The Secret “Marry Me” Shrimp Pasta Recipe That Seals The Deal

Creamy and irresistible, this marry me shrimp pasta recipe could spark unexpected romance at your dinner table.

Seafood lovers might find themselves swooning over each delectable bite.

Succulent shrimp nestled in a velvety sauce creates magic on a plate.

Garlic and butter blend seamlessly, promising pure culinary delight.

Friends and dinner companions will marvel at your cooking skills.

Unexpected ingredients elevate this classic dish from simple to extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this mouthwatering creation.

Why Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Is Worth It

• Customize with Ease: Transform this recipe by swapping shrimp for chicken or using different pasta shapes to match your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Impress without Stress: Create a restaurant-quality meal that looks sophisticated but requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks wanting to wow dinner guests.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a delicious, creamy pasta dish in under 30 minutes, packed with protein and vibrant flavors that will satisfy the whole family's hunger and cravings.
• Nutritious Comfort Food: Boost your meal with spinach and lean protein from shrimp, offering a balanced dish that feels indulgent while providing essential nutrients for a wholesome dinner.

All You Need For Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

• Penne Pasta: A classic Italian pasta shape that perfectly captures and holds the creamy sauce.
• Shrimp: Tender and succulent seafood that provides a delicious protein for the pasta dish.

• Smoked Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Black Pepper, Salt: A blend of spices that adds depth and flavor to the shrimp.
• Garlic, Onion: Aromatic ingredients that create a rich and savory base for the sauce.

• Sun-Dried Tomato Oil, Butter: Provide a rich and flavorful cooking medium for the ingredients.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Add intense tomato flavor and depth to the sauce.
• Gluten-Free Flour: Helps to thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
• Vegetable Broth, Heavy Cream: Create a creamy and luxurious sauce base.
• Spinach: Adds a fresh, green element and nutritional value to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty flavor and helps to thicken the sauce.
• Fresh Basil: A bright, aromatic herb used for garnishing and adding fresh flavor.

Easy Instructions For Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Drop penne pasta into a pot of salted boiling water. Cook until pasta reaches al dente texture. Drain water completely and set pasta aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Prepare Shrimp Seasoning

• Smoked paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Black pepper
• Salt

Toss ingredients until shrimp are evenly coated with spices.

Step 3: Sauté Shrimp

Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned shrimp and cook for 2 minutes on each side. Shrimp should turn pink, become opaque, and curl into a C-shape. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Create Sauce Foundation

• Garlic
• Onion
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt
• Dried basil

Sauté ingredients for 2 minutes until aroma becomes fragrant.

Step 5: Develop Creamy Sauce

• Vegetable broth
• Heavy cream
• Spinach

Cook for 5 minutes, stirring continuously until sauce thickens and spinach wilts.

Step 6: Incorporate Cheese

Stir parmesan cheese into the sauce. Mix until cheese melts completely and sauce becomes smooth.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Shrimp

Add drained pasta to the skillet. Gently toss to ensure pasta is evenly coated with sauce. Return cooked shrimp to the pan and stir to combine.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the dish. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Smart Cooking Tips For Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

• Prevent Overcooked Shrimp: Watch for the C-shape and pink color to ensure tender, juicy shrimp without becoming rubbery.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast Italian seasoning briefly in the pan before adding other ingredients to release more intense aromatic compounds.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version without compromising sauce texture.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Add vegetable broth gradually and stir constantly to achieve perfect sauce thickness without lumps.
• Fresh Herb Enhancement: Chop basil right before serving to maintain vibrant color and maximize fresh, bright flavor profile.

Fun Variations Of Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

• Vegetarian Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace pasta and shrimp with spiralized zucchini noodles and roasted white beans for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Spicy Cajun Seafood Remix: Swap Italian seasoning for Cajun spice blend, use andouille sausage alongside shrimp, and add diced bell peppers for extra heat and texture.
• Gluten-Free Cauliflower Rice Edition: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and add grilled chicken for a lighter, low-carb option.
• Mediterranean Salmon Adaptation: Replace shrimp with grilled salmon, incorporate kalamata olives, use feta cheese instead of parmesan, and add fresh oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

Top Pairings With Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the creamy sauce and cut through rich flavors, enhancing the shrimp's delicate taste.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Toasted rustic sourdough or Italian baguette slices provide a perfect crunchy texture contrast, helping soak up the luxurious sauce and adding complementary garlic notes.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's richness, offering a bright, peppery counterpoint that refreshes the palate between bites.

How To Store Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Right

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing spinach-based dishes for best texture.
• Place pasta in microwave-safe dish. Add 2-3 tablespoons water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Warm pasta in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of vegetable broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent breaking pasta or overcooking shrimp.

FAQs About Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

The name suggests the dish is so delicious that it might inspire a marriage proposal, with its rich, creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned shrimp creating an irresistible flavor combination.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw the shrimp completely, pat dry with paper towels, and ensure they’re well-drained before seasoning to prevent excess moisture during cooking.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe uses gluten-free flour, but always check individual ingredient labels to ensure they’re completely gluten-free, especially with seasonings and broth.

• How spicy is this dish?

The recipe has mild warmth from smoked paprika and seasonings, making it flavorful but not hot, suitable for most taste preferences.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent marry me shrimp pasta promises romance on a plate, packed with creamy garlic sauce and succulent shrimp. Romantic dinner goals meet delicious comfort, delivering a meal guaranteed to win hearts with its irresistible flavor and luxurious texture.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) extra large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 cup (100 grams) grated parmesan cheese

Dry Seasonings and Flour:

• 1 tablespoon (6 grams) Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tablespoon (3 grams) smoked paprika
• 1/3 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons (16 grams) gluten-free 1:1 flour

Base and Liquid Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) gluten-free penne
• 2 cups (470 milliliters) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) sun-dried tomatoes (diced)
• 2 cups (60 grams) diced spinach
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) sun-dried tomato oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter
• 2 tablespoons (20 grams) minced onion
• 2 tablespoons (12 grams) minced garlic
• 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
• Fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare penne pasta according to package directions until perfectly tender. Drain and reserve.
2. Create a robust seasoning blend by thoroughly coating shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian herbs, ground pepper, and salt.
3. Utilize sun-dried tomato infused oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear shrimp precisely 2 minutes per side until they transform into vibrant pink, translucent curves. Extract shrimp and set aside.
4. Develop a flavor foundation in the identical skillet by melting butter. Introduce minced garlic, diced onion, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, concentrated tomato paste, aromatic seasonings, and dried herbs. Quickly sauté until fragrant, approximately 2 minutes.
5. Transform the base into a luxurious sauce by incorporating gluten-free flour. Gradually stream vegetable broth and rich cream, then fold in delicate spinach leaves. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring consistently until sauce reaches desired thickness and greens wilt.
6. Enhance sauce complexity by melting parmesan cheese until silky and uniform.
7. Integrate pasta into the skillet, gently tossing to ensure complete coating. Reintroduce perfectly cooked shrimp, stirring to harmonize flavors.
8. Elevate presentation by sprinkling freshly chopped basil. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Perfectly time shrimp cooking to prevent rubbery texture by watching for pink color and C-shape curve.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for lighter, dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy consistency.
• Toast flour briefly before adding liquid to eliminate raw flour taste and enhance sauce’s depth of flavor.
• Use fresh herbs like parsley or chives as alternative garnish for brighter, fresher finish if basil isn’t available.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 516 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 695 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 41 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg