If you are craving a dish that is bursting with flavor, creamy texture, and just the right amount of indulgence, the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is exactly what you need to try next. This luscious pasta combines perfectly cooked shrimp with a rich sun-dried tomato and cream sauce that clings lovingly to every bite. With layers of smoky paprika, Italian herbs, fresh spinach, and a generous amount of parmesan, this dish truly earns its charming name. It’s the kind of meal that will have you reaching for seconds and maybe even dreaming about it long after dinner is finished.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in how the simple, thoughtfully combined ingredients come together to create a vibrant and satisfying dish. Each component adds its own unique note—whether it’s the tender shrimp, the fragrant herbs, or the creamy sauce, every bite is a delight.

Extra large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): The star protein, offering succulent meat that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
Smoked paprika (1/2 tbsp and 1/3 tsp): Adds warmth and a subtle smoky depth that complements the shrimp perfectly.
Italian seasoning (1 3/4 tbsp in total): A fragrant blend of herbs that layers Italian classic flavors throughout the dish.
Black pepper (1/4 tsp) & salt (1 1/4 tsp total): Fundamental seasoning to balance and enhance all other ingredients.
Sun-dried tomato oil (1 1/2 tbsp): Intensely flavored oil that imparts a rich, tangy essence when cooking the shrimp.
Cent tomato paste (2 1/2 tbsp): Concentrated tomato flavor that forms the creamy sauce base.
Cent sun-dried tomatoes (1/2 cup, diced): Chewy bursts of tang that add texture and brightness to the sauce.
Dried basil (3/4 tsp): Adds a sweet, peppery herbal note to balance the acidity.
Gluten free 1:1 flour (2 tbsp): Used to thicken the sauce, making it luxuriously creamy without any gluten worries.
Diced spinach (2 cups): Fresh, healthy green that wilts into the sauce for color and a subtle earthy flavor.
Butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps build the sauce’s silky texture.
Minced onion (2 tbsp) and garlic (2 tbsp): Essential aromatics that form the flavorful backbone of the sauce.
Vegetable broth (2 cups): Builds depth in the sauce while keeping it light and vibrant.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Turns the sauce into a sumptuous, velvety coating for the pasta and shrimp.
Parmesan cheese (1 cup): A nutty, salty finish that melts into the sauce for incredible umami.
Fresh basil (chopped, for garnish): Adds a fresh, bright herbal note to lift the dish before serving.
Gluten free penne (12 oz): The perfect pasta shape to hold the creamy sauce and pockets of flavor.

How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Shrimp

Start by tossing the shrimp in a mix of smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until they’re evenly coated. This seasoning blend is essential—it infuses the shrimp with a smoky, herby flavor that’s the foundation of the entire dish.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the shrimp for about two minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque—aim for a nice C shape which means perfect doneness. Overcooking shrimps turns them into a tough O shape, so watch carefully! Once done, set them aside to cool.

Step 3: Boil the Pasta

While the shrimp is cooking, boil your gluten free penne according to the package instructions. Cook al dente because the pasta will also finish cooking slightly when mixed in the sauce.

Step 4: Build the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic, onion, diced sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and dried basil. Sauté this aromatic mixture for about two minutes until it fills your kitchen with incredible fragrance — it’s a sign that flavor is deepening beautifully.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Sprinkle the gluten free flour over the aromatics and stir well to combine. This step ensures your sauce will be creamy and thick. Pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream, then add the spinach. Keep stirring gently until the sauce thickens and the spinach wilts, about five minutes.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce and Combine

Stir in the parmesan cheese until it fully melts into the sauce, creating that luscious, velvety texture you expect. Then, carefully fold the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the sauce. Let everything mingle for a minute or two so the flavors marry perfectly. Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving.

How to Serve Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Garnishes

The chopped fresh basil adds a bright herbal freshness that cuts through the richness of the sauce beautifully. You can also sprinkle a bit of extra parmesan cheese for a cheesy finish. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes will add an exciting touch if you like some heat.

Side Dishes

This indulgent pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh salads such as a classic arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad to balance the richness. Garlic bread made with gluten free bread is an excellent addition for those wanting a crunchy element to their meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta in warmed, shallow bowls so the creamy sauce stays warm and inviting. For a special touch, add edible flowers or microgreens on top to elevate the presentation with pops of color and sophistication. You could also plate the shrimp on top in a decorative spiral to impress any guest at your dinner table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Marry Me Shrimp Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce might thicken upon chilling, so you’ll want to loosen it up with a splash of broth or cream when reheating.

Freezing

While pasta dishes with cream-based sauces don’t freeze as perfectly as some others, you can still freeze the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta for up to one month. Use a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating. Add a little bit of broth or cream to bring back the luscious consistency. Avoid using the microwave as it can cause uneven heating and a rubbery texture in the shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten free?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite traditional pasta if gluten isn’t a concern. Just cook it al dente and proceed as usual for the best texture and flavor.

What can I substitute if I don’t have sun-dried tomato oil?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomato oil, a mild olive oil infused with garlic or herbs works well too. The specific sun-dried tomato flavor will be less pronounced, but the dish will still be delicious.

Is this recipe spicy?

It’s mildly seasoned with smoked paprika and Italian herbs, so it’s not spicy in a hot sense. However, you can add crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the sauce if you want to introduce a little heat.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream and butter with coconut cream and a dairy-free butter alternative. Nutritional yeast can replace parmesan for a cheesy flavor, though the sauce’s richness and texture will slightly change.

How important is the shape of the pasta?

Penne is ideal because its tubular shape holds the creamy sauce well, but you can use other shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle depending on what you have. Just make sure to cook it al dente.

Final Thoughts

The Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is truly a special dish that brings together comfort, elegance, and bold flavors in one beautiful plate. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic night in or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary, this recipe delivers a delightful experience. I highly encourage you to give it a try—you might just find yourself falling in love with every creamy, tomatoey, shrimp-filled bite.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 21 reviews

Author: Charlotte
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a rich and flavorful gluten-free pasta dish featuring perfectly seasoned shrimp, a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, spinach, and parmesan cheese. This elegant yet easy-to-make meal is perfect for date nights or special occasions and delivers a delightful combination of smoky paprika, Italian herbs, and fresh basil.

Instructions

Boil Pasta: Begin by boiling gluten free penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while preparing the shrimp and sauce.
Season Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated to infuse flavor evenly.
Cook Shrimp: Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink, opaque, and form a C-shape, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
Cool Shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the sauce in the same pan.
Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter over medium-low heat in the skillet. Add minced garlic, onion, diced sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and dried basil. Cook for about 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and well combined.
Make Sauce: Stir in gluten free flour to create a roux, then slowly add vegetable broth, heavy cream, and diced spinach. Cook while stirring frequently until the sauce thickens and the spinach wilts, about 5 minutes.
Add Cheese: Mix in the parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Carefully add the cooked pasta into the sauce and toss to coat well. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp to combine all flavors.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top for a fresh herbaceous finish and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Ensure shrimp are cooked just until opaque and C-shaped to avoid rubbery texture.
Using gluten free 1:1 flour keeps the sauce thickened without gluten.
Sun-dried tomato oil adds a deep, rich flavor; substitute with olive oil if unavailable.
To make dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid overcooking shrimp.

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