Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

The moment this dish hits your table, it’s like the kitchen fills with a warm hug. The creamy sauce, rich and velvety, clings to the shrimp and pasta, creating the kind of indulgent bite that makes you close your eyes in contentment. There’s something about the balance of the garlic, Parmesan, and a little hint of lemon that brings everything together in perfect harmony. Each forkful is a bite of comfort, with just the right amount of tang to keep it from being too heavy. As the sauce slowly coats the pasta, you can almost hear the gentle simmer of the sauce in the background, while the shrimp adds a delicate sweetness to the richness of the dish. It’s the kind of meal that has you savoring every moment, wondering how something so simple can be so spectacular.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself going back for seconds (and maybe even thirds). But don’t feel guilty—it’s that good! And what’s best? The whole process doesn’t take long at all. It’s a weeknight dinner that feels like a celebration, a perfect balance between ease and elegance. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or just treating yourself, this creamy shrimp pasta always delivers. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) taste just as delicious the next day. So, are you ready to fall in love with this dish? Trust me, it’s easy to see why it’s a fan favorite!

Key Ingredients in Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Each ingredient in this dish plays a crucial part in creating the flavors that make it so irresistible. From the succulent shrimp to the creamy sauce, each element comes together to make a dish that’s simply unforgettable. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish truly special:

• Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  The star of the dish! These juicy, tender shrimp absorb all the flavors of the sauce, adding a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the richness of the cream.
• Fettuccine pasta
  With its wide, flat shape, fettuccine is the perfect pasta to hold onto that luscious, creamy sauce. It gives each bite a satisfying texture that complements the shrimp beautifully.
• Olive oil
  Olive oil adds a smooth, slightly fruity base to sauté the shrimp and garlic, giving a subtle depth of flavor from the very beginning.
• Butter
  The butter adds a velvety richness to the sauce that makes it feel indulgent, while also helping to create that silky smooth texture that coats each piece of pasta.
• Garlic, minced
  Fresh garlic brings an aromatic punch to the dish. It infuses the sauce with a savory warmth that enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
• Crushed red pepper flakes
  A pinch of heat! These tiny flakes add a little kick that balances out the creaminess, bringing a gentle warmth without overpowering the dish.
• Chicken broth
  The chicken broth is the perfect base for the sauce, infusing it with savory depth while allowing the other flavors to shine through without becoming too heavy.
• Heavy cream
  The magic ingredient! The heavy cream is what turns this sauce into a rich, velvety dream. It adds that luxurious texture and binds all the flavors together.
• Grated Parmesan cheese
  This adds a nutty, umami-packed flavor to the sauce, helping to thicken it and make every bite extra indulgent.
• Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  The sun-dried tomatoes bring a burst of tangy, slightly sweet flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce, adding a pop of color and extra depth to the dish.
• Fresh parsley, chopped
  A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of brightness and a pop of color, cutting through the richness of the sauce and bringing a fresh note to each bite.
• Salt, to taste
  A pinch of salt is essential to bring out all the flavors, ensuring that the richness of the cream and the savory shrimp shine through.
• Black pepper, to taste
  Freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle sharpness that rounds out the dish, adding depth to the sauce and a little extra zing.

These ingredients work together like a symphony, each note complementing the others to create a dish that’s nothing short of magic.

How to Make Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

1. Pair with a Light Salad
To balance the richness of this creamy pasta, a fresh, crisp salad on the side is a game-changer. Try a simple arugula salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette. The peppery bite of the arugula and the tangy dressing will cut through the creamy sauce and refresh your palate between bites.

2. Garlic Bread for Dipping
Let’s be real—garlic bread is always a welcome addition to any pasta meal. The crispy, buttery bread is perfect for sopping up that extra creamy sauce left on your plate. You might even find yourself fighting for the last piece—trust me, it’s that good!

3. Wine Pairing: Crisp White Wine
A chilled glass of white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, is the perfect complement. Its crisp acidity will enhance the shrimp’s sweetness while cutting through the creaminess of the sauce. Plus, it adds a touch of elegance, making this dish feel like a celebration!

Each of these simple touches brings out the best in the creamy shrimp pasta, making it feel like a restaurant-worthy meal without any extra fuss.

How to Store Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (and trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite), storing your creamy shrimp pasta properly is key to keeping it just as delicious the next day. First, allow the pasta to cool down slightly before transferring it into an airtight container. This helps prevent any extra moisture from gathering, which could alter the creamy texture.

When it comes to refrigerating, you can store your pasta in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to bring back that smooth, velvety consistency. Stir occasionally to make sure the sauce doesn’t separate or become too thick. If you prefer to microwave it, use a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely, and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through.

Freezing is an option, too, though the texture of the shrimp might change a little once thawed. If you plan to freeze it, I recommend doing so without the fresh parsley or any delicate toppings. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat the same way, adding extra cream or broth to revive the sauce. Just be sure to eat it within a couple of months for the best taste!

Conclusion

And there you have it, my friend! Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, a dish that’s guaranteed to make any meal feel like an occasion. From the tender shrimp to the creamy, dreamy sauce that clings to every bite of fettuccine, it’s truly comfort food at its finest. It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for any night of the week—whether you’re cooking for someone special or treating yourself to something indulgent. The best part? It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious, with flavors that will have you coming back for seconds (or maybe even thirds!).

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading through this as much as I loved sharing it with you! Whether you’re making it tonight or saving it for later, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have any questions or feedback after giving it a try? Or maybe you just want to share how much you loved it—drop me a comment! I’m all ears. Happy cooking, and I hope this dish brings a little extra joy to your table.

Print Recipe

Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Author: Daniel Carter Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 35 mins

Calories: 600

Description

This creamy, garlicky shrimp pasta is a flavor-packed masterpiece! Tender shrimp, perfectly sautéed, swim in a rich, velvety sauce with a hint of Parmesan and a touch of spice, making every bite irresistible. It's a dish that truly wins hearts!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 8 ounces fettuccine pasta

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• ¹⁄₂ cup chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot of salted water over medium-high heat until it begins to boil.
2. Add the fettuccine pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes.
3. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set it aside.
4. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
5. Once the oil is heated, add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and opaque.
6. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
7. In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat.
8. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant.
9. Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes and stir for about 30 seconds to release their flavor.
10. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon.
11. Allow the broth to simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
12. Stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
13. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until the cheese has fully melted into the sauce.
14. Add the sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce and stir to combine.
15. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring gently to coat them in the creamy sauce.
16. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
17. Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, adding a little reserved pasta water if the sauce needs to be thinned out.
18. Once everything is well combined, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top of the pasta.
19. Serve the creamy shrimp pasta immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Note

• Make sure to not overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
• Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
• For extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce when simmering the chicken broth.
• You can substitute the sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers for a different twist.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to taste.

Keywords: creamy shrimp pasta recipe, marry me shrimp pasta, easy creamy shrimp pasta, shrimp pasta dinner, garlic shrimp pasta recipe