This creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a tasty mix of tender shrimp, pasta, and a rich sauce that’ll make your heart smile. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner date!
If I had a dollar for every time someone asked for the recipe after trying this, I’d be rich! Seriously, it’s that good. Pair it with a glass of wine, and your evening is set!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This recipe calls for penne, but you can easily swap it for other pasta shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Choose a shape that will hold onto the sauce nicely!
Shrimp: Large shrimp are best for this dish. If you’re not a shrimp fan, you can substitute cooked chicken or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a creamy plant-based alternative like coconut cream. Just know that the flavor might change a bit with substitutes!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These bring a tangy flavor to the dish. If you don’t have them, you can use fresh cherry tomatoes or roasted bell peppers for a different twist!
Italian Herbs: While dried herbs are convenient, fresh herbs offer a great flavor boost. Use fresh basil or oregano if you have them on hand.
How Do I Make Sure My Shrimp Don’t Overcook?
It’s easy to overcook shrimp and end up with a rubbery texture. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Cook your shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They’ll turn a lovely pink when done.
- Keep an eye on them. As soon as they are opaque and curl slightly, they’re ready to come off the heat.
- Remove them from the skillet as soon as they are cooked. You’ll be adding them back in later, so don’t worry about them cooling off.
What’s the Best Way to Flavor the Sauce?
The sauce is key to elevating your pasta, so here are my tips:
- After sautéing garlic, let the chicken broth and heavy cream simmer for a minute before adding the sun-dried tomatoes and cheese.
- Don’t rush the melting process of the Parmesan; it’ll help thicken the sauce while adding rich flavor.
- Remember to taste! Adjust salt, pepper, and maybe even a little more red pepper flakes if you like it spicy!
How Can I Add More Veggies to This Dish?
If you want to boost the nutrition of your meal, adding greens is a great move:
- Add fresh spinach in the last minute of cooking so it wilts nicely without losing its bright color.
- You can also try adding zucchini or bell peppers. Just sauté them a bit before adding your shrimp back in!
How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta & Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust based on spice preference)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh spinach (optional, for added greens)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Marry Me Shrimp Pasta comes together in about 30 minutes. You’ll need around 10 minutes for preparation and another 20 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a quick but romantic dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Sauté the Shrimp:
In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turns pink and is fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside, leaving any oil in the pot.
3. Make the Sauce:
Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until it’s fragrant. Then, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Combine Ingredients for the Sauce:
Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried Italian herbs, and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir well and keep the sauce on the heat until the cheese has melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Mix in the Pasta:
Now, it’s time to add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, making sure the pasta is coated in that creamy sauce.
6. Bring Back the Shrimp:
Gently fold the cooked shrimp back into the pasta-sauce mixture. If you want some greens, toss in fresh spinach now and stir gently until it wilts.
7. Season and Serve:
Give the pasta a taste and adjust the seasoning with any additional salt and pepper as needed. Finally, garnish your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro before serving. Enjoy this savory dish with someone special!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture when cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you need a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of cornstarch for thickening. Coconut cream can also be a great dairy-free alternative, adding a unique flavor to the dish.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Pasta?
Definitely! You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the garlic before adding the liquids to make sure they’re cooked through!
