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Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp with a luscious sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. Ideal for romantic dinners or family meals, this recipe is quick to prepare, packed with protein, and easy to customize to your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
  • 8 oz pasta of choice (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Season the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the shrimp until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside to avoid overcooking.
  2. Create the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir to combine their sweet and tangy flavor into the pan.
  3. Build the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, then stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly and enriches the sauce’s flavor.
  4. Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Drain the cooked pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water. Add the pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir gently. If needed, add reserved pasta water by the tablespoon to loosen the sauce.
  5. Final Touches: Season with red pepper flakes if desired. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Finish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a fresh, vibrant note.

Notes

  • Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for best texture and flavor.
  • Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubberiness; remove as soon as they turn pink.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to pasta.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for optimal melting and flavor.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end for brightness and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, seafood recipe, easy pasta dish, Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, Italian pasta, weeknight dinner