Velvety, rich, and kissed with just the right amount of spice — Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a dish that instantly impresses. Imagine succulent shrimp seared to golden perfection, nestled in a luscious parmesan cream sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs. Tossed with perfectly al dente penne, it creates a flavor harmony that’s both indulgent and comforting.

Whether you’re looking to spark romance at the dinner table or simply craving something extra special on a weeknight, this pasta is a go-to. It’s elegant enough for date night yet quick enough for a satisfying weeknight dinner. The combination of creamy texture and bold seasoning makes every bite feel like a warm hug — no wonder it’s called Marry Me Pasta!

Ingredients for this Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

8 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water for later.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Sear them in the hot skillet for about 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and lightly golden. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavor.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, then add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Shrimp

Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat it with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss everything together until heated through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a bit more grated Parmesan, if desired. Serve immediately while everything is hot and delicious.

Storage Instructions

To keep your Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta tasting fresh, follow these tips:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to avoid excess moisture.
Reheating: Warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to help revive the sauce. Microwave reheating works too — just use 50% power to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Freezing: Not recommended, as cream-based sauces can separate when frozen and shrimp can turn rubbery after thawing.

Estimated Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: ~620 kcal
Protein: 32g
Fat: 35g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 850mg
Cholesterol: 230mg

Note: Nutrition estimates are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly.

2. What pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne holds the creamy sauce beautifully, but fettuccine, linguine, or rigatoni also work well.

3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can try using a dairy-free cream alternative and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan, though the flavor may differ slightly.

4. How do I keep the shrimp from overcooking?

Cook them just until they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape — about 1–2 minutes per side.

5. Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or even steamed broccoli make great additions.

6. Is this recipe spicy?

It has a slight kick from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust or omit them for a milder version.

7. What protein can I use instead of shrimp?

Grilled chicken, salmon, or scallops are excellent alternatives.

8. Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and shrimp earlier, but for best texture, combine everything just before serving.

Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Author: Lorenzo Devereaux
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dish that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is your answer. This easy dinner recipe combines juicy, sautéed shrimp with a luxurious parmesan cream sauce that clings perfectly to tender pasta. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a restaurant-quality experience, right at your kitchen table.

Ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a romantic dinner, this pasta is loaded with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs for that unforgettable flavor punch. It’s a fantastic option for those in search of food ideas that are both comforting and elegant — making it one of the best dinner ideas you’ll ever try.

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add remaining oil and butter. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add sun-dried tomatoes and cook another minute.
Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
Add pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to thin sauce if needed.
Return shrimp to the pan, mix well, and heat through.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner