Irresistible Marry Me Shrimp Pasta : The Ultimate Dish With Shrimp to Impress

Looking to impress your family, guests, or that special someone with a show-stopping meal that’s quick and easy to make? Look no further than Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. This rich, creamy pasta dish brings together tender shrimp, garlic, sundried tomatoes, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce — all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re planning a cozy date night or serving up a family dinner, this flavorful shrimp and pasta dinner is guaranteed to leave everyone swooning.

This is one of those easy dinner family recipes that feels gourmet without being complicated. It’s also a fantastic option for pescatarians who want something satisfying and protein-rich. If you’ve been looking for the best shrimp dishes dinners to add to your rotation, this one’s a winner.

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Why This Shrimp and Pasta Dinner Is a Keeper

There are countless foods with shrimp, but this one wins hearts — literally. Inspired by the viral “marry me” sauce (made famous with chicken), this version with shrimp might just be even better. It’s quick to cook, irresistibly creamy, and deeply flavorful thanks to garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a hint of spice.

This dish fits every occasion:

• A romantic easy dinner recipe for date night
• A fast and comforting weeknight meal
• A sophisticated option for entertaining
• A staple for fans of pescatarian pasta dishes

And the best part? It comes together in about 30 minutes, making it one of the ultimate nice dinners to make at home.

If you love creamy pasta dishes like this, you might also enjoy this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta or the stunning Creamy Mushroom Pasta.

Ingredients for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this delicious dish with shrimp, staying faithful to the original recipe:

For the Pasta and Shrimp

• 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

For the Sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped and drained)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Make sure you have these kitchen tools ready to prepare this creamy pasta with shrimp:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large non-stick skillet or sauté pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Grater for Parmesan
• Strainer or colander
• Tongs or spatula

These essentials will help make cooking stress-free. For more one-pan ideas, check out this delicious One-Pan Ground Chicken Casserole for your next meal.

How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta (Step-by-Step)

1. Cook the Pasta
   Boil your pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserve a bit of pasta water, and set aside.
2. Sear the Shrimp
   In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic and Build Flavor
   In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes and simmer with broth for about 2 minutes.
4. Create the Cream Sauce
   Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Stir gently as the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. Add Italian seasoning and adjust salt and pepper.
5. Combine Everything
   Add cooked pasta and shrimp back into the pan. Toss to coat evenly. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin the sauce.
6. Finish and Serve
   Top with fresh parsley and extra cheese if desired. Serve hot.

For another pasta recipe with a rich sauce, try the crowd-pleasing Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi.

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Tips to Elevate This Dish With Shrimp

• Use fresh Parmesan for the best flavor and meltability.
• Don’t overcook shrimp — they turn rubbery fast.
• Deglaze with broth to lift all the savory bits from the pan.
• Reserve pasta water — it makes your sauce silky and smooth.

These small details turn your meal into one of the most unforgettable things to cook with shrimp.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Want your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta to look as amazing as it tastes? Try these presentation tricks:

• Twirl pasta into a nest on the plate and top with shrimp
• Drizzle extra sauce around the rim for a restaurant-style finish
• Garnish with parsley, lemon zest, or microgreens
• Serve in shallow white bowls for contrast

It pairs beautifully with this fresh Cucumber Dill Salad or a side of Garlic Butter Corn with Melty Cheese.

Recipe Variations and Dietary Swaps

Want to mix it up? Here are some tasty variations to suit different needs:

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta
• Dairy-free: Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan
• Low-carb: Try zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash
• Add greens: Wilt in baby spinach at the end for extra nutrition

For more pescatarian and plant-forward meals, you’ll love this creamy Marry Me White Bean Spinach Skillet or Vegetarian Pasta Primavera.

How to Store and Reheat Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Storing: Let leftovers cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream. Avoid microwaving shrimp directly to prevent rubbery texture.
Freezing: Not recommended due to the cream and shrimp — the texture won’t hold up.

Perfect Pairings to Complete the Meal

Looking to round out the meal? These recipes make perfect sides:

• Oven-Roasted Garlic Cabbage Steaks
• Crispy Smashed Potato Salad
• Peach Bruschetta with Whipped Ricotta
• Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl

For dessert, pair it with this refreshing No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake or the heavenly Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even easy dishes like this have pitfalls. Avoid these mistakes for a flawless dish:

• Overcooking shrimp: Remove as soon as they turn opaque.
• Using cold cream: Bring it to room temp first for smoother sauce.
• Skipping salt in pasta water: It’s essential for flavor.
• Adding cheese too soon: Wait until the sauce is hot but not boiling.

If you prefer a seafood twist, try Creamy Tuscan Scallops or Baked Garlic Butter Scallops.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw fully and pat dry before cooking.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.

Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick from red pepper flakes. Adjust to your liking.

Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Spinach, peas, or mushrooms work beautifully.

Can I make it ahead?
You can prep the sauce in advance, but shrimp are best cooked fresh.

Why Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Is One of the Best Shrimp Dishes Dinners

This recipe brings together everything we love in a dinner: bold flavors, creamy sauce, juicy shrimp, and comforting pasta. It’s beautiful to serve, easy to make, and fits nearly every occasion. Whether you’re looking for a new dish with shrimp to try or a cozy meal that feels indulgent, this one’s for you.

Need more date-night inspiration? You might fall in love with this zesty Blackened Mahi Mahi or flavorful Mediterranean Baked Fish.

Try It, Share It, and Subscribe for More

If you enjoyed this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, please share the recipe with someone you love, leave a comment, and subscribe to the blog for more delicious, family-friendly, pescatarian, and dinner-perfect meals. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a weeknight treat, you’ll want to cook this one again and again.

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