Rich, creamy, and irresistibly delicious, Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the kind of dish that speaks straight to the heart. Tender shrimp are pan-seared until golden, then tossed in a silky garlic parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs. Wrapped around thick, comforting strands of pasta, every bite feels like a special occasion.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Pasta with shrimp in a garlic sauce- 1

This dish isn’t just dinner—it’s a declaration. Whether you’re cooking for date night, family dinner, or just treating yourself to something indulgent, this recipe delivers big flavors with minimal fuss. One forkful and you’ll understand how it earned its romantic name.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

This pasta is quick enough for a weeknight dinner but tastes like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant. The creaminess of the sauce is perfectly balanced by the briny sweetness of shrimp and the tangy brightness of sun-dried tomatoes. Plus, it’s a one-pan recipe—hello, easy cleanup!

It’s also extremely versatile. You can swap the shrimp for chicken, add a dash of chili flakes for heat, or throw in spinach for a touch of green. But no matter how you tweak it, it stays rich, savory, and soul-satisfying.

What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well—just make sure they’re peeled and deveined. Medium to large shrimp are ideal for this dish because they hold their own in the creamy sauce without getting lost in the pasta. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

Ingredients for the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a flavorful role. From the richness of the cream to the spice of the garlic, here’s why each one matters:

Shrimp – The star of the dish! Juicy, tender, and quick to cook.
Fettuccine or Linguine Pasta – Thick noodles that hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly.
Garlic – Adds a deep, savory base flavor that enhances the sauce.
Heavy Cream – Creates a rich, velvety texture for the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese – Salty, nutty, and essential for bringing depth and creaminess.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Provide a tangy, sweet contrast to the creamy base.
Chicken Broth – Thins the sauce just enough and adds savory depth.
Olive Oil & Butter – For sautéing and flavor-building.
Italian Seasoning & Red Pepper Flakes – Adds herby aroma and a gentle heat.
Salt & Pepper – Simple but vital for balancing the flavors.
Fresh Parsley – Adds color and a pop of freshness just before serving.

How To Make the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Shrimp

Season your shrimp with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sear the shrimp on both sides for about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Make It Creamy

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well, then add the grated parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer on low heat until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked pasta into the sauce and toss to coat. Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently mix everything together.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

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How to Serve and Store Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

This indulgent dish serves approximately 4 people and is best enjoyed fresh from the skillet while the sauce is silky and warm. Serve it with a side of crusty bread to scoop up the extra sauce or a simple green salad to lighten things up.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce, and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Keep in mind that shrimp can become rubbery if overheated, so reheat just until warm.

What to Serve With Marry Me Shrimp Pasta?

Garlic Bread

A crispy slice of garlic bread is the perfect companion for soaking up the creamy sauce.

Caesar Salad

The tangy dressing and crunch of romaine contrast beautifully with the rich pasta.

Roasted Asparagus

Adds a touch of green and a lightly charred flavor to round out the meal.

Grilled Zucchini

A light, summery veggie side that keeps things fresh.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offer a cool, creamy counterpoint.

White Wine

Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for a restaurant-style experience.

Lemon-Butter Green Beans

Simple and citrusy, they brighten the whole plate.

Antipasto Platter

Great for guests or as a starter, with olives, artichokes, and cured meats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture from watering down the sauce.

What kind of pasta works best?
Fettuccine or linguine is ideal because it holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully. But feel free to use spaghetti, penne, or any pasta you love.

Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the sauce ahead and refrigerate it. Cook the shrimp and pasta right before serving for the best texture.

Is there a dairy-free alternative?
Yes! Use full-fat coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative and skip the parmesan or use a vegan version.

Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely. Add more red pepper flakes or even a touch of cayenne to give it a nice kick.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try it with chili flakes or maybe added a twist of lemon? I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

For more pasta inspirations and daily recipes, visit my Life With Livia Pinterest.

Conclusion

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is more than just a catchy name—it’s a recipe that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Whether you’re impressing a date, pampering your family, or simply indulging in a weeknight treat, this dish will never let you down. Creamy, flavorful, and full of love, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Author: Livia Scott
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Ready to fall in love at first bite? This *Marry Me Shrimp Pasta* is a creamy, garlicky, and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for date nights, quick dinners, or when you just want to treat yourself. Juicy shrimp are seared to perfection and tossed in a parmesan garlic cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, served over thick fettuccine noodles. Whether you’re craving easy dinner ideas, quick seafood pasta, or a comfort food recipe that impresses—this is the one. Great for any occasion, and guaranteed to make anyone swoon.

Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Season shrimp with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and lightly browned. Remove and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.

6. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.

7. Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce thickens slightly.

8. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

9. Return cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.

10. Add shrimp back to the pan and stir gently to combine.

11. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For the best texture, pat the shrimp dry before searing to get that golden crust.

Use freshly grated parmesan for a smoother, creamier sauce.

To reheat leftovers, add a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 685
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 260mg

Keywords: shrimp pasta, marry me pasta, creamy garlic shrimp pasta, quick seafood pasta, romantic dinner recipe