Okay, so you know how some nights you just need something amazing, like, pronto? That’s exactly how my “Marry Me” Shrimp Pasta came about. Honestly, one busy Tuesday, I was craving something decadent, something that felt special but wouldn’t take forever. And BAM! This dish just sort of happened. It’s got that dreamy, creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta seriously, it’s the kind of meal that makes you want to propose marriage to your dinner plate. It’s quick enough for any weeknight, yet fancy enough to impress. Trust me, this “Marry Me” Shrimp Pasta is going to be your new go to!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This “Marry Me” Shrimp Pasta
Seriously, there are so many reasons why this dish is going to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s pretty much the definition of a weeknight miracle!
- Speedy & Simple: We’re talking 30 minutes, start to finish. Perfect for those nights when you’re starving but don’t want to spend hours cooking.
- Incredibly Flavorful: That creamy sun-dried tomato sauce? Pure heaven! It coats everything beautifully and has just the right amount of tang and richness.
- Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: Whether it’s date night, family dinner, or you’re having friends over, this “Marry Me” Shrimp Pasta is always a huge hit. It just feels fancy without the fuss!
- Impresses Every Time: Even though it’s so easy, it looks and tastes like something you’d get at a fancy Italian restaurant.
Gather Your Ingredients for \”Marry Me\” Shrimp Pasta
Alright, let’s get cooking! To whip up this dreamy \”Marry Me\” Shrimp Pasta, you’ll want to gather these goodies. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty standard stuff you can find at most grocery stores.
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz Linguine or fettuccine pasta – I like linguine here, but fettuccine works like a charm too!
For the Shrimp and Sauce:
- 1 lb Large shrimp, peeled and deveined – Make sure they’re all prepped and ready to go!
- 2 tbsp Olive oil – Your basic good quality olive oil is perfect.
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced – Don’t be shy with the garlic; it makes all the difference!
- 1/2 cup Sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped – These little guys pack SO much flavor.
- 1 cup Heavy cream – This is what makes it wonderfully creamy!
- 1/2 cup Chicken broth – Helps thin things out just right.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated – Freshly grated is always best, trust me.
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional) – Just a tiny pinch if you like a little warmth.
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish – Adds a lovely pop of color and freshness at the end.
Essential Equipment for Making “Marry Me” Shrimp Pasta
You really don’t need a ton of fancy gadgets for this. Just grab a good:
- Large skillet: This is where all the magic happens to create that dreamy sauce.
- Pot: For boiling your pasta to al dente perfection.
That’s pretty much it! Simple tools for a simple, yet spectacular, meal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Your Perfect “Marry Me” Shrimp Pasta
Alright, let’s dive into making this incredible dish! It really is as straightforward as it looks, and I promise, the results are totally worth it. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in no time.
Cooking the Pasta and Preparing the Shrimp
First things first, get a big pot of salted water boiling for your pasta. Drop in your linguine or fettuccine and cook it according to the package directions until it’s just right – you know, that perfect al dente bite! Crucially, before you drain it, scoop out about a cup of that starchy pasta water. It’s liquid gold for making your sauce silky smooth! While the pasta is doing its thing, grab a big skillet. Heat a couple tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in your shrimp, give them a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and sear them for just a couple of minutes on each side until they’re pink and cooked through. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll get tough! Pop those beauties out of the pan and set them aside for later.
Building the Flavorful “Marry Me” Sauce
Now, into that same skillet (don’t clean it!), let’s build some serious flavor. Toss in your minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Give them a quick sauté for about a minute until that garlic is nice and fragrant – careful not to burn it! Then, pour in your heavy cream and chicken broth. Let that bubble and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce starts to get a little thicker. This is where the magic really starts to happen! Now, stir in that grated Parmesan cheese and the red pepper flakes if you’re using them for a tiny kick. Give it a taste and season with salt and black pepper until it’s just perfect. It should smell amazing already, right?
Bringing It All Together for the “Marry Me” Shrimp Pasta
Okay, moment of truth! Add your drained pasta and those gorgeous cooked shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Give everything a good toss to coat every single strand of pasta and shrimp in that luscious sauce. If it looks a little too thick for your liking (sometimes the cream reduces more than you expect!), just add a splash or two of that reserved pasta water until it reaches your perfect, creamy consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon beautifully. Serve it up immediately in warm bowls, and don’t forget to sprinkle that fresh chopped basil over the top. It’s truly divine!
Tips for Success with “Marry Me” Shrimp Pasta
Okay, so you want your “Marry Me” Shrimp Pasta to be absolutely perfect, right? I’ve totally got you covered with a few little tricks I’ve learned along the way. They’re super simple but make a big difference when you’re aiming for that restaurant-quality creamy goodness.
First off, really pay attention to your shrimp. Don’t let them get mushy! Cook them *just* until they turn pink. Overcooked shrimp are sad shrimp, and nobody wants that. Also, that reserved pasta water? Seriously, don’t skip it! It’s the secret to getting your sauce to that perfect, silky consistency without making it too heavy. And if you can, grate your own Parmesan; it melts so much smoother than the pre-grated stuff. Trust me on these!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for “Marry Me” Shrimp Pasta
Okay, let’s chat about some of these ingredients because, honestly, they really make this “Marry Me” Shrimp Pasta sing! The sun-dried tomatoes? They’re the absolute superstars here, bringing this incredible tangy, sweet, umami punch that the cream sauce just adores. If you absolutely can’t find oil-packed ones, dry-packed will work in a pinch, but you’ll want to rehydrate them in warm water for about 30 minutes first, and maybe add an extra drizzle of olive oil to the sauce later.
For the pasta, while linguine or fettuccine are my faves for their texture that holds sauce so well, feel free to play! Angel hair pasta cooks super fast, but be careful it doesn’t get mushy. Penne or rotini are also great options if you prefer a shaped pasta.
And the spice? That little whisper of red pepper flakes is totally optional. If you’re sensitive to heat, skip it. If you love a good kick, feel free to add a bit more, or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce right at the end. For lighter options or more healthy recipes, you can explore other healthy dishes, but for this creamy dream, keep the cream! 😉
Serving Suggestions for “Marry Me” Shrimp Pasta
To really make this “Marry Me” Shrimp Pasta shine, a few simple additions go a long way! Some crusty bread for mopping up that incredible sauce is a must, of course. A light, crisp salad, maybe something like a simple arugula or even a vibrant beet and spinach salad, would be a lovely contrast to the richness.
Frequently Asked Questions about “Marry Me” Shrimp Pasta
Can I make this “Marry Me” Shrimp Pasta ahead of time?
Honestly, this dish is best served fresh! The sauce can thicken up a bit too much when chilled, and the shrimp can get a little chewy. But if you must, you can make the sauce and cook the shrimp separately, then reheat them gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
What kind of shrimp is best for this recipe?
I really love using large or jumbo shrimp for this. They just have a better texture and a nice sweet flavor that holds up well in the creamy sauce. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined so you can just dive right in!
How can I make the sauce richer?
For an even richer sauce, try adding a splash of dry white wine after you sauté the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes! Let it cook down for a minute, then add your cream and broth. It adds another layer of deliciousness!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a little heads-up, the nutritional info for this “Marry Me” Shrimp Pasta is an estimate, okay? It can really change depending on the exact brands you use, the types of ingredients you pick, and how much you decide to serve yourself. For more details on health and nutrition, you can check out this great resource!
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the same skillet. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the drained pasta and cooked shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil.