After several attempts at making a truly memorable creamy shrimp pasta, I finally landed on this recipe a dish so good it deserves its “Marry Me” title. My earlier versions were okay, but they lacked that special something. The secret, I discovered, was in building a deeply flavorful sauce with toasted tomato paste and savory sun-dried tomatoes to complement the rich Parmesan cream.
This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta delivers a restaurant-quality experience right at home. You’ll love the perfectly seasoned shrimp tossed in a velvety, luxurious sauce that clings to every piece of pasta. It’s the kind of impressive meal that’s perfect for a special occasion but simple enough for a weeknight.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound extra large shrimp, peeled/deveined
- ½ tablespoon smoked paprika
- ¾ tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil, from the sun-dried tomato jar
For the Sauce
- 12 oz gluten free penne
- 2 ½ tablespoon Cento tomato paste
- ½ cup Cento sun-dried tomatoes, diced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ⅓ teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoon Gluten free 1:1 flour
- 2 cups diced spinach
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoon minced onion
- 2 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Shrimp
Cook penne according to package directions until al dente. While it cooks, toss the shrimp in a bowl with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Cook the onion for 2-3 minutes until soft, then stir in the garlic until fragrant, about one minute. Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. Stir in the flour and remaining dried seasonings and cook for one more minute.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a simmer until it thickens slightly. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and sun-dried tomatoes. Heat gently, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the spinach to the sauce, stirring until it wilts. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce, tossing until everything is well-coated. Serve your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil.
My Best Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Tips
The Secret to Perfectly Tender Shrimp
Avoid overcooking the shrimp by searing them just until pink and setting them aside. They will finish cooking perfectly when returned to the hot sauce at the end, ensuring they stay tender and juicy.
Don’t Let the Cream Sauce Boil
Once you add the cream and Parmesan, keep the heat low. Boiling a dairy-based sauce can cause it to separate and become grainy. A gentle heat is all you need for a smooth, velvety texture.
My Go-To Tip for Sauce Consistency
Before draining your pasta, reserve a cup of the starchy cooking water. If the sauce seems too thick, a splash of this water will thin it to the perfect consistency while helping it cling to the pasta.
Variations
This recipe is easy to adapt. For a chicken version, swap the shrimp with one pound of bite-sized chicken breast, sautéing it until cooked through. You can also add more vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts for extra texture. If you prefer more heat, simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes. For more creamy pasta ideas, check out our other delicious recipes.
FAQs
Why do they call it Marry Me pasta?
The name playfully suggests the dish is so delicious and impressive that it could inspire a marriage proposal. It’s a testament to its irresistible, decadent flavor.
What should I serve with this creamy shrimp pasta?
Because this dish is so rich, it pairs best with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, steamed asparagus, or roasted broccoli are all excellent choices.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s smooth consistency.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly. Just be sure they are completely thawed and patted very dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure they sear properly rather than steam.
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in a restaurant-quality meal at home with this irresistible Marry Me Shrimp Pasta! Perfectly seared shrimp are tossed in a luxurious, velvety cream sauce made with savory sun-dried tomatoes, rich Parmesan, and a hint of smoked paprika. This impressive dish is surprisingly easy to make, making it perfect for a special date night or a decadent weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
1 pound extra large shrimp, peeled & deveined
½ tablespoon smoked paprika
¾ tablespoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¾ teaspoon salt
1 ½ tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil, from the sun-dried tomato jar
For the Sauce
12 oz gluten-free penne
2 ½ tablespoon tomato paste
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, diced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
⅓ teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon dried basil
2 tablespoon gluten-free 1:1 flour
2 cups diced spinach
2 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoon minced onion
2 tablespoon minced garlic
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup parmesan cheese
Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Pasta and Shrimp
Cook penne according to package directions until al dente. While it cooks, toss the shrimp in a bowl with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
Build the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Cook the onion for 2-3 minutes until soft, then stir in the garlic until fragrant, about one minute. Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. Stir in the flour and remaining dried seasonings and cook for one more minute.
Create the Creamy Sauce
Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a simmer until it thickens slightly. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and sun-dried tomatoes. Heat gently, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.
Combine and Serve
Add the spinach to the sauce, stirring until it wilts. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce, tossing until everything is well-coated. Serve your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
Perfectly Tender Shrimp:
Avoid overcooking by searing the shrimp just until pink and setting them aside. They will finish cooking perfectly when returned to the hot sauce at the end, ensuring they stay tender and juicy.
Silky Smooth Sauce:
After adding the heavy cream and Parmesan, keep the heat on low. Boiling a dairy-based sauce can cause it to separate and become grainy. Gentle heat is key for a velvety texture.
Save Your Pasta Water:
Before draining your pasta, reserve a cup of the starchy cooking water. If the sauce seems too thick, a splash of this water will thin it to the perfect consistency while helping it cling to the pasta.
Properly Thaw Shrimp:
If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are completely thawed and patted very dry with paper towels before cooking. This helps them get a beautiful sear instead of just steaming in the pan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 715 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 205mg
Keywords: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, shrimp and sun-dried tomato pasta, gluten-free pasta recipe, easy shrimp pasta, romantic dinner recipe, parmesan cream sauce, weeknight pasta dinner
