Creamy, rich, and full of flavor, this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta combines succulent shrimp, a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, and bold bursts of sun-dried tomato and basil. It’s the kind of dish that turns any dinner into something special—with just 30 minutes in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love It
Perfect for a romantic date night or a cozy family dinner, this recipe feels gourmet without being complicated. The garlic-infused cream sauce coats every strand of linguine, while tender shrimp add just the right amount of seafood elegance. If you love quick yet indulgent meals, this one’s bound to become a go-to favorite.
📝 Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine (or pasta of choice)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
👩🍳 How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
- Cook the pasta
Boil linguine in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Sauté the shrimp
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook for 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside. - Build the sauce
In the same skillet, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 1 minute until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. - Add cream and cheese
Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. - Bring it all together
Return shrimp and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything until well coated in the sauce. Season to taste. - Garnish and serve
Top with fresh basil and more Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
🕒 Prep + Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~620 per serving
💡 What Makes It So Special?
Inspired by a Viral Favorite
This dish is a seafood twist on the famous Marry Me Chicken—named because it’s so good, it might just inspire a proposal. This shrimp version offers the same indulgent flavors but adds a light, elegant touch with seafood.
Fast and Impressive
You get restaurant-level results in just half an hour. It’s the ultimate balance of simple ingredients and rich, layered flavor.
🥗 Customization Ideas
- Vegetarian: Swap shrimp for mushrooms or roasted veggies like zucchini and bell peppers.
- More greens: Stir in spinach, kale, or arugula just before serving.
- Spicy version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
🍷 Wine Pairings
- White Wine: A chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Rosé: A dry rosé balances the richness while enhancing the fresh basil and sun-dried tomato flavors.
🍽 Serving Tips
- Best Pasta Shapes: Linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well.
- Finishing Touches: Drizzle with good olive oil or add more Parmesan before serving.
- Presentation: Serve in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of basil and extra sun-dried tomatoes for color.
🧊 Storage and Reheating
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce.
- Freezing: Can be frozen up to 1 month, but texture may change slightly upon reheating.
🧠 Cooking Tips
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Sauté just until pink and opaque, then remove from the heat to keep them tender.
- Build the sauce with layers: Sauté garlic and red pepper in the same skillet used for shrimp—those browned bits add flavor.
- Smooth sauce secrets: Let the cream simmer gently. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling. Stir in Parmesan off heat for a silky texture.
🌿 Ingredient Highlights
- Shrimp: Lean protein, fast cooking, and just the right sweetness.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Bold, tangy, and packed with flavor.
- Garlic: Adds a deep aromatic base.
- Parmesan & Cream: The heart of the sauce—rich, nutty, and indulgent.
- Fresh Basil: Bright and herby, it balances the creaminess.
- Linguine: Clings to the sauce perfectly—every bite is coated.
🧠 Fun Facts
- Shrimp in Italian Cooking: Seafood is a staple in coastal Italian regions, often paired with pasta and herbs like in this dish.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Traditionally dried under the Mediterranean sun, these tomatoes bring concentrated summer flavor all year long.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a romantic night in or just craving something creamy and satisfying, Marry Me Shrimp Pasta delivers on all fronts. It’s rich, flavorful, easy to make, and sure to impress anyone at the table. One bite, and they just might pop the question!