Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: Creamy, Dreamy, and Totally Irresistible!
If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that feels luxurious, comforting, and impressive all at once, Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is exactly what you need. This rich and creamy pasta dish features juicy shrimp cooked in a silky garlic-Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs. It’s bold, indulgent, and so delicious that it’s earned the name “Marry Me” for a reason.

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Why Is It Called “Marry Me Shrimp Pasta”?
The name comes from the idea that this dish is so incredibly good, it might inspire a marriage proposal after just one bite. The creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta create a combination that feels elegant and comforting at the same time.
While the original “Marry Me” concept is often made with chicken, this shrimp version adds a lighter, seafood-forward twist that many people love. Shrimp cooks quickly, absorbs flavor beautifully, and pairs perfectly with creamy sauces—making it an ideal protein for this recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
This recipe is a standout for many reasons:
- Rich and Creamy: The sauce is velvety, cheesy, and full of garlic flavor
- Quick to Make: Ready in about 30–40 minutes
- Perfect for Date Night: Elegant without being complicated
- Family-Friendly: Mild, creamy flavors that appeal to everyone
- Customizable: Easy to adjust spice, add vegetables, or lighten it up
Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or treating yourself, this dish always feels like a win.
Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together for incredible flavor.
For the Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Shrimp
Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Lower heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently. Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
Tips for the Best Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
- Don’t overcook shrimp: They become rubbery if cooked too long
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts better and tastes richer
- Adjust spice to taste: Red pepper flakes add warmth but are optional
- Reserve pasta water: Helps loosen the sauce without thinning flavor
Easy Variations to Try
This recipe is incredibly flexible:
- Marry Me Shrimp Pasta with Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach at the end
- Lemon Shrimp Pasta: Add lemon juice and zest for brightness
- Spicy Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add chili oil
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
What to Serve with Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Balance the richness of this dish with light sides:
- Garlic bread or crusty bread
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted asparagus or broccoli
- Steamed green beans
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s texture.
Is Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Healthy?
While this dish is indulgent, shrimp is a lean protein and naturally low in calories. You can make it lighter by reducing the amount of cream, using whole-grain pasta, or adding more vegetables. Enjoyed in moderation, it fits well into a balanced diet.
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How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Step 1 – Cook the Pasta:
Boil pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
Step 2 – Season & Cook the Shrimp:
Toss shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear in butter and oil until pink. Remove and set aside.
Step 3 – Build the Flavor Base:
Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in the same pan.
Step 4 – Make the Creamy Sauce:
Stir in heavy cream, broth, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
Step 5 – Combine Everything:
Add pasta, shrimp, and a splash of pasta water. Toss until creamy and glossy.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Pasta
🦐 Don’t overcook the shrimp — they only need a couple of minutes.
🧀 Use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth melting.
🔥 Adjust red pepper flakes for desired heat.
🌿 Add basil at the end to keep it fresh and fragrant.
What to Serve With
- Garlic bread
- Lemon arugula salad
- Roasted asparagus

Conclusion
This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is creamy, dreamy, and truly irresistible. With tender shrimp, rich garlic-Parmesan sauce, and bold sun-dried tomato flavor, it’s a dish that feels special without being complicated.
Whether you’re cooking for date night, a family dinner, or simply craving something indulgent, this recipe delivers every time. One bite, and you’ll understand why it’s called Marry Me Shrimp Pasta.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: Creamy, Dreamy, and Totally Irresistible!
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/2 tsp chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
More Creamy Pasta Recipes to Try
If you loved this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, you may also enjoy our Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, another rich and comforting dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions.
👉 Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
For more expert tips on cooking pasta and seafood, visit trusted sources like Pasta Bolognese
, where you’ll find helpful guides and inspiration from professional chefs.
👉 One Pot Pasta Bolognese
