Creamy, garlicky, and packed with flavor, this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is one of those recipes that’s so good, someone just might propose after tasting it. Inspired by the viral “Marry Me Chicken” dish, this pasta uses tender shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and a luscious cream sauce to deliver rich, romantic comfort in every bite. Whether you’re planning a cozy date night, an elegant dinner with friends, or just a midweek treat, this dish will win hearts—and empty plates.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tail on or off)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 10 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne work well)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for pasta water)

• 2 tbsp butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

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

• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 cup chicken broth (or seafood broth)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (or parsley), for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and then drain.

3. Set aside while you prepare the shrimp and sauce.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

1. Pat shrimp dry using paper towels.

2. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, melted butter, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Sear shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium.

2. Add 2 tbsp of butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute.

4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.

5. Add the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

7. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

2. Return the seared shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything together.

3. Let it simmer for a minute or two so flavors can meld.

Step 5: Serve

1. Plate the pasta, making sure each serving gets plenty of shrimp and sauce.

2. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra parmesan, if desired.

3. Serve immediately with garlic bread or a light salad.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

• Servings: 4

• Calories: Approximately 650 kcal per serving

Cooking Tips

1. Use Fresh Shrimp if Possible

Fresh, wild-caught shrimp will elevate this dish. However, frozen shrimp works just fine if thawed properly.

2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp

Shrimp cook quickly—overcooking them will result in a rubbery texture. They only need 1.5 to 2 minutes per side.

3. Sun-Dried Tomatoes Add Depth

Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes and drain before chopping. They add a sweet, tangy richness that balances the creamy sauce beautifully.

4. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan

Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly into the sauce. Freshly grated parmesan makes a world of difference in both texture and flavor.

5. Spice Control

Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. For a milder version, omit entirely. For a kick, double the amount.

6. Deglaze for More Flavor

If you notice browned bits on the bottom of your skillet after searing the shrimp, don’t wipe it clean. Instead, use the chicken broth to deglaze—this adds tons of flavor to the sauce.

Variations

1. Make It Spicy Cajun-Style

Swap Italian seasoning for Cajun seasoning, and increase the red pepper flakes. Add sliced andouille sausage for a Southern twist.

2. Use Other Proteins

Not a fan of shrimp? Try using grilled chicken, scallops, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian twist.

3. Add Veggies

Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers can make this a more veggie-forward meal.

4. Try Different Pasta Shapes

Linguine, tagliatelle, or even rigatoni work beautifully in this dish. Choose a shape that holds the sauce well.

Storing and Reheating

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• The cream sauce will thicken over time.

Reheating:

• Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

• Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

What to Serve With Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

This rich and creamy dish pairs best with:

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up every last drop of sauce.

• Crisp Green Salad: A simple arugula or Caesar salad balances the richness.

• White Wine: A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay complements the seafood and cream.

Why It’s Called “Marry Me” Shrimp Pasta

The name “Marry Me” comes from the idea that this dish is so delicious, it might just trigger a marriage proposal. The creamy texture, the bold garlic-Parmesan flavor, and the tender shrimp create a dish that’s indulgent, comforting, and undeniably romantic. It’s ideal for date night or anytime you want to impress someone—without spending hours in the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta isn’t just another creamy pasta dish—it’s a full-on flavor experience. It’s rich, comforting, yet bright from the lemony sun-dried tomatoes and fragrant herbs. Whether you’re whipping this up for your partner, your family, or just treating yourself to a special meal, you’re in for something unforgettable.

Make it once, and it’ll become a staple in your recipe collection. And who knows? It might just lead to more than dinner