If you’re craving a pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Irresistible Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is your new go-to. This creamy, Flavorful Delight combines tender shrimp, rich Parmesan, and a luscious garlic cream sauce that wraps every strand of pasta in pure comfort. It’s the perfect balance of decadence and freshness, making every bite unforgettable and easy enough for any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but essential in creating the rich, creamy taste and satisfying texture of this dish. Each element plays a vital role, whether it’s bringing flavor depth, smoothness, or a pop of color to your plate.

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp provide tender, juicy bites that are the star protein in this pasta.
8 ounces of pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite): Your pasta choice is the canvas for this dish, perfectly soaking up the creamy sauce.
3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps cook the shrimp to tender perfection.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is key—bringing aromatic depth and a little punch to the sauce.
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half): This is what makes the sauce irresistibly creamy and luxurious.
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth): Adds savory complexity and helps balance the richness of the cream.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan melts into the sauce, creating that signature cheesy, nutty flavor.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Herbs like oregano and basil provide an herby lift and aromatic harmony.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning every layer of flavor just right.
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish: Brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh, vibrant touch.

How to Make Irresistible Marry Me Shrimp Pasta – A Creamy, Flavorful Delight

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by filling a large pot with water, adding a generous pinch of salt, and bringing it to a rolling boil. The salted water seasons the pasta from within, enhancing its flavor. Drop in the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente—meaning it still has a slight bite. Drain carefully, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking water. This starchy water is a secret weapon to adjust your sauce’s consistency later.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the peeled shrimp, seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn radiant pink and opaque. The key is not to overcook to keep them tender. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside, eagerly waiting to reunite with the sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, the lingering flavors become magic. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring everything together to marry their flavors. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken subtly and build depth.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasonings

Slowly whisk in the grated Parmesan, ensuring it melts completely into the sauce to create that silky texture and rich, cheesy taste. Stir in the Italian seasoning to add herbaceous notes that round out the creaminess. Taste and season with salt and pepper, adjusting to your preference. This step transforms the sauce into the heart of this Irresistible Marry Me Shrimp Pasta – A Creamy, Flavorful Delight.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta and Shrimp

Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet, tossing gently so every bite is draped in that delicious sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add small amounts of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency. This technique keeps the sauce smooth and glossy, perfect for coating each strand and morsel.

Step 6: Serve

Divide the pasta onto plates and garnish abundantly with chopped fresh basil or parsley. The fresh herbs give a beautiful contrast in both color and flavor, highlighting that this is a truly special, homemade Flavorful Delight ready to be devoured immediately.

How to Serve Irresistible Marry Me Shrimp Pasta – A Creamy, Flavorful Delight

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like basil or parsley are fantastic finishes to sprinkle on top, adding a fresh and bright flavor burst. You can also add a light dusting of extra Parmesan or cracked black pepper. For a little extra kick, a few red pepper flakes can work beautifully without overpowering the creamy balance.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement its richness. Think crisp green salads dressed in lemon vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or garlic bread with a crunchy crust. These options refresh the palate and create a well-rounded meal experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls with a sprig of fresh basil perched on top. You might scatter some toasted pine nuts for added texture or drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil around the edges for sheen and flavor. These touches elevate the dish and impress guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Irresistible Marry Me Shrimp Pasta – A Creamy, Flavorful Delight keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain the creamy sauce texture and shrimp freshness.

Freezing

Because of the cream sauce and delicate shrimp, freezing is not ideal for this dish as it can affect texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if necessary, freeze the pasta and shrimp separately from the sauce to minimize texture changes.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating is possible but can cause uneven heating and affect shrimp texture. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through to keep that Flavorful Delight intact.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan, which helps achieve a nice sear.

What pasta type works best for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta?

Spaghetti and fettuccine are classic choices due to their ability to hold creamy sauces well, but you could also try linguine or even penne if you prefer something different.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free twist, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile but still keep it creamy and delicious.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Definitely! Add red pepper flakes during the sauce preparation or toss a few fresh chili slices in with the garlic for a nice subtle heat that enhances the Flavorful Delight.

How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking?

Cook shrimp on medium heat just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Removing them promptly prevents rubbery texture and keeps them perfectly tender.

Final Thoughts

Making this Irresistible Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is like inviting a Flavorful Delight right into your kitchen, promising silky sauce, tender shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta all in one bowl. It’s a dish you’ll want to reach for whenever you want to feel a little fancy but with zero fuss. Give it a go and watch it quickly earn a top spot in your recipe rotation!

Irresistible Marry Me Shrimp Pasta – A Creamy, Flavorful Delight

★★★★★

5.3 from 28 reviews

Author: Charlotte
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

This Irresistible Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce infused with garlic and Italian seasoning. It’s perfect for a romantic dinner or any special occasion, combining the elegance of seafood with the comfort of creamy pasta.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water, and set aside.
Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant without burning. Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Add Cheese and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Stir in Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Combine with Pasta and Shrimp: Add cooked pasta and shrimp back into the sauce, tossing well to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water in small increments until desired consistency is reached.
Serve: Divide the pasta among plates and garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your creamy, flavorful Marry Me Shrimp Pasta.

Notes

For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
Use vegetable broth as a vegetarian alternative.
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a fresh finish to the dish.
Ensure shrimp is cooked just until opaque to avoid rubbery texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Boiling
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 520 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 210 mg

Keywords: shrimp pasta, creamy pasta, Marry Me shrimp, garlic Parmesan sauce, Italian seasoning, seafood pasta dish, quick dinner, romantic meal