Marry Me Shrimp Pasta  Freshly grated parmesan, herbs, garlic, white wine, and rich tomatoes just say ideal marriage of everyday ingredients. The cream sauce in this marry me shrimp pasta ties everything together in a harmonious union. It’s based on my beloved Marry Me Chicken recipe!

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Juicy shrimp and a creamy garlic tomato sauce are the ultimate pairing in this marry me shrimp pasta recipe! It’s so simple to make for a gorgeous weeknight meal.

Prep: 10minutes mins

Cook: 20 minutes mins

Total: 30minutes mins

Ingredients 

• 8 ounces uncooked pasta
• ▢2 tablespoons butter
• ▢1/2 tablespoon flour
• ▢3-4 cloves garlic minced
• ▢1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ▢1/3 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
• ▢1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• ▢1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• ▢1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• ▢1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ▢1 pound uncooked (31-40/pound size) shrimp thawed & peeled, can remove tails
• ▢1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese + more for serving
• ▢1 small handful fresh basil torn/chopped
• ▢Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions 

• Boil a salted pot of water for the pasta and cook it al dente according to package instructions.
• When the pasta is about 10 minutes away from being done, add the butter to a skillet over medium heat. Once it melts, add the flour in and cook for about a minute, stirring often.
• Add in the garlic, tomato paste, and wine. Give it a stir and let it bubble for about one minute.
• Whisk in the cream, then stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, and shrimp, and cook it for about 5 minutes, until the shrimp are cooked and the sauce thickens a bit.
• Stir in the parmesan and basil and take the skillet off the heat. Season with salt & pepper as needed.
• Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until coated. Serve immediately with more parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 647 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Protein: 36g, Fat: 31g
•  Saturated Fat: 19g
•  Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
•  Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
•  Trans Fat: 0.2g
•  Cholesterol: 272mg
•  Sodium: 390mg
•  Potassium: 892mg
•  Fiber: 3g
•  Sugar: 7g
•  Vitamin A: 1.383IU
• Vitamin C: 6mg
•  Calcium: 225mg
•  Iron: 3mg

Substitutions for Dietary Needs 

Use gluten-free pasta instead. You can also use gluten-free flour if needed. Add your favorite herbs and spices, like fresh basil, to make it even better. 

Extra-large shrimp	1 lb
Sun-dried tomatoes	⅓ cup
Heavy cream	1 cup
Garlic	3 cloves
Parmesan cheese	¼ cup

Cooking the Pasta 

Start by boiling a big pot of salted water. Put in 8 ounces of your favorite pasta, like spaghetti or fettuccine. Cook it until it’s al dente, which is about 8-10 minutes. Save some pasta water before you drain it. This helps with the sauce later. 

Preparing the Shrimp 

While the pasta cooks, prepare the shrimp. Use 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Mix them with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re pink. 

Here are some tasty variations: 

• Blackened Shrimp: Sear shrimp at medium-high heat for a smoky flavour. 
• Creamy Tomato Basil: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil for a vibrant twist. 
• Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Use lemon zest and juice to add brightness to the dish. 

These changes make my shrimp pasta perfect for romantic dinners. The flavours and sauces make every meal special. 

Variation Key Ingredients Flavor Profile 

• Blackened Shrimp Smoked paprika, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes Spicy, smoky 
• Creamy Tomato Basil Sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, heavy cream Rich, herbaceous 
• Lemon Garlic Shrimp Lemon zest, garlic, dry white wine Fresh, zesty 

Pairing Suggestions for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta 

To make your meal better, pick a crisp white wine. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio goes great with the pasta. These wines have light and fruity tastes that match the creamy sauce and shrimp well. 

Here’s a quick reference table for pairing suggestions: 

• Wine – Side Dish
• Sauvignon Blanc – Mixed Green Salad 
• Pinot Grigio – Garlic Bread 
• Chardonnay – Caesar Salad 
• Champagne – Bruschetta 

Serving Suggestions for a Romantic Dinner 

Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta look great for a romantic dinner. Top it with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. This makes it look and taste better. Set the mood with soft candles and music. It makes the dinner special. Finish with a sweet dessert like cannoli for a nice end. This recipe is quick, taking only 35 minutes. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner for two. It’s great for sharing and talking. 

The table below shows my top substitutions: 

• Original Ingredient –  Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free Substitute 
• Regular Pasta – Gluten-Free Pasta (e.g., Farfalle, Penne) 
• Heavy Cream -Coconut Milk + Vegetable Broth 
• Butter – Plant-Based Butter 
• Cheese (optional) -Vegan Cheese 

Best Tips for Cooking Perfect Shrimp 

Cooking perfect shrimp is easy and makes your shrimp pasta taste amazing. Shrimp should be pink, look opaque, and be C-shaped. Always use a meat thermometer to check if they are 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes sure they are safe and tasty, perfect for your shrimp pasta.Timing is very important for the right texture. Shrimp cook fast, in about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Take them off the heat quickly to keep them tender. If you cook them too long, they get tough, which is not good. 

Here are some tips to make your shrimp cooking better: 

• Use fresh or frozen shrimp that is raw, peeled, and deveined. 
• Season the shrimp with spices beforehand to add flavor, if you’re making Cajun-style shrimp pasta. 
• Marinate the shrimp in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for about 15 minutes before cooking. 

Cook shrimp in a pan with olive oil or butter for a nice sear. 

• Appearance  – Shrimp should turn pink and opaque, forming a C shape. 
• Temperature – Ensure shrimp reaches 165°F for safe consumption. 
• Cooking Time – Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. 
• Avoid Overcooking – Remove from heat as soon as they are done to maintain texture. 

It’s a hit! Serving it right away keeps the flavors fresh. It’s a must-try for a memorable date night. 

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