Name: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice; 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained); 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

A creamy, dreamy shrimp pasta dish that’s rich with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan — this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a romantic and flavorful twist on the viral classic. I love how it turns simple ingredients into a luxurious, comforting meal that’s perfect for both busy weeknights and special dinners.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Salt and black pepper to taste

1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained)

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Directions

I start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. After draining, I reserve about ½ cup of pasta water to help loosen the sauce later if needed.

In a large skillet, I heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. I add the shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 1–2 minutes per side until they’re pink and opaque. Then I remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

In the same pan, I sauté the garlic and red pepper flakes for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

I stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and pour in the chicken broth, letting it simmer for around 2 minutes.

I lower the heat, then add in the heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. I stir everything together until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.

I return the shrimp and pasta to the skillet and toss everything to coat. If the sauce feels too thick, I add a bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches the perfect consistency.

I finish by garnishing with fresh chopped basil or parsley before serving hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap the shrimp for scallops or grilled chicken when I want a slightly different protein.

For a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

I like to add spinach or baby kale at the end for an extra serving of greens.

If I want more kick, I add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.

When I’m craving extra cheesiness, I stir in a bit more Parmesan or even a touch of mozzarella.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to help loosen the sauce. I avoid microwaving if possible, as shrimp can become rubbery when overheated.

FAQs

How can I tell when the shrimp are done?

I look for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque with a slight curl. They usually cook in just 1–2 minutes per side. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so I keep an eye on them.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, I just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.

What pasta works best with this recipe?

I prefer fettuccine for its ability to hold the creamy sauce, but linguine, spaghetti, or even penne work great too.

Is there a substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

If I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, I sometimes use cherry tomatoes sautéed until soft, though they won’t have the same rich, tangy flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This pasta is best fresh, but I sometimes prep the sauce ahead and reheat it gently while cooking the pasta and shrimp fresh for the best texture.

Conclusion

This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta has quickly become one of my favorite recipes for when I want something rich, flavorful, and easy to pull together. Whether it’s for a date night, a dinner party, or a cozy meal at home, it never fails to impress. The creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and burst of flavor from the sun-dried tomatoes make every bite worth savoring.

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