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Creamy, garlicky, tender shrimp pasta that’s ready in under 30 minutes? Yes, please! If you’re searching for a dish that’s elegant enough for date night but easy enough for weeknights, this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta will win you over at first bite. It’s rich, flavorful, and just indulgent enough to feel like a special treat.
The name might sound bold, but trust me—this dish lives up to the hype. Inspired by the viral “Marry Me Chicken,” this shrimp version uses the same irresistible combination of cream, garlic, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. The result? A luscious pasta dish that makes you want to propose to whoever made it (or just yourself, for making it!).
It’s a perfect go-to when you want to impress without stress. And if you loved our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta or Cajun Shrimp Pasta, you’ll definitely fall in love with this one too.
Let’s get cooking—and maybe even spark some romance along the way!
What is Marry Me Shrimp Pasta?
What’s with the name “Marry Me Shrimp Pasta”? Did someone actually propose after eating it? Maybe! This dish is so good, it’s earned a playful reputation for inspiring romantic declarations. Creamy, garlicky, and full of juicy shrimp and savory sun-dried tomatoes, it checks every box for a soul-warming meal.
And hey, you know what they say: “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Well, this recipe might just take a shortcut. So whether you’re cooking for a partner or just want to impress yourself, this pasta is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
Go ahead, give it a try—no ring required!
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Creamy, Comforting, and Luxurious
At its core, this dish is all about richness and depth of flavor. Juicy shrimp are cooked to perfection and enveloped in a velvety sauce made with garlic, cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Cost-Effective Elegance
Instead of heading to a fancy restaurant, you can recreate this elevated dish at home with basic ingredients. A fraction of the cost with all of the flavor? Yes, please.
A Recipe That Adapts to You
Spice it up with crushed red pepper, use spinach for a green twist, or swap the pasta for zucchini noodles if you’re going low-carb. It’s endlessly flexible and always delicious.
If you like this style of dish, you’ll also want to check out our Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach for another rich, comforting meal.
How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Quick Overview
You’ll love how simple this dish is to prepare. In less than 30 minutes, you get tender shrimp, pasta, and a silky sauce that clings to every bite. The base is a classic combo: heavy cream, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes—each adding richness and depth without overcomplicating the process.
Key Ingredients for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne work great)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, or baby spinach
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- Sauté the shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side or until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Build the sauce: In the same skillet, add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1–2 minutes. Add the chicken broth and deglaze the pan.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan. Let simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and reserved pasta water. Toss to coat evenly. Season to taste and add optional extras like spinach or chili flakes.
- Serve hot: Garnish with parsley or extra Parmesan and enjoy immediately!
What to Serve Marry Me Shrimp Pasta With
- A crisp Caesar salad or simple arugula and lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or crusty sourdough for dipping
- Light roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini
- For dessert: Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecakes
Top Tips for Perfecting Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
- Don’t overcook the shrimp — they only need a couple of minutes.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- Add greens like spinach or kale at the end for freshness.
- Deglaze properly so all the browned bits enhance the sauce.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth to restore sauce texture.
- Avoid microwaving shrimp too long—it may toughen. Reheat in short bursts or on the stove.
- Not freezer-friendly due to the cream sauce.
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 8 oz pasta fettuccine or penne recommended
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes chopped parsley, baby spinach
Instructions
- Cook the pasta : Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the shrimp : Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, cook for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove and set aside.
- Build the flavor : In the same skillet, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1–2 minutes. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan.
- Make the sauce : Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan and Italian seasoning, stirring until smooth. Season to taste.
- Combine pasta and shrimp : Return shrimp and pasta to the skillet. Add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce, then toss everything to coat.
- Finish and serve : Simmer briefly until warmed through. Garnish with parsley or extra cheese and serve immediately.
Notes
Pros
- Quick and easy: ready in under 30 minutes
- Flavor-packed and restaurant-quality
- Ideal for date nights and special occasions
- Flexible ingredients with room for customization
- One-pan sauce preparation keeps cleanup minimal
Cons
- Not freezer-friendly due to cream sauce
- Requires careful shrimp timing to avoid overcooking
- Heavy cream and cheese make it less suitable for low-fat diets
FAQ
1. What is the best sauce to eat with shrimp?
Shrimp pairs wonderfully with creamy sauces like garlic Parmesan or tomato-based sauces with a hint of spice.
2. Do you cook shrimp before adding to pasta?
Yes, for best texture and flavor, sauté the shrimp separately and add it to the pasta and sauce near the end.
3. What pasta shape is best with shrimp pasta?
Fettuccine, linguine, or penne work great because they hold onto the creamy sauce and pair well with the size and texture of shrimp.
4. What pairs well with shrimp?
Shrimp pairs well with garlic, lemon, white wine, tomatoes, spinach, and herbs like parsley and basil.
5. What makes shrimp taste better?
Using fresh garlic, butter, and lemon juice can enhance the natural sweetness of shrimp. Don’t overcook it, and season generously.
6. Which sauce is served with pasta?
Popular choices include Alfredo, marinara, garlic butter, and sun-dried tomato cream sauce like the one in our Marry Me Shrimp Pasta.
7. What not to mix with shrimp?
Avoid overly sweet sauces or overcooking it with strong acids like vinegar which can toughen the shrimp. Also, steer clear of heavy dairy sauces if you’re using frozen shrimp.
8. Do I cook pasta or sauce first?
Cook the pasta first (or while you make the sauce) and have it ready to mix in once the sauce is done. Reserve some pasta water to adjust consistency.
9. Does shrimp go with tomato sauce?
Yes! Shrimp pairs well with tomato sauces, especially with garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. It’s a classic combo.
10. What is in shrimp carbonara?
Shrimp carbonara includes shrimp, bacon or pancetta, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper tossed with hot pasta to form a silky sauce.
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