Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a rich, creamy dish that’s both elegant and easy to make. Featuring tender shrimp in a flavorful tomato cream sauce, this pasta is perfect for a special dinner or a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
• 1 pound medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small shallot or 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice, optional

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with the salt and black pepper.
3. Step 3: Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until pink and lightly golden. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, then sauté the shallot for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
5. Step 5: Add the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir for 1 minute until the tomato paste darkens slightly and becomes fragrant.
6. Step 6: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in the chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
7. Step 7: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until smooth, then add the Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and creamy.
8. Step 8: Return the shrimp to the skillet and let them warm gently for 1 minute.
9. Step 9: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until fully coated. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
10. Step 10: Finish with chopped basil or parsley and lemon juice, if using. Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top.

Tips & Variations

• Use your favorite type of pasta to suit your preference, but thicker shapes like rigatoni or fettuccine hold the creamy sauce best.
• For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a pescatarian version.
• Swap the shrimp for scallops or chicken if desired, adjusting cooking times accordingly.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving to keep the shrimp tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water into the sauce.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta blend. The sauce and other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.5 from 58 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a creamy and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a rich tomato and Parmesan cream sauce, tossed with perfectly al dente pasta for a comforting and elegant meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Grains & Pasta

• 12 ounces pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine

Shrimp & Seafood

• 1 pound medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Oils & Fats

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided

Aromatics & Vegetables

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small shallot or 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

Condiments & Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice, optional

Liquids

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream

Dairy & Cheese

• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley

---

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine) and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then season them evenly with salt and black pepper.
3. Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and develop a light golden color. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, then sauté the finely chopped shallot or onion for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
5. Add Tomato Paste and Seasonings: Add tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir the mixture continuously for 1 minute until the tomato paste darkens slightly and becomes fragrant.
6. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Liquid: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift any browned bits to enhance flavor.
7. Create Cream Sauce: Lower the heat, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the cheese has melted into a creamy sauce.
8. Reheat Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and warm them gently in the sauce for about 1 minute.
9. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
10. Finish and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh basil or parsley and lemon juice if using. Serve warm with extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to taste.
• If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
• Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
• Reserve pasta water helps to adjust the sauce consistency perfectly—add it gradually.
• Use fresh basil for a brighter flavor; parsley can be used as a milder alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Shrimp pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, Italian shrimp recipe, Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, pasta with shrimp in cream sauce