If you are searching for a dish that speaks volumes of comfort, elegance, and a burst of vibrant flavors, look no further than the Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe. This unforgettable recipe combines succulent shrimp, a creamy parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, and freshly chopped basil to create an irresistible meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether for a special evening or a cozy weeknight diner, this recipe is guaranteed to impress and satisfy every seafood lover’s craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To nail the Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe, you’ll want to have a handful of simple yet essential ingredients ready. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing the richness, texture, and color, making the dish shine with every bite.
- 8 ounces linguine pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto that creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed, these little gems bring that sweet, briny bite that’s impossible to resist.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a classic Mediterranean flair.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Highlights all the flavors subtly without overwhelming.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the shrimp perfectly golden.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Creates a rich base for the creamy sauce.
- 3 teaspoons garlic, minced: Brings an aromatic punch that wakes up the palate.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The secret to thickening that luscious sauce just right.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Adds depth and savory undertones to the cream sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: For that decadent, silky mouthfeel you won’t forget.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Melts into the sauce for a nutty, cheesy richness.
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped: Offers a tangy sweetness and vibrant color burst.
- â…“ cup fresh basil, chopped: Adds fresh herbal brightness that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: A smoky hint to balance the creaminess.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: More herbaceous goodness for the sauce.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: To fine-tune and bring all flavors together harmoniously.
- Additional fresh basil, for garnish: For that final touch of freshness and beauty.
How to Make Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your linguine pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente. This means it should be tender but still have a slight bite, which will perfectly complement the creamy sauce and juicy shrimp later on. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, allowing it to be ready when your sauce is done.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, toss the shrimp with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. This simple seasoning mix enhances the flavor of the shrimp without overpowering their natural sweetness.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook them until they turn a lovely pink color, about 6-8 minutes. Make sure not to overcook, as you want them juicy and tender. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Immediately add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but not browned—this is where the magic begins! Whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour to form a roux, which will thicken your sauce beautifully.
Step 5: Build Creamy Goodness
Slowly pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Continue heating and whisking the sauce until it starts to thicken, becoming lovely and smooth.
Step 6: Flavor the Sauce
Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, â…“ cup of fresh basil, 1 teaspoon paprika, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk everything together until the cheese melts, and the sauce is creamy, flavorful, and packed with vibrant colors.
Step 7: Combine and Finish Cooking
Add the cooked shrimp and pasta directly into the sauce. Toss everything gently to coat the linguine and shrimp in that irresistible creamy mixture. Let it all sauté together for an additional 3-4 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly and your shrimp reheat gently without becoming rubbery.
How to Serve Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few sprigs of fresh basil on top right before serving adds an aromatic burst and beautiful color contrast. You can also sprinkle a bit more grated Parmesan cheese for that final cheesy indulgence that just melts in your mouth.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, steamed asparagus, or roasted vegetables. A crusty baguette or garlic bread on the side is perfect to soak up any leftover sauce and complete your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe in shallow bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. For a special occasion, plate the pasta in a neat nest and top each serving with the shrimp arranged artfully. A lemon wedge on the side brightens the dish and adds a refreshing zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce keeps well for up to 3 days and remains delicious after a quick reheat.
Freezing
Because this dish is cream-based with delicate shrimp, freezing is not ideal as the texture may change. If you must freeze, separate the pasta and shrimp from the sauce to retain better quality, but fresh is always best for this recipe.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the shrimp tender and the sauce silky.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine is traditional for this recipe, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne would all work beautifully. Just make sure to cook according to package instructions for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes. You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Also, use gluten-free pasta to keep the dish gluten-free.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Definitely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. This prevents excess moisture and helps achieve that perfect sear.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, semi-dried or roasted cherry tomatoes would add a wonderful sweetness and color to the sauce. Fresh tomatoes won’t have quite the same concentrated flavor but can still work in a pinch.
How spicy is this recipe?
The Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe is generally mild with warming paprika and Italian seasoning flavors. If you prefer some heat, you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes to taste either during cooking or as a garnish.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels special yet comes together with surprising ease. It’s creamy, flavorful, and bursting with vibrant colors and textures that delight the senses. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, I promise this recipe will have you coming back for seconds and sharing it as a cherished favorite for years to come. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
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 is a creamy and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a rich sauce made with Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and a blend of Italian seasonings. Cooked linguine is tossed in the luscious sauce to create a comforting and elegant meal perfect for any occasion.
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 package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- 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.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally to avoid overcooking.
- Remove Shrimp: Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside, leaving the flavorful oil in the skillet.
- Make Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
- Sauté Garlic: Add 3 teaspoons minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare Roux: Whisk in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour into the butter and garlic mixture to form a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes without browning.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine smoothly.
- Thicken Sauce: Continue whisking and cooking over medium heat until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, â…“ cup chopped fresh basil, 1 teaspoon paprika, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish Sauce: Whisk and heat the sauce until it is smooth, creamy, and heated through.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked shrimp and linguine pasta to the sauce in the skillet.
- Toss to Coat: Toss everything together gently to ensure the pasta and shrimp are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Final Sauté: Sauté the combined mixture for another 3-4 minutes over medium heat to meld the flavors and warm through.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with additional fresh basil leaves and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute linguine with other pasta types like fettuccine or spaghetti as preferred.
- Adjust the seasoning according to taste, especially the salt and pepper.
- For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but this will alter the creaminess.
