness, while the shrimp adds a delightful sweetness. A touch of crushed red pepper brings a subtle kick, balancing out the creaminess. The pasta? It’s the perfect vehicle to soak up every last drop of this dreamy sauce. One bite, and you’ll see why it’s love at first fork!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to whip up this irresistible dish:
- Pasta: Linguine or fettuccine works best, but feel free to use what you have on hand.
- Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp (tail-on or tail-off is up to you).
- Butter: For sautéing the shrimp and adding richness to the sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic for that classic flavor base.
- Heavy Cream: The star of the sauce!
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best flavor and creaminess.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth and thins the sauce slightly.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat (optional but highly recommended!).
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs to enhance the overall flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Optional Additions:
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: For a pop of tangy sweetness.
- Spinach: Adds color and a nutritious twist.
- White Wine: A splash of dry white wine can elevate the sauce.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking shrimp and making the sauce
- Tongs for tossing the pasta
- A microplane or grater for the Parmesan cheese
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, add more butter if needed, followed by the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Add the Seasonings
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta, tossing gently to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finishing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the magic!
What to Serve with Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the sauce
- Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli for a fresh, veggie side
Tips for Making the Best Shrimp Pasta
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly! Overcooking will make them rubbery, so keep a close eye on them.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly, so freshly grate your Parmesan for the best results.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta, creating a silky finish.
Storage Instructions
Have leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
You can use half-and-half for a lighter option, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
Is This Recipe Spicy?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can adjust the amount (or leave it out) based on your preference.
Let’s Wrap It Up!
This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe is everything you could want in a meal—quick, comforting, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a casual weeknight dinner, it’s sure to impress. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and fall head over heels for this dreamy pasta dish!
If you enjoyed this recipe, I’d love to see your creations! Snap a photo, share it on Pinterest, and tag me @lynorecipe on Pinterest so I can cheer you on in your culinary journey.
Looking for more cheesy, comforting recipes? Try these next:
- Hobo Casserole – Ground Beef Cheesy Comfort Food
- Beef Enchiladas Recipe – Cheesy and Flavorful Dinner
- Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup – Creamy Comfort Food
Happy cooking, and here’s to many more delicious meals ahead!
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving):
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe – A Dish to Fall in Love With!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Fall in love with this Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe, a quick and indulgent dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions! Juicy shrimp, a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in just 30 minutes. This restaurant-quality dish is comforting, elegant, and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine preferred)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Optional Additions:
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup dry white wine (optional, to deglaze the pan)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the Sauce: Add the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and additional salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Then, add the pasta, tossing gently to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Fresh Parmesan is Key: Using freshly grated Parmesan will give the sauce a creamier, smoother texture compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Customize to Your Taste: Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or a splash of white wine for extra flavor.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to refresh the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Creamy marry me shrimp pasta, shrimp pasta recipe, creamy shrimp pasta, quick shrimp pasta, garlic Parmesan pasta, creamy pasta dinner, 30-minute dinner, seafood pasta recipe.
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