Hearty Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

There is something undeniable about the combination of juicy seafood and a rich, creamy sauce that makes any ordinary evening feel like a special occasion.

I make this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta whenever I want to impress my family with restaurant-quality flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a Keeper

The sauce comes together in minutes using sun-dried tomatoes and garlic for a bold flavor profile that coats every single bite of pasta.

You will love how the heavy cream and cheese create a velvety texture that perfectly balances the tender, savory shrimp.

It is versatile enough for a quick weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to serve for a romantic date night or celebration.

If you enjoyed this creamy seafood dish, you should definitely try my Hearty Lemon Meltaway Cookies Recipe for a sweet finish, while the Quick Instant Pot Lentil Soup Recipe is another fantastic option for easy comfort food.

Everything You Need for Perfect Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Here are the simple ingredients you will need to gather for this delicious meal:

• Pasta: I use calamarata or rigatoni because the shapes hold the thick sauce beautifully.
• Oil from sun-dried tomato jar: This adds extra flavor to the base of the dish when sautéing the shrimp.
• Raw shrimp: Make sure they are peeled, deveined, and have the tails on for the best presentation.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped pieces add a sweet and tangy bite that cuts through the rich cream.
• Garlic: Freshly grated cloves provide the aromatic base that defines this savory sauce.
• Chicken broth: I use this instead of wine to deglaze the pan and add a savory depth to the sauce.
• Heavy cream: Essential for creating the luxurious, silky texture that makes this dish famous.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts smoothly and adds a salty, nutty finish.
• Seasonings: A mix of dried Italian seasoning and smoked paprika adds warmth and herbal notes.
• Sun-dried tomato spread: This intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a nice color to the sauce.
• Flour: A small amount helps to thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.

My Method for Perfect Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Let’s get cooking!

1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your pasta according to the package directions until it reaches al dente. Drain the noodles well and set them aside for later, but try to keep them warm so they mix easily with the sauce.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the reserved sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the prepared shrimp to the pan and cook them until they turn pink on both sides and are just opaque in the center, which usually takes about two minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the pan and place them in a separate bowl to prevent them from overcooking while you make the sauce.
3. In the same skillet, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, tomato spread, and grated garlic. Cook these aromatics while stirring constantly for about one minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and the tomatoes soften slightly. Stir in the flour and continue to cook and stir for another minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
4. Pour the chicken broth into the pan slowly while whisking to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer and let it cook undisturbed for about two minutes until it has reduced slightly.
5. Lower the heat to medium and whisk in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika until the mixture is fully combined and smooth. Let the sauce simmer gently, whisking occasionally, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, which typically takes five to seven minutes.
6. Reduce the heat to low and return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and shrimp are evenly coated in the creamy sauce and heated through. Remove the pan from the heat and garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving immediately.

My Best Tips for Perfect Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and measured before you start cooking since the sauce comes together very quickly.

I always recommend grating your own Parmesan cheese from a block because pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

Be careful not to overcook the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta protein, as shrimp can become rubbery and tough if left in the heat too long.

How I Like to Serve This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

I usually serve this rich dish with a side of roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad to cut through the creaminess.

A slice of crusty garlic bread is also essential for soaking up every drop of the savory Marry Me Shrimp Pasta sauce left on the plate.

If you want to save this recipe for later, be sure to follow me on Pinterest.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

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• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 35 min
• Yield: 8 servings
• Diet: Pescatarian

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Description

This creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta features tender shrimp in a rich sun-dried tomato sauce. It is the perfect easy dinner for a romantic night in or family meal.

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Ingredients

• 12 ounces uncooked rigatoni or calamarata pasta
• 1 pound jumbo raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons oil from sun-dried tomato jar
• 5 large cloves garlic, grated
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato spread
• 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Boil the pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the sun-dried tomatoes, tomato spread, and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 additional minute.
4. Whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Whisk to combine and simmer on medium heat for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
6. Reduce heat to low. Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss to coat evenly and heat through for about 3 minutes. Serve immediately garnished with basil.

Notes

I have substituted the traditional white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version that maintains the savory depth of the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 min
• None:
• Cook Time: 20 min
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 707mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 107mg

Keywords: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, easy weeknight dinner, romantic meal