There's nothing quite like the rich, indulgent taste of Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta to make any meal feel special. Succulent shrimp are bathed in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan, then tossed with tender pasta for the ultimate comfort food experience.
I first made this dish on a whim for date night, and let's just say it was an instant hit! The combination of bold, creamy flavors and perfectly cooked shrimp makes it irresistibly good. Whether you're planning a romantic dinner or just craving something decadent, this recipe will win hearts every time.
Why You'll Love This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Get ready to fall head over heels for this dish! Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the perfect balance of elegance and ease, making it a go-to for any occasion.
First, it's fast and easy to make. In just 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
Second, the flavors are incredible. The creamy parmesan sauce, combined with the sweet, tender shrimp and the tangy depth of sun-dried tomatoes, creates a dish that’s both rich and well-balanced.
It's also a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're cooking for your family, a date, or a dinner party, this pasta is guaranteed to impress. No one can resist a bowl of perfectly coated, creamy, garlicky goodness!
Finally, this recipe is versatile. You can easily swap the protein, adjust the spice level, or use different pasta shapes to make it your own.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta comes from the careful selection of high-quality ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish so irresistible.
Shrimp – Opt for large, deveined shrimp with the tails removed for easy eating. Fresh or frozen both work, but if using frozen, thaw them first and pat dry to ensure they sear properly.
Pasta – Linguine, fettuccine, or penne are excellent choices, as they hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. If you prefer a lighter dish, whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also work.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes – These add a tangy, slightly sweet depth to the sauce. Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor, and be sure to drain any excess oil before adding them in.
Heavy Cream & Chicken Broth – The key to the ultra-creamy sauce. Heavy cream provides richness, while chicken broth adds a bit of balance so the sauce isn’t overly thick. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated parmesan melts into the sauce, adding that irresistible nutty, salty depth. Skip the pre-shredded stuff, as it doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Garlic & Red Pepper Flakes – Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with flavor, while a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat that enhances the dish without overpowering it.
For equipment, you’ll need a large skillet, a pot for boiling pasta, and tongs or a spoon for tossing everything together.
How To Make This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Creating this rich and flavorful pasta dish is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps for a perfect result.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and let them cook for another minute to deepen their flavor.
Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then add the grated parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them in the sauce. Add the drained pasta, tossing everything together so that the noodles are evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, dreamy goodness!
Storage Options
If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s hard to resist finishing this dish in one sitting!), here’s how to store them properly.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce may thicken as it sits, but a splash of broth or cream when reheating will bring it back to life.
Freezer: While pasta with a creamy sauce doesn’t freeze well, you can freeze the shrimp and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Reheating: Warm leftovers over medium-low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving on high heat, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is how adaptable it is! Here are some fun ways to switch things up.
Swap the Protein – Not a fan of shrimp? Chicken, salmon, or scallops work beautifully in this dish. Simply adjust the cooking time based on your protein choice.
Make It Spicier – Love a little heat? Increase the red pepper flakes, or add a drizzle of spicy chili oil before serving for an extra kick.
Go Low-Carb – Swap out the pasta for zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash for a lighter, keto-friendly version of this dish.
Use a Different Cheese – While parmesan is classic, you can experiment with pecorino romano for a saltier bite or gruyère for a creamier, slightly nutty flavor.
Add More Veggies – Boost the nutrition by stirring in baby spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers. They add color and extra flavor while blending seamlessly into the sauce.
However you choose to make it, this pasta is sure to be a hit. So grab your skillet, whip up a batch, and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!
PrintCreamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a restaurant-quality dish featuring succulent shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion, this pasta dish is irresistibly flavorful and easy to make in under 30 minutes!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and sauté garlic, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Return shrimp to the pan, mixing well. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil and parsley before serving.
Notes
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
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