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marry me shrimp pasta recipe

Best Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Rebecca Blumer
This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is your secret weapon for a dinner that feels indulgent without any fuss. Juicy shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan come together in a silky, slightly spicy cream sauce that clings perfectly to pasta. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s restaurant-quality comfort food that guarantees compliments and clean plates.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Pasta
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Pot
  • Tongs

Ingredients
 

  • 12 oz pasta (rigatoni, fettuccine, or bucatini)
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined tail on optional
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil finely sliced
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning or mix of oregano and basil
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
  • 1 tsp kosher salt plus more for pasta water
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 lemon (zest and 2 tsp juice)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley chopped
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika optional, for warmth

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
  • Pat shrimp dry and season with 1/2 tsp salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and sear 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove to a plate.
  • Lower heat to medium. Add butter, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Pour in wine (or broth), scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  • Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually add Parmesan, stirring until smooth. Adjust with pasta water if thick.
  • Add lemon zest and juice, then taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Add drained pasta and toss to coat. Return shrimp and juices to the pan. Add more pasta water as needed for a glossy sauce.
  • Turn off heat, garnish with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, and a pinch of chili flakes. Serve hot.

Notes

To reheat, warm gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or water. Avoid freezing; shrimp and cream sauces lose their texture. For variations, try adding spinach and artichokes, Cajun seasoning, or vodka for a blush sauce twist.

Nutrition

Calories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 36gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 250mgSodium: 1050mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 330mgIron: 3.5mg
Keyword Creamy, Quick Dinner, Shrimp Pasta, Spicy
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