If you are ready to fall head over heels for a dish that bursts with flavor and creamy indulgence, the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe effortlessly combines succulent shrimp with a luscious tomato cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil, all tossed with perfectly cooked rigatoni for a meal that feels like a warm embrace. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for two or entertaining friends, this dish is guaranteed to impress and maybe even inspire some memorable moments around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each element plays a vital role, from the tender shrimp bringing a delicate seafood sweetness, to the sun-dried tomatoes adding a tangy depth of flavor, and the creamy sauce perfectly coating every bite of pasta for unmatched comfort.
- 11 ounces rigatoni: Choose rigatoni or your favorite pasta; its ridges hold the sauce beautifully.
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp bring a tender, juicy seafood touch.
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory background notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a mild kick and aroma.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and a fruity richness.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and helps develop flavor when cooking shrimp.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with its unmistakable punch.
- 3.5 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, chopped and drained: Intensely flavorful and slightly sweet with a chewy texture.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that ties the dish together.
- 1 tablespoon flour: Thickens the sauce to a luscious consistency.
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps build the sauce base.
- 1 cup heavy cream: For that decadently creamy texture that makes this pasta irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon double-concentrated tomato paste: Boosts the tomato flavor and deepens the color.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brings a bright, fresh acidity to balance the creaminess.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped: Aromatic herb freshness that lifts the entire dish.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds umami richness and melt-in-the-mouth goodness.
- Chili flakes, for serving: For those who love a touch of heat to finish.
How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by peeling and deveining your shrimp, then toss them with sweet paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning sets the stage for flavorful, perfectly cooked shrimp. As you do this, mince the garlic, chop the sun-dried tomatoes and basil, and grate the Parmesan so everything is ready to go.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until just al dente, following the package directions. Remember to save about half a cup of the pasta water before draining — this starchy liquid is pure gold for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later!
Step 3: Sear the Shrimp
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the shrimp in a single layer and sear for about one minute on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid crowding the pan to ensure they get a nice sear. Once cooked, set them aside while you move on to the sauce.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing for about one minute until you can smell its fragrant aroma. Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper, cooking for another minute to meld the flavors. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and cook for just 30 seconds—this cooks out the raw flour taste while beginning to thicken the sauce.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the skillet’s bottom to lift any flavorful browned bits, then let it simmer for two minutes to reduce slightly. Turn the heat to low and stir in heavy cream, concentrated tomato paste, and lemon juice. Keep simmering for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 6: Combine the Ingredients
Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Add the chopped fresh basil, then toss everything gently to coat each bite in the velvety sauce. Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt seamlessly into the mixture. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water for perfect texture.
Step 7: Serve
Your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe is now ready to make its grand entrance at the dinner table—rich, creamy, and bursting with fresh, savory flavors that will have everyone eagerly reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the dish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil leaves for vibrant color and an herbal lift. Chili flakes can be added at the table for those who crave a kick, perfectly balancing the creamy richness with a touch of heat.
Side Dishes
Since the pasta is quite rich and satisfying, lighter side dishes like a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or garlic roasted vegetables complement it beautifully. Crusty garlic bread is also fantastic for mopping up every last drop of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a restaurant-style presentation, serve the pasta in wide, shallow bowls topped with a few whole shrimp and a basil sprig. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil around the plate and finish with a grating of fresh Parmesan. This elevates the dish and adds a touch of elegance to your meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep the shrimp tender, it’s best to avoid cooking the dish too far in advance, but careful storage helps maintain all the delicious flavors.
Freezing
Freezing this creamy shrimp pasta is not ideal because the sauce’s texture can change after thawing, often becoming slightly grainy. If you must freeze it, separate the shrimp from the sauce and pasta before freezing in airtight containers, then combine and reheat gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power, stirring frequently. To restore creaminess, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water as needed. Avoid overheating, which can toughen the shrimp and cause the sauce to separate.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is recommended for its ridged texture that holds sauce well, penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine are great alternatives depending on your preference.
Is it okay to use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure the shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water into the sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative; just expect a slightly different taste and texture.
How spicy is the dish normally?
The Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe itself is mild, but adding chili flakes when serving allows you to adjust the heat to your liking.
What wine pairs well with this pasta?
Try a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio. Both complement the creamy sauce and delicate shrimp flavors without overpowering them.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, decadent pasta that feels like a special occasion on a plate, the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe is your go-to. It’s an experience that combines easy preparation with incredible flavor, perfect for anytime you want to treat yourself or impress someone dear. Give it a try—you just might find it becoming your new favorite weeknight indulgence.
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Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring perfectly seared shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious Parmesan-infused sauce served over tender rigatoni. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe combines savory spices and fresh herbs for a comforting yet elegant meal perfect for any weeknight or special occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 11 ounces rigatoni (or any pasta of your choice)
Shrimp & Seasoning
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce & Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3.5 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, chopped and drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon double-concentrated tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chili flakes, for serving
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Peel and devein the shrimp, then toss them with sweet paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mince the garlic, chop the sun-dried tomatoes and basil, and grate the Parmesan cheese. Set everything aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sear the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sear for 1 minute per side until they are cooked through and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and the remaining salt and pepper. Cook for another minute. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and cook for 30 seconds while stirring. Deglaze the skillet by pouring in the chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Make It Creamy: Lower the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, tomato paste, and lemon juice. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and chopped basil into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the pasta and shrimp evenly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and allow it to melt into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use any pasta of your choice, but rigatoni or penne works best to hold the creamy sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- For a spicier kick, increase the chili flakes or add a pinch while cooking the sauce.
- If you prefer, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- This dish is best served fresh but can be refrigerated and gently reheated the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
