There’s something truly magical about the combination of succulent shrimp, creamy tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a dish so irresistible, it just might win over your heart—or the heart of someone special!

I first discovered this recipe while looking for a quick, elegant dinner idea to impress guests. What started as a last-minute experiment has now become my go-to meal for celebrations, date nights, and even casual weeknights. Ready to fall in love? Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Get ready to swoon over your new favorite pasta dish. Marry Me Shrimp Pasta isn’t just another pasta recipe—it’s an elevated, restaurant-quality meal you can make at home.
First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that tastes like it simmered for hours. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time but still want something special.
Then, there’s the flavor. The combination of juicy shrimp, a luscious cream-based sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, and tender pasta is absolutely unforgettable. Each bite is a blend of richness and brightness that keeps you coming back for more.
It’s also customizable! Not a fan of shrimp? Swap it out for chicken, scallops, or even tofu for a plant-based option. The recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
Finally, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for two or hosting a dinner party, Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Marry Me Shrimp Pasta lies in its balance of simple yet indulgent ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp work beautifully in this dish. Look for large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for ease of preparation. If you’re using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them fully before cooking.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little gems add a sweet, tangy depth to the creamy sauce. Opt for the kind packed in oil for the best flavor and texture.
- Heavy Cream: This forms the base of the sauce, creating that rich, velvety consistency. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must. Its bold, aromatic flavor pairs beautifully with the shrimp and tomatoes.
- Parmesan Cheese: A generous handful of grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish to the sauce. For best results, use freshly grated cheese.
- Pasta: Fettuccine or linguine work wonderfully, but you can use your favorite pasta shape.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch gives the sauce a subtle kick, balancing out the richness with a touch of heat.
You’ll also need basic pantry staples like olive oil, chicken or vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. No special equipment is required—just a large skillet and a pot for cooking the pasta.
How To Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Creating this irresistible dish is easier than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure perfection:
- Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your chosen pasta until al dente, following the package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sear the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce Base: Lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and a splash of chicken broth. Stir well to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Everything: Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta, tossing everything together until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
This entire process takes about 25-30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute dinners that feel anything but rushed.
Storage Options
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat Marry Me Shrimp Pasta for maximum deliciousness:
- Refrigerate: Transfer the pasta to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, place the pasta in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months, though the sauce may separate slightly upon reheating.
- Reheat: To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce and prevent it from drying out.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is its versatility. Here are a few ways to switch things up:
- Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with chicken, scallops, or even crab for a delicious twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the shrimp and add roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a hearty, plant-based meal.
- Spicy Kick: Love spice? Double the red pepper flakes or stir in a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the sauce over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta.
- Cheese Lovers: Stir in a blend of mozzarella or Gruyere for an extra creamy, cheesy sauce.
Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. No matter how you adapt it, the result is bound to be amazing!
Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta your next go-to recipe for a dinner that wows. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or treating yourself, this dish is sure to delight. Try it tonight and fall in love all over again!
PrintMarry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Indulge in this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta recipe, featuring tender shrimp, creamy parmesan sauce, garlic, and perfectly cooked pasta. A romantic, quick, and irresistible dinner option perfect for weeknights or special occasions!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until pink (about 2-3 minutes). Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring until sauce thickens.
- Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing to coat. Return shrimp to the pan and mix well.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels by modifying red pepper flakes.
- Substitute spaghetti with fettuccine or linguine if desired.
- Ensure not to overcook shrimp to maintain tenderness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
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