Nothing says romance quite like a creamy, flavorful seafood pasta that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe is exactly that—a luscious combination of tender shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and rich Parmesan cream sauce that will have you swooning with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or simply treating yourself to an unforgettable meal, this dish delivers a perfect balance of taste, texture, and gorgeous color to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are beautifully simple yet essential for creating the luscious layers of flavor in this dish. Each one brings something unique—plump shrimp for protein, fresh herbs for brightness, and creamy elements for indulgence—coming together to make a perfectly balanced Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe.
- 8 ounces linguine pasta: The ideal pasta shape to hold onto that creamy sauce with every forkful.
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh, succulent shrimp are the star protein that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors wonderfully.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A robust blend of herbs that add earthy and aromatic depth.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances overall flavor without overpowering the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Just enough to give a gentle kick to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the shrimp and building that golden sear.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps create the velvety sauce base.
- 3 teaspoons garlic, minced: Garlic’s brightness wakes up the sauce and pairs beautifully with seafood.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Used to make the roux that thickens the sauce elegantly.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Provides a savory base without overshadowing other ingredients.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Brings incredible creaminess and luxurious texture.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Sharp, salty, and nutty—this cheese elevates every bite.
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped: These add a pop of tangy sweetness and beautiful color.
- â…“ cup fresh basil, chopped: Fresh basil lends herbaceous brightness and a lovely green contrast.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds color and a subtle smoky warmth.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Reinforces that signature Italian flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: To perfect the seasoning as you cook.
- Additional fresh basil, for garnish: A fresh, fragrant finishing touch that makes the dish pop.
How to Make Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the linguine pasta according to the package directions. This ensures the pasta is perfectly al dente, giving your dish the ideal texture to soak up all that rich sauce later. Once cooked, drain and set it aside while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
Take your peeled and deveined shrimp and toss them in a mix of 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. This seasoning step is crucial because it infuses the shrimp with flavor upfront, so every bite is delicious.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the shrimp and cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until they turn a gorgeous pink. Be attentive here! Overcooking shrimp can make them rubbery, so pull them off the heat as soon as they’re just done. Set the shrimp aside—your sauce is next.
Step 4: Make the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, sauté 3 teaspoons of minced garlic for about 30 seconds to awaken its flavor. Now whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour to form a roux; this is what thickens the sauce and gives it that smooth texture.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Slowly whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth followed by 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Keep the sauce on medium heat as it thickens gently. The result should be silky and luscious, ready to coat your pasta beautifully.
Step 6: Add Flavorful Ingredients
To the creamy base, add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, â…“ cup of fresh basil, 1 teaspoon paprika, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk and heat until the sauce is perfectly smooth and infused with bold, delicious flavors.
Step 7: Combine Shrimp and Pasta with Sauce
Return the cooked shrimp to the sauce along with the linguine pasta. Toss everything well to coat each strand and succulent shrimp piece in the creamy sauce. Let everything cook together for another 3 to 4 minutes to marry the flavors fully.
Step 8: Serve It Up
Garnish the dish with additional fresh basil for a fresh, aromatic finish and serve it immediately while it’s warm and inviting.
How to Serve Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves not only adds a pop of vibrant color but also brings a fresh, fragrant note that complements the creamy sauce and shrimp. You can even add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a light drizzle of good quality olive oil for an extra touch of decadence.
Side Dishes
Serving Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe alongside a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted garlic bread is a match made in heaven. The crisp, peppery greens or crusty bread provide contrast and texture, balancing out the richness of the pasta wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in shallow bowls and top with edible flowers or microgreens for a stunning presentation. You can also try plating the shrimp arranged in a circle over the pasta mound, highlighting the star ingredient visually to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The creamy sauce can thicken as it chills, so be sure to give it a gentle stir when reheating.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh due to the creamy sauce and texture of shrimp, but if you must freeze it, cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container. Use within 1 month for best flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat to avoid curdling the sauce. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid microwave reheating if possible to maintain the sauce’s smooth texture and shrimp’s tenderness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine works beautifully, you can substitute with fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne depending on what you prefer or have on hand.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe has just a mild warmth from paprika and pepper, making it accessible even if you’re not a fan of spicy foods. You can always adjust seasoning to your taste!
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative and choose gluten-free pasta to enjoy the dish without worry.
How fresh should the shrimp be?
Fresh or thoroughly thawed frozen shrimp both work well. Fresh shrimp will give the best texture and flavor, but frozen is a great option if properly handled.
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Definitely! Spinach, asparagus tips, or zucchini ribbons would be lovely additions that pair nicely without overpowering the flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a meal that tastes as good as it looks and makes everyone at the table feel cherished, and this Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe does just that. It’s creamy, comforting, and bursting with fresh, layered flavors that invite you back for seconds. If you want to impress or simply indulge yourself, this recipe is a must-try classic that never disappoints.
Print
Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta recipe features tender shrimp cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce made with Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil, served over perfectly cooked linguine. The dish combines savory Italian seasoning and paprika for a delightful one-pan seafood pasta meal that’s elegant yet easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine pasta
Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- â…“ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Additional fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the linguine pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
- Season Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper to evenly coat the shrimp with flavor.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook them for about 6-8 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
- Make Sauce – Melt Butter: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt 3 tablespoons of butter, using the residual flavors left from cooking the shrimp for added depth.
- Sauté Garlic: Add 3 teaspoons minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make Roux: Whisk in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour to the garlic butter to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken broth followed by 1 cup heavy cream. Stir continuously to avoid lumps and to combine everything evenly.
- Thicken Sauce: Continue to whisk and cook the mixture over medium heat until it starts to thicken to a creamy consistency, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, â…“ cup fresh chopped basil, 1 teaspoon paprika, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk well until the sauce is smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Combine Shrimp and Pasta: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, add the drained linguine pasta, and toss everything together to evenly coat the shrimp and pasta with the creamy sauce.
- Sauté to Finish: Cook the combined shrimp and pasta mixture for another 3-4 minutes over medium heat to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through thoroughly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with additional fresh basil leaves for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- You can substitute linguine with spaghetti or fettuccine if desired.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil will yield a richer flavor than dry-pack; drain before chopping.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the roux and gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
