There’s nothing quite like a plate of creamy, flavorful Marry Me Shrimp Pasta to turn an ordinary dinner into a special occasion. With tender shrimp, perfectly al dente pasta, and a luscious, savory sauce, this dish is a surefire way to impress anyone who takes a bite.
The first time I made this recipe, it became an instant hit. The combination of simple ingredients with gourmet flair creates a meal that feels indulgent yet approachable. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or treating yourself, this pasta is guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Get ready to discover your new go-to recipe for date nights, family dinners, or even a quick weeknight meal. Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the perfect blend of ease, elegance, and downright deliciousness.
First, it’s incredibly quick to make. From start to finish, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules. The hardest part? Waiting for the sauce to simmer while the aroma fills your kitchen.
The flavors are nothing short of extraordinary. Each bite is layered with savory, garlicky goodness, creamy richness, and just a hint of spice. It’s comfort food with a sophisticated twist, perfect for making any meal feel like a celebration.
This recipe is also surprisingly versatile. Whether you prefer it extra creamy or with a touch of zest, there’s plenty of room to make it your own. You can even swap out the shrimp for another protein or add more veggies for a personalized touch.
Lastly, this dish uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that are easy to find. No fancy or hard-to-pronounce items here—just wholesome, fresh components coming together in a delightful harmony.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Marry Me Shrimp Pasta lies in its thoughtful combination of ingredients. Each one is essential for creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The shrimp is the star of the show. Opt for medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined, for a luxurious texture. Fresh shrimp works best, but frozen shrimp is a convenient alternative—just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
Pasta forms the heart of this dish, and you’ll want a shape that holds onto the creamy sauce. Fettuccine, linguine, or even penne are all excellent choices. Cook it just shy of al dente since it will finish cooking in the sauce.
For the sauce, a blend of heavy cream and chicken broth creates a rich yet balanced base. The cream adds indulgence, while the broth keeps it from feeling overly heavy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half.
Garlic and sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of flavor to the sauce. The tomatoes provide a slightly tangy sweetness, while the garlic infuses the dish with its unmistakable aroma. Don’t skimp on these—they’re what take this pasta from good to unforgettable.
Finally, you’ll need some spices to round everything out. A touch of red pepper flakes adds gentle heat, while dried basil and oregano lend an herby warmth. And don’t forget freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the perfect finishing touch.
How To Make This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Making Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for a foolproof dish every time.
Start by cooking your pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente. Reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining; this will come in handy later for adjusting the sauce’s consistency.
While the pasta cooks, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and slightly golden. Remove the shrimp and set them aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and diced sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Then pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow this to simmer for a couple of minutes to deepen the flavors.
Next, stir in the heavy cream and season with basil, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Add the Parmesan cheese and whisk until melted and smooth.
Return the shrimp to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well coated, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Storage Options
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, Marry Me Shrimp Pasta stores beautifully for later enjoyment.
For refrigeration, transfer the pasta to an airtight container and store it for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken slightly as it cools, but it can be brought back to life during reheating.
To freeze, place portions of the pasta in freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of room at the top for expansion. Frozen pasta can last up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating is best done on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to the skillet to loosen the sauce, then warm over medium heat until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it may cause the shrimp to become rubbery.
Variations and Substitutions
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is endlessly customizable, making it a recipe you’ll want to experiment with again and again.
For a veggie-packed version, add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or diced zucchini to the sauce. They’ll complement the shrimp beautifully while adding more texture and nutrients.
If you’re in the mood for extra protein, swap the shrimp for diced chicken breast or even salmon. Both pair wonderfully with the creamy, herby sauce.
Looking for a spicier kick? Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or stir in a spoonful of your favorite chili paste for some fiery heat.
To make the dish more indulgent, try adding a splash of heavy cream or topping it with toasted breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch.
Finally, for a burst of freshness, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the pasta just before serving. The citrusy brightness will elevate all the other flavors in the dish.
Experiment freely and make this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta uniquely yours—every version is bound to be a hit!
PrintMarry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a creamy and flavorful recipe featuring succulent shrimp, garlic, and Italian herbs in a rich sauce. This dish is easy to prepare and makes a perfect weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for special occasions. With its irresistible combination of flavors and satisfying textures, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 300g fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 400g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chili flakes (if using). Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add cooked pasta and mix well, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the chili flakes.
- Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a slightly tangier flavor.
- Ensure shrimp are fresh or properly thawed for the best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
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