Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: The Ultimate Recipe for Romance

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: The name alone promises a dish so irresistible, so utterly divine, that it could inspire a proposal! And trust me, it lives up to the hype. I first stumbled upon this recipe years ago, and it has since become a staple in my kitchen, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and my secret weapon for impressing guests.

While the exact origins of “Marry Me Shrimp Pasta” remain shrouded in a delightful mystery, the sentiment behind it is clear. This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s an experience. It’s a celebration of rich, creamy flavors, perfectly cooked shrimp, and the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It requires minimal ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impromptu gathering.

People adore Marry Me Shrimp Pasta for its decadent sauce, a symphony of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, red pepper flakes, and heavy cream that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta. The succulent shrimp add a burst of freshness and protein, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. The slight kick from the red pepper flakes elevates the dish, adding a touch of excitement to each bite. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to savor every mouthful, and perhaps, just perhaps, inspires a little romance along the way.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound linguine pasta
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: 2 tablespoons butter
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Preparing the Shrimp and Aromatics

1. First things first, let’s get our shrimp ready. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps them get a nice sear later on. Season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy! The seasoning is key to flavorful shrimp.
2. Now, let’s prep the aromatics. Mince the garlic cloves. I like to use a garlic press for this, but finely chopping them works just as well. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes. If they are packed in oil, make sure to drain them well before chopping. I find that chopping them into smaller pieces helps them distribute evenly throughout the sauce.
3. If you’re using fresh parsley, chop it finely. Set aside.

Cooking the Pasta

1. While we’re prepping, let’s get the pasta cooking. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The water should be generously salted – think “sea water” salty. This seasons the pasta from the inside out.
2. Add the linguine pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, so the pasta should be firm but cooked through.
3. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water is liquid gold and will help create a creamy and emulsified sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Making the “Marry Me” Sauce

1. Now for the magic! In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
2. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will steam the shrimp instead of searing them. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally. This will help release their flavor and infuse the oil.
4. Pour in the dry white wine and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds a ton of flavor to the sauce. Let the wine simmer for about 2-3 minutes, or until it has reduced slightly.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and the sauce is smooth. The Parmesan cheese adds richness and helps to thicken the sauce further.
7. If you want an even richer sauce, now is the time to stir in the butter. This is optional, but it adds a lovely sheen and extra flavor.
8. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that the Parmesan cheese is already salty, so start with a small amount of salt and adjust as needed.
9. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce.

Bringing It All Together

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
2. Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
3. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and parsley (if using). The fresh herbs add a bright and vibrant flavor to the dish.
4. Serve immediately. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Tips and Variations

• Spice it up: If you like a little more heat, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as spinach, asparagus, or mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables in the skillet before adding the sun-dried tomatoes.
• Use different pasta: While linguine is the classic choice for this dish, you can use other types of pasta, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne.
• Make it lighter: To make the dish lighter, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also use less Parmesan cheese.
• Add lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end adds a bright and zesty flavor to the dish.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, cook the pasta and shrimp, then add them to the sauce.
• Shrimp size: I prefer large shrimp for this recipe, but you can use any size you like. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: If you can’t find oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, you can use dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes. Just rehydrate them in hot water for about 15 minutes before chopping.
• Wine substitution: If you don’t have white wine, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead.
• Garlic lovers: If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add even more garlic to the sauce!

Serving Suggestions

This “Marry Me” Shrimp Pasta is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

• Garlic bread
• A simple green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Bruschetta

Storage Instructions

Leftover “Marry Me” Shrimp Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp.

Why is it called “Marry Me” Pasta?

The name “Marry Me” Pasta comes from the fact that it’s supposedly so delicious that anyone who eats it will want to marry the person who made it! While I can’t guarantee that it will lead to a proposal, I can promise that it’s a truly delicious and impressive dish that’s sure to impress your loved ones.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making and eating this “Marry Me” Shrimp Pasta as much as I do! It’s a perfect dish for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or just a cozy night in. Let me know in the comments if you try it and what you think!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to slow down, savor every bite, and share it with someone you love (or, you know, maybe even propose!). The creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce, the perfectly cooked shrimp, and the al dente pasta all come together in a symphony of flavors that’s simply irresistible. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to impress, comfort, or simply treat themselves to something special.

But don’t just take my word for it! The beauty of this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment and make it your own. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can easily substitute it with chicken, scallops, or even grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option. Want to add some extra greens? Spinach or kale would be delicious additions, stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions:

This pasta is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad and some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. A glass of chilled white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, would perfectly complement the richness of the dish. For a more casual meal, serve it with a simple garlic bread. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.

Variations to Explore:

* Creamy Pesto Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: Add a tablespoon or two of pesto to the sauce for a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor.
* Spicy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: Incorporate a finely chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
* Lemon Garlic Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and an extra clove of garlic for a bright and zesty twist.
* Vegetarian Marry Me Pasta: Replace the shrimp with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear about your experiences! Seriously, this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a game-changer. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for a special occasion.

So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get cooking! Don’t be afraid to get creative and personalize the recipe to your liking. And most importantly, have fun!

Once you’ve tried it, please come back and share your thoughts in the comments below. Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your loved ones think? I’m eager to hear all about your culinary adventures. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love.

I truly believe that food is meant to be shared, so don’t keep this delicious recipe a secret! Share it with your friends, family, and anyone who appreciates a good meal. Spread the love (and the pasta!). Happy cooking!