I absolutely love this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe because it delivers a restaurant-worthy flavor right from your own kitchen. The creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic pairs perfectly with tender shrimp and pasta, making each bite a delight. I find it s a fantastic dish for date nights or when you want to impress without spending hours cooking.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed by how quickly it comes together, yet it tastes so indulgent. You ll find that the blend of smoked paprika and Italian seasoning adds a subtle depth to the sauce, making it not just delicious but totally memorable. If you re looking for a dish that feels special but is actually pretty simple, this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe is a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: You can whip this up in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Full of Flavor: The sun-dried tomatoes and smoked paprika give a uniquely rich, tangy taste that stands out.
- Impressively Elegant: It looks gourmet and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- Family Favorite: My loved ones keep asking me to make this again and again-it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor and creaminess. Fresh shrimp contrasts beautifully with the bold sun-dried tomato elements, while Parmesan and cream bring the sauce together perfectly. Keep an eye out for good-quality sun-dried tomatoes in oil-they make all the difference.
- Calamarata or Rigatoni Pasta: These sturdy pasta shapes hold onto the rich sauce well.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: Use the flavorful oil from the jar to cook the shrimp and infuse the sauce.
- Jumbo Shrimp: Peeled and deveined with tails on for easy cooking and a great presentation.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil: Chunky and tangy, these add depth and texture.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Spread: A concentrated flavor booster, enhancing the sauce s tomato notes.
- Garlic: Freshly grated garlic gives a bright, aromatic punch.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce without clumping.
- Dry White Wine: Adds acidity and complexity-choose something you enjoy sipping.
- Chicken Broth: Provides a savory base for the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Creates that luscious, velvety finish we all crave.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best melt and flavor.
- Dried Italian Seasoning: A blend that ties all the herbs together nicely.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth that keeps this recipe unique.
- Fresh Basil (Optional): A fresh garnish that brightens up the dish just before serving.
Variations
One thing I love about this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you want to add more veggies, switch up the protein, or even make it lighter, there s plenty of room to make the recipe your own. Don t be shy-personal touches only make it better!
- Swap Shrimp for Chicken: I ve made this recipe with diced chicken breast, and it works beautifully if you re not a seafood fan.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in baby spinach or roasted red peppers for freshness and color.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and skip the cheese for a creamy, allergy-friendly alternative.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes kicks up the heat if you like a little spice.
How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your calamarata or rigatoni pasta according to the package directions-usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Make sure to taste the pasta a minute before the package says it s done; you want it al dente so it holds up well in the sauce without getting mushy. Once cooked, drain and set it aside while you prepare the sauce. Trust me, timing the pasta right makes all the difference!
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp in Sun-Dried Tomato Oil
This step is where the magic starts. Heat 2 tablespoons of the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the jumbo shrimp and cook them for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and curl up nicely-don t overcook or they ll get rubbery! Once done, transfer the shrimp to a bowl and set aside. You ll love how this oil adds a subtle tomato flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce Base
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sun-dried tomato spread, and grated garlic. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant-this step wakes up the flavors wonderfully. Then sprinkle in the flour and keep stirring for another minute; this will help thicken your sauce later. Scraping up any tasty browned bits from cooking the shrimp here is key to layering flavor.
Step 4: Deglaze with White Wine and Simmer
Pour in the dry white wine and give everything a good whisk, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen those caramelized bits. Bring it to a simmer and let it reduce gently for about 2 minutes-this concentrates the flavor and mellows the acidity. I always use a wine I enjoy drinking because if it tastes good to me, it definitely improves the sauce.
Step 5: Add Broth, Cream, and Seasonings
Next, stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Whisk well to combine and reduce the heat to medium. Let this simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This is when the sauce transforms into pure silky goodness-patience pays off here.
Step 6: Toss in Pasta and Shrimp to Finish
Finally, reduce the heat to low and add your cooked pasta and shrimp right back into the skillet. Stir often so everything gets evenly coated with that luxurious sauce and warms through-this usually takes about 3 minutes. I ve found that doing this in the skillet helps the flavors marry beautifully before serving.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve Immediately
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top for a lovely herbal brightness. Serve this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe immediately while it s still creamy and warm. I promise, the first bite will have you hooked and maybe even married to this recipe forever!
Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Cook shrimp quickly until just pink; overcooked shrimp get rubbery and lose their sweet flavor.
- Use Quality Wine: Pick a dry white wine you enjoy because it deeply influences the sauce s taste.
- Let Sauce Thicken Properly: Don t rush the simmering step; the sauce s creaminess depends on it.
- Reserve Pasta Water: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it without watering down flavor.
How to Serve Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish with fresh chopped basil because it adds a lovely pop of green color and a bright, fragrant taste that cuts through the richness. If you want a little extra zing, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a few lemon zest curls never go amiss. Grated Parmesan right at the table is also a crowd-pleaser-people love customizing their plates.
Side Dishes
This shrimp pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp mixed greens salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta. On some evenings, I like to add warm crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans are also lovely, simple vegetable sides that keep the meal feeling fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to plate this in individual pasta bowls with a basil sprig perched on top and a lemon wedge on the side for a splash of color. Another fun idea is serving it family-style in a beautiful skillet right at the table. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can elevate the look to restaurant-level fancy without any extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I like to separate the pasta and shrimp from the sauce if I know I ll reheat them, but it still works well all together. Just make sure it cools completely before refrigerating to keep the texture great.
Freezing
I personally don t recommend freezing this pasta because the cream sauce can separate and the shrimp can become rubbery after thawing. However, if you want to freeze, store the sauce and pasta separately, and thaw them slowly in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove with a splash of broth to help restore creaminess.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the pasta and sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Adding a small splash of chicken broth or pasta water helps bring back that luscious texture without drying things out. Avoid the microwave if you can, or use short bursts with stirring in between to keep the shrimp tender.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp for this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps the shrimp sear properly without steaming and ensures you get that lovely pink color and firm texture.
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What pasta works best with this recipe?
Calamarata or rigatoni are ideal because their large, tube shapes catch the creamy sauce perfectly. If you can t find those, penne or ziti are good substitutes.
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Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The creamy sauce will still shine.
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Is this recipe spicy?
This recipe has a gentle smoky warmth from the smoked paprika but isn t spicy by default. You can add red pepper flakes if you want a little kick.
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How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Avoid boiling the sauce after adding cream and cheese. Keep the heat at medium-to-low and stir gently to maintain a smooth, rich texture.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of my go-tos for a special weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat. I love how approachable it is without skimping on flavor or finesse. If you re craving something cozy but still impressive, give this a try-you might just find it becomes your signature dish! Cooking it together with friends or family makes it even more memorable, so don t hesitate to dive in and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite.
