BEST MARRY ME SHRIMP PASTA

This creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta combines succulent, butter-seared shrimp with a sun-dried tomato and parmesan cream sauce that is so decadent it famously inspires marriage proposals.

If you have ever found yourself staring at a bag of frozen shrimp in the freezer wondering how to turn it into a five-star meal, this is your answer. It is the kind of dish that feels like it belongs in a high-end Italian bistro, yet it comes together in under thirty minutes in your very own kitchen.

As your best friend in the kitchen, I am here to tell you that this recipe is a total game-changer for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. Whether you are trying to impress a date or just want to treat yourself to something truly spectacular, this silky, savory pasta is going to become a permanent fixture in your recipe rotation.

Gather Your Supplies

Before we start the stove, let’s talk about what is going into the pan. Quality matters here, especially since the ingredient list is relatively short and focused on big flavors.

I always recommend having everything prepped and ready to go because once the shrimp hits the pan, things move very quickly. You do not want to be peeling garlic while your shrimp is overcooking!

• Large Shrimp: (The star protein that provides a sweet, snappy texture).
• Heavy Cream: (The base of the sauce that provides a luxurious, velvety mouthfeel).
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: (Adds a concentrated, chewy sweetness and essential acidity).
• Parmesan Cheese: (Acts as a thickener and adds a salty, nutty complexity).
• Fresh Garlic: (Provides the aromatic foundation and pungent depth).
• Chicken Broth: (Used to deglaze the pan and thin the sauce to the perfect consistency).
• Red Pepper Flakes: (Introduces a subtle heat that cuts through the richness of the cream).
• Dried Oregano and Thyme: (The classic herbal notes that define the “Marry Me” flavor profile).
• Pasta of Choice: (The vehicle for the sauce; long strands or shapes with ridges work best).
• Fresh Basil: (The finishing touch for a pop of color and herbal freshness).

If you find yourself loving this flavor profile but want to try it with a different pasta variety, you should definitely check out my Marry Me Tortellini. It uses the same iconic sauce but pairs it with cheese-stuffed pasta for an even heartier meal.

Common Swaps

• Protein Swap: If you are out of shrimp, you can easily use scallops or even pre-cooked chicken breast.
• Dairy-Free: You can use full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based heavy cream alternative, though the flavor will shift slightly.
• Greens: If you want more nutrition, stir in a handful of baby spinach or chopped kale at the very end.
• Pasta Types: While linguine is classic, penne or fusilli are excellent at trapping the sun-dried tomato bits in their ridges.
• Tomato Alternative: If you do not have sun-dried tomatoes, a tablespoon of tomato paste can work in a pinch, though you will miss that specific chewy texture.

Flavor Twists

One of the best things about being an expert home cook is knowing how to tweak a recipe to fit your specific cravings. This shrimp pasta is a wonderful canvas for experimentation.

For those who love a bit of smoke, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the shrimp seasoning. It adds a beautiful color and a depth that mimics a charcoal grill.

If you are a fan of seafood medleys, you can turn this into a “Marry Me Seafood Pasta” by adding calamari rings or bay scallops alongside the shrimp. It elevates the dish to something even more celebratory.

For a brighter, zestier version, add the zest and juice of half a lemon right before serving. The citrus acidity makes the heavy cream feel much lighter on the palate and highlights the sweetness of the shrimp.

If you love the idea of seafood and pasta layered together in a unique way, you might also enjoy my Shrimp Scampi Lasagna, which takes these flavors to a whole new level of comfort food.

The Method

Now, let’s walk through the process of making this masterpiece. Follow these steps, and I promise your kitchen will smell like a dream.

Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until it is just shy of al dente, as it will finish cooking in the sauce later.

Before draining, make sure to reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water. This liquid gold is the secret to getting a sauce that perfectly coats every strand.

Sear the Shrimp

Pat your shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season them lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika if you like.

Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for about 90 seconds per side until they turn pink and opaque, then remove them from the pan immediately so they stay tender.

Build the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté your minced garlic and red pepper flakes until they are fragrant, which usually takes about one minute.

Add in your chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the dried herbs. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom.

Simmer and Thicken

Slowly pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for a few minutes until it begins to reduce and thicken slightly.

Whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. This is the stage where the magic happens and the “Marry Me” sauce truly comes to life.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta and the seared shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a splash of pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.

Finish the dish with a generous handful of fresh basil and maybe an extra sprinkle of parmesan. Serve it immediately while the sauce is at its creamiest.

This recipe is actually a variation of the famous Marry Me Chicken. Once you master the shrimp version, you will find the chicken version just as easy and impressive.

Pairing Ideas

To make this a complete meal, you need the right side dishes. Since the pasta is quite rich and creamy, I usually lean toward sides that offer a bit of crunch or acidity.

A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette is my go-to choice. The peppery bite of the arugula and the sharp lemon juice help cleanse the palate between bites of the decadent pasta.

You also cannot go wrong with crusty garlic bread. You will want something to soak up every last drop of that sun-dried tomato cream sauce left on your plate!

For vegetables, roasted asparagus or steamed broccolini work beautifully. Their earthy flavors complement the parmesan and garlic without competing for attention.

If you are serving this for a romantic dinner, a crisp white wine like a Pinot Grigio or a Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect pairing. The high acidity in these wines cuts right through the heavy cream.

Lastly, consider the presentation. Using wide, shallow bowls instead of flat plates helps keep the pasta warm and keeps the sauce pooled around the shrimp for the best eating experience.

It is always a joy to share a meal like this with the people you love. There is something about the “Marry Me” sauce that just brings a sense of comfort and celebration to the table.

Did you change any ingredients? Let me know in the comments how you made this recipe your own!