Marry Me Shrimp With Pasta Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that delivers restaurant-style flavor with irresistible romance, the Marry Me Shrimp With Pasta Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs right now. Think juicy, garlicky shrimp nestled in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta—this meal is as dreamy as its name suggests. It’s a fan-favorite for good reason: easy enough for a weeknight yet decadent enough to impress anyone at your table. Let’s dive into this spectacular dish that’s sure to win hearts!

Ingredients You’ll Need
The Marry Me Shrimp With Pasta Recipe comes together with a handful of simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one layers flavor, color, or texture, ensuring every bite is vibrant and satisfying from the first forkful to the last.
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or linguine): Sleek ribbons of pasta soak up the luscious sauce and make every twirl delicious.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein—tender, sweet, and quick to cook, they add a touch of luxury to the plate.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the shrimp and layering that foundational richness to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds depth and silkiness to the final sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic’s unmistakable aroma infuses every element with warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A dash for those who crave a gentle kick of heat—totally customizable.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Brings bursts of sweetness and tang, balancing the creaminess beautifully.
- 3/4 cup heavy cream: The magic ingredient for the luxurious, velvety sauce.
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty complexity—and that dreamy melt!
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Lends savory, herbaceous depth to the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Just a touch of earthy aroma for extra complexity.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Season precisely to brighten all the other flavors.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional): A sprinkle just before serving lifts the entire dish with fresh, peppery fragrance.
How to Make Marry Me Shrimp With Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your pasta according to the package directions until perfectly al dente. Don’t forget to save half a cup of that starchy pasta water before you drain it! This little cup becomes liquid gold, helping your sauce smoothly coat every strand of pasta later on. Set the drained noodles aside while your kitchen begins to fill with amazing aromas.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Generously season your peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the shrimp in a single layer and let them cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until they turn a gorgeous pink and opaque. Scoop them out and set aside; you want them tender, never rubbery, so try not to overcook.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat to medium in the same skillet, letting all the savory shrimp bits meld into your sauce. Add the butter, and once it’s melted, toss in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant, then stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and thyme. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently, then sprinkle in the Parmesan, stirring until it’s all gloriously creamy and smooth.
Step 4: Assemble Everything
Gently return the cooked shrimp to the pan, tossing to coat them in that dreamy sauce. Add your warm, cooked pasta and, if the sauce looks a touch thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water until everything is glossy and beautifully united. Toss together until the shrimp, pasta, and sauce are heated through, and take a moment to admire all the colors coming together!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped basil if you like, for a punch of color and herbaceous brightness. Serve the Marry Me Shrimp With Pasta Recipe immediately while it’s warm, creamy, and absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Marry Me Shrimp With Pasta Recipe

Garnishes
Finish your Marry Me Shrimp With Pasta Recipe with a sprinkle of torn fresh basil, extra Parmesan shavings, and a crack of black pepper. Adding a few extra sun-dried tomato pieces or a light drizzle of good olive oil takes things to the next level—making your plate as gorgeous as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy pasta with crisp arugula salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette, or some garlicky roasted green beans. A warm loaf of rustic bread on the side is practically a must—perfect for gathering up every drop of the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta in wide, shallow bowls for restaurant flair, or twirl it into high mounds using tongs for an extra special touch. For individual servings, place a nest of pasta in the center of each plate and top with a few perfectly curled shrimp. Add a sprig of basil, and watch smiles appear around the table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any remaining Marry Me Shrimp With Pasta Recipe into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to two days. The flavors continue to mingle, making leftovers extra tasty (and perfect for a quick lunch!).
Freezing
While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze it in a pinch. Just know that creamy sauces can sometimes separate after thawing, and shrimp texture may change. If freezing, allow the pasta to cool completely, seal tightly, and freeze for up to a month.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, gently reheat in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking, savoring how the creamy sauce clings to the pasta and shrimp all over again.
FAQs
Can I substitute chicken for shrimp?
Absolutely! If you’re not a seafood fan or want to mix things up, bite-sized chicken breast pieces work just as beautifully in the Marry Me Shrimp With Pasta Recipe. Sear them just as you would the shrimp, adjusting the cook time until they’re golden and cooked through.
What kind of pasta works best?
Fettuccine and linguine are truly dreamy with the creamy sauce, but honestly, anything you have on hand—from spaghetti to penne—will work. The important part is cooking your pasta just until al dente so it can soak up all those flavors without becoming too soft.
Can I make this dish lighter?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, or even try a splash of full-fat milk for a lighter take. Remember, the sauce won’t be quite as thick, but it’ll still deliver that signature comfort and flavor.
Is the Marry Me Shrimp With Pasta Recipe spicy?
Only if you want it to be! The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but you can easily dial it back or leave them out altogether for a milder, family-friendly version. Want extra heat? Add a pinch more to suit your taste.
Can I add more veggies?
Of course—this recipe is super customizable! Try tossing in baby spinach, sliced mushrooms, or even peas just before adding the pasta, letting them wilt or cook until just tender. Every variation is another reason to make this dish again!
Final Thoughts
The Marry Me Shrimp With Pasta Recipe is pure comfort with a season of elegance. Once you try it, I guarantee it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. Trust me—this is the kind of meal that brings people together, laughter around the table, and maybe even a standing ovation for the chef. Go ahead, treat yourself and your favorite people to something truly special!
Print
Marry Me Shrimp With Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a romantic dinner with this creamy Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta recipe. Tender shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious cream sauce come together to create a dish that will win over your taste buds.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (such as fettuccine or linguine)
Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Other Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook in olive oil over medium-high heat for 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, lower heat to medium, add butter, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté, then stir in sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, thyme, cream, and Parmesan until creamy.
- Combine and Serve: Return shrimp to the skillet, add pasta and a splash of reserved water. Toss until heated through. Serve garnished with basil.
Notes
- Use half-and-half for a lighter version.
- You can swap shrimp for chicken or scallops.
- Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 185 mg