Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: The Ultimate Recipe for Romance

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: the name alone promises a dish so irresistible, so utterly divine, that it could inspire a proposal! And trust me, this creamy, dreamy pasta lives up to the hype. Forget complicated recipes and hours in the kitchen; this dish is surprisingly simple to make, yet delivers a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for seconds.

While the exact origins of “Marry Me” pasta are shrouded in a bit of mystery, the legend goes that a home cook created this dish and served it to their significant other, who was so smitten that they proposed shortly after. Whether that’s fact or fiction, the story perfectly encapsulates the allure of this recipe. It’s comfort food elevated, a celebration of rich flavors and satisfying textures.

What makes Marry Me Shrimp Pasta so beloved? It’s the perfect combination of succulent shrimp, bathed in a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce with a hint of garlic and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The pasta soaks up all that deliciousness, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve to guests. Plus, who can resist the promise of a little romance with their meal? So, get ready to fall in love with this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make pasta dish!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound linguine pasta
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: 2 tablespoons butter
• Optional: Lemon wedges, for serving

Preparing the Shrimp and Aromatics

Okay, let’s get started! First things first, we need to prep our shrimp and get our aromatics ready. This is crucial for building that amazing flavor base that makes this pasta so irresistible.

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Make sure your shrimp are peeled and deveined. Pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear later on. Season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy!
2. Mince the Garlic: Mince your garlic cloves finely. You want them to release all their garlicky goodness into the olive oil.
3. Chop the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Drain the oil from your sun-dried tomatoes and give them a good chop. The smaller the pieces, the more evenly they’ll distribute their flavor throughout the sauce.
4. Chop the Basil: Chop your fresh basil. We’ll use some in the sauce and some for garnish, so keep them separate. The fresh basil adds a burst of freshness that really elevates the dish.

Cooking the Shrimp and Building the Sauce

Now for the fun part – cooking the shrimp and creating that luscious, creamy sauce that will make everyone fall in love with this pasta. This is where the magic happens!

1. Cook the Pasta: While you’re prepping everything else, get a large pot of salted water boiling. Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Remember to reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water is liquid gold and will help create a perfectly emulsified sauce.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. The red pepper flakes add a touch of heat, so adjust the amount to your liking.
3. Sear the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the shrimp will steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. Deglaze with White Wine: Pour the white wine into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is called deglazing, and it adds a ton of flavor to the sauce. Let the wine simmer for about 1-2 minutes, or until it has reduced slightly.
5. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Heavy Cream: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. The sun-dried tomatoes will plump up and release their intense flavor into the sauce.
6. Incorporate Parmesan Cheese and Basil: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil. Continue to simmer for another 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. The Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps to thicken the sauce.
7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remember that the Parmesan cheese is already salty, so be careful not to over-salt.
8. Optional: Add Butter: For an extra touch of richness, stir in the butter until melted and incorporated into the sauce. This will make the sauce even more decadent and luxurious.

Bringing It All Together

Almost there! Now we just need to combine the pasta, shrimp, and sauce, and we’re ready to serve this amazing dish. This is the final step to culinary bliss!

1. Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. The pasta water will also help the sauce cling to the pasta.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a bright, zesty finish.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference. If you like it really spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper as well.
• Shrimp Size: I prefer using large shrimp for this recipe, but you can use any size you like. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the shrimp and add some sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce.
• Wine Substitution: If you don’t have white wine on hand, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead.
• Cream Cheese Variation: For an even creamier sauce, stir in 2 ounces of softened cream cheese along with the heavy cream.
• Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the sauce for a brighter, more citrusy flavor.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat it before adding the pasta and shrimp.
• Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the sauce may separate upon thawing.

Serving Suggestions:

This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

• Garlic Bread: As mentioned before, garlic bread is a classic pairing with pasta dishes.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are all great options.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the extra sauce.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta as much as I do! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and is sure to impress your loved ones. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, a creamy, dreamy indulgence that’s surprisingly easy to whip up. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it delivers restaurant-quality deliciousness without the restaurant price tag or the hours spent slaving away in the kitchen. The combination of succulent shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and that luscious cream sauce is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to savor every single bite, and trust me, your family and friends will be begging for seconds!

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve shared my go-to version, feel free to get creative and personalize it to your liking.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Spice it up! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
* Go green! Toss in some fresh spinach or chopped kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and vibrant color.
* Cheese, please! A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano on top is always a good idea. You could even stir in a little mascarpone cheese at the end for an even richer, creamier sauce.
* Protein power! If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can easily substitute it with chicken, sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
* Pasta possibilities! While I love using fettuccine for this recipe, you can experiment with other pasta shapes like linguine, spaghetti, or even penne.
* Side dish sensations! Serve this pasta with a side of garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
* Wine pairing wisdom! A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc would pair perfectly with this dish.

I’ve made this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta countless times, and it’s always a hit. It’s perfect for a romantic dinner for two, a cozy family meal, or even a potluck with friends. It’s the kind of recipe that you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again, and I have no doubt that it will become a staple in your kitchen too.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of Marry Me Shrimp Pasta for yourself. Once you’ve given it a whirl, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Share your photos, your variations, and your thoughts in the comments below. Did you add any special ingredients? Did you make any substitutions? What did your family and friends think? I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!