Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is exactly what your weeknight—or date night—needs. Imagine succulent shrimp tossed in a creamy, garlicky tomato sauce with just the right amount of spice, all hugging perfectly cooked pasta. Trust me, one bite of this, and you might just be proposing… or at least thinking about it. It’s indulgent, comforting, and seriously irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy & Flavorful: Rich tomato cream sauce with garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for a special weeknight meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone will ask for seconds, whether it’s a romantic dinner or family feast.
• Impress Without Stress: Looks fancy but is totally doable in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dreamy pasta:

• Shrimp: The star of the dish, juicy and tender.
• Olive Oil & Butter: For sautéing the shrimp and building a rich sauce.
• Garlic: Adds a fragrant, savory punch.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A gentle kick of heat; adjust to taste.
• Tomato Paste & Diced Tomatoes: Create the lush, tangy base of the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce silky and indulgent.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds depth, saltiness, and creamy richness.
• Italian Seasoning & Fresh Basil: Brings herby freshness to balance the creaminess.
• Pasta (Fettuccine or Linguine): Perfect for soaking up every drop of the sauce.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all the flavors.

Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.

How to Make the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and just cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add a little more butter if needed. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and diced tomatoes, cooking for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 4: Add Cream & Cheese

Reduce heat to medium, then pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth, creamy, and perfectly blended. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 5: Combine Pasta & Shrimp

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat every strand. Return the shrimp to the skillet, gently folding them in so they’re coated with that luscious sauce. Finish with fresh basil on top.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Plate the pasta, drizzle any remaining sauce over the top, and maybe even sprinkle a little extra Parmesan. Grab a fork and dig in—it’s heavenly.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t overcook the shrimp: They cook fast and will get rubbery if left too long.
• Use fresh garlic: It makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Adjust the spice: Red pepper flakes are flexible—add more or less depending on your heat preference.
• Reserve pasta water: A splash can help loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.

How to Serve

• Garnish: Fresh basil, a little extra Parmesan, or a drizzle of olive oil.
• Pairings: Serve with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables for a full meal.
• Wine: A chilled glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy shrimp beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh. Creamy sauces don’t freeze well, but you can freeze shrimp separately (uncooked or cooked) and reheat with freshly made sauce later.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible, as the sauce may separate.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Linguine, spaghetti, or even penne all work beautifully with this creamy sauce.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and it will taste just as amazing.

3. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the sauce.

4. Can I make this dish less creamy?
Sure! Use half the heavy cream and substitute with a little pasta water or chicken broth to keep it lighter.

This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe is pure indulgence—creamy, flavorful, and simple enough to whip up any night of the week. Perfect for impressing a date, treating yourself, or just enjoying a plate of pure comfort food.