There’s something magical about the combination of creamy sauce, succulent shrimp, and perfectly al dente pasta. Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is more than just a meal – it’s an experience. With rich, flavorful ingredients coming together in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for impressing loved ones or simply treating yourself to a restaurant-worthy dinner at home.
I first tried this recipe on a whim, inspired by the popular "Marry Me Chicken." With a few tweaks, I turned it into a shrimp version that has quickly become a household favorite. If you’re looking for a dish that’s elegant, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make, this is it. Let’s dive into why you’ll adore this recipe.
Why You'll Love This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Get ready to fall head over heels for this decadent dish. Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is not only delicious but also incredibly practical for weeknights or special occasions.
This recipe is surprisingly quick and easy to prepare. Even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll appreciate how straightforward the steps are. In about 25 minutes, you’ll have a meal that tastes like it came straight from a fancy Italian restaurant.
It’s also a real showstopper. The combination of tender shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luxurious cream sauce makes this pasta as visually stunning as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or having a romantic night in, this dish will wow everyone at the table.
Not only is it packed with flavor, but it’s also highly adaptable. You can swap out ingredients to suit dietary preferences or use what you have on hand. This versatility makes it an excellent addition to your recipe collection.
And let’s not forget the leftovers! If you’re lucky enough to have any, they reheat beautifully for a satisfying lunch or dinner the next day.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta lies in its thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element contributes to the dish's irresistible flavor and texture.
The shrimp is the star of the show. I recommend using large, deveined shrimp with the tails removed. They cook quickly and add a touch of sweetness to the creamy sauce. Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp works wonderfully too – just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
Pasta serves as the foundation of this dish. Fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti are all excellent choices, as their long strands hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. Cook the pasta just shy of al dente, as it will continue to cook when combined with the sauce.
The sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of tangy sweetness that complements the richness of the sauce. Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor and a touch of extra moisture.
Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese are the base of the sauce, creating that velvety texture that makes this dish so irresistible. For a slightly lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half, though the sauce won’t be as rich.
A touch of crushed red pepper flakes gives the dish a subtle kick. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
If you have it, a large skillet or sauté pan is the only special equipment you’ll need. It’s perfect for cooking the shrimp and bringing the sauce together seamlessly.
How to Make This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Creating this luscious dish is a breeze. With just a few steps, you’ll have a meal that’s guaranteed to impress.
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions, but stop a minute or two before it’s fully cooked. Reserve about a cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, followed by the shrimp. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Toss in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them soften for about 1-2 minutes. This step enhances their natural sweetness and infuses the oil with flavor.
Pour in heavy cream and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening. The pasta will finish cooking in the sauce, soaking up all that creamy goodness.
Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and serve immediately. This dish is best enjoyed hot, with extra Parmesan on the side for sprinkling.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers, don’t worry – this pasta reheats beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating, add a splash of cream, milk, or pasta water to help loosen the sauce. Warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Unfortunately, this dish doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy sauce, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh or within a few days of cooking.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is how adaptable it is. You can tweak it to suit your preferences or make it with what you have on hand.
Swap the shrimp for chicken or scallops if you prefer a different protein. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure your protein is perfectly cooked.
For a vegetarian version, omit the shrimp and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. These vegetables pair beautifully with the creamy sauce and sun-dried tomatoes.
If you want to lighten the dish, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reducing the amount of Parmesan. While the sauce won’t be as rich, it will still be delicious.
To make it gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to cook it slightly less than al dente, as gluten-free pasta can become mushy if overcooked.
Add a personal twist with extra ingredients like capers, olives, or a splash of white wine in the sauce. These additions can elevate the flavors and make the dish uniquely yours.
This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you stick to the recipe or experiment with your own variations, you’re sure to create a dish that’s as unforgettable as its name. Enjoy!
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Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta recipe featuring tender shrimp, a luscious creamy sauce, and flavorful pasta. Perfect for date nights or special occasions, this dish will leave everyone asking for more.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Mix in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the shrimp back to the skillet and toss with the sauce. Gradually stir in the cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- Substitute chicken for shrimp if desired.
- Adjust sauce consistency with additional pasta water or cream.
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
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