Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe

I absolutely love how this Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe turns out every single time. When I first tried it, the creamy sauce paired with tender shrimp and linguine blew me away – it s one of those dishes that truly feels like a special occasion meal but comes together fast enough for a weeknight. You ll find that the combination of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and parmesan gives this dish a rich, savory flavor that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

This Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe works beautifully when you want to impress guests or just treat yourself to something decadent without hours in the kitchen. It s great for dinner parties, romantic evenings, or whenever you crave a seafood pasta that feels both comforting and elegant. Trust me, once you try it, you ll see why people joke that it might just get you “married”!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe plays its part to create that perfect harmony of flavor and texture. I like to use fresh shrimp for the best taste, and you can hunt down good-quality sun-dried tomatoes, which really make the sauce pop.

• Linguine pasta: Its thin yet sturdy shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully without getting mushy.
• Shrimp: Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp work; peeled and deveined saves you prep time.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds that classic Italian flavor foundation.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavors.
• Olive oil: For cooking shrimp, adds subtle richness while preventing sticking.
• Butter: Creates the base for the sauce and adds a silky texture.
• Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives the sauce its inviting aroma and depth.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce so it coats the pasta perfectly.
• Chicken broth: Adds savory notes without overpowering the shrimp.
• Heavy cream: The secret to a luscious, creamy sauce consistency.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best-it melts smoothly and adds umami.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Drain and chop these to add a tangy sweetness that brightens the dish.
• Fresh basil: Chopped and stirred in at the end for that fresh herbal kick.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth and vibrant color.

Variations

I love mixing things up to suit whatever mood I m in or whatever I have on hand. And that s the great thing about this Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe – it adapts beautifully to your preferences.

• Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat – my family loves that extra zing!
• Protein Swap: If shrimp isn t your favorite, chicken or scallops work wonderfully with the sauce too.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in some spinach or asparagus for a fresh, green addition to the dish.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for parmesan to keep it creamy but dairy-free.

How to Make Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Just Right

Start by cooking your linguine pasta according to the package directions until it s al dente – this means it should be tender but still have a slight bite because it ll finish cooking a bit more in the sauce. Drain it well and set it aside, tossing a little olive oil on to keep it from sticking if you want. I usually cook the pasta first so I can focus on the shrimp and sauce without juggling too many steps at once.

Step 2: Season and Sauté the Shrimp

While the pasta cooks, toss your shrimp with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the shrimp. Cook them for about 6 to 8 minutes until they turn pink and opaque – be careful not to overcook or they get rubbery. When cooked, remove the shrimp and set aside. If you re like me, you ll want to sneak a taste – they’re that good!

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant-about 30 seconds-to avoid burning. Whisk in flour to make a smooth paste; this is essential for thickening the sauce. Slowly add chicken broth and heavy cream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Keep whisking and heating until you see the sauce begin to thicken nicely.

Step 4: Add Flavorful Ingredients

Now stir in the parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, paprika, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. The sauce will become smooth, rich, and packed with savory layers. Let it heat through so all the flavors marry together – that s the magic behind the name!

Step 5: Toss Pasta and Shrimp Together

Add the cooked shrimp and linguine back into the pan with your luscious sauce. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat every strand of pasta and each piece of shrimp. Let it cook together for another 3-4 minutes so all those flavors meld perfectly before serving.

How to Serve Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of extra fresh basil leaves and a little fresh parmesan cheese right on top. The basil adds a pop of color and a fresh aroma that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. Sometimes, I also like a quick crack of black pepper to add just a touch of bite.

Side Dishes

This shrimp pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad-think mixed greens with a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread or crunchy toasted baguette slices are my go-to for soaking up any leftover sauce. Occasionally, I serve it alongside roasted or steamed veggies like asparagus or broccoli to balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I ve served this recipe plated in deep pasta bowls with a sprig of fresh basil and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top. You can also portion it into individual serving ramekins for a romantic dinner setup. Adding a side of lemon wedges brings a fresh zing and a lovely visual contrast on the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It stores well in the fridge for up to 2 days. The sauce thickens overnight, so sometimes I add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to bring back its creaminess.

Freezing

I ve found that freezing this shrimp pasta isn t ideal because the cream sauce can separate and shrimp texture can degrade. If you want to freeze, freeze the sauce and pasta separately (without shrimp), then add freshly cooked shrimp when reheating. This keeps flavors intact and shrimp tender.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently and adding a bit of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too, but do it in short bursts and stir in between to avoid drying out the shrimp or breaking the sauce.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe has quickly become a staple in my kitchen because it combines simplicity with show-stopping flavor. I love sharing it with friends because it feels like a special treat but doesn t require hours of work or complicated ingredients. Give it a try-you ll enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite, and maybe, just maybe, you ll start dreaming of ways to make it your own signature dish too.

Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 146 reviews

• Author: Megane
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

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Description

Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta is a luscious and creamy shrimp pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed and tossed in a rich sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and fresh basil, served over perfectly cooked linguine. This dish balances bold Italian flavors with a smooth, velvety texture, perfect for a romantic or special family dinner.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Shrimp

• 8 ounces linguine pasta
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup sun dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Cook 8 ounces linguine pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
2. Season and Cook Shrimp: Toss 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 6-8 minutes, being careful not to overcook. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Sauté 3 teaspoons minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant without browning. Whisk in 3 tablespoons flour to form a roux paste and cook briefly to remove raw flour taste.
4. Add Liquids and Thicken: Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream. Continue whisking and cooking until the sauce thickens to a smooth consistency.
5. Incorporate Flavorings: Stir in 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, ⅓ cup chopped fresh basil, 1 teaspoon paprika, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Heat the sauce through until creamy and well combined.
6. Combine Shrimp and Pasta: Add the cooked shrimp and linguine pasta to the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly and sauté together for another 3-4 minutes to meld flavors and warm through.
7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with additional fresh basil and serve immediately while warm and creamy for the best flavor.

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Notes

• Do not overcook the shrimp to avoid a chewy texture.
• Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
• Drain sun-dried tomatoes well before chopping to avoid excess oil in the sauce.
• Use fresh basil to enhance brightness and aroma.
• The sauce thickens as it cools; serve immediately for optimal creaminess.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup)
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 215 mg