If you’re looking for a dish that balances creamy indulgence and fresh flavors all in one skillet, the Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort meal. This recipe brings together succulent, perfectly seasoned shrimp with a luscious, garlicky cream sauce studded with sun-dried tomatoes and bright basil, all tossed with tender linguine. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or simply treating yourself to an unforgettable dinner, this dish promises layers of flavor that are as impressive as they are easy to create at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, from the delicate shrimp to the creamy sauce and aromatic herbs. These simple, accessible ingredients come together effortlessly to make something truly special.
- 8 ounces linguine pasta: Serves as the perfect tender base to soak up the creamy sauce.
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: Adds a sweet, succulent seafood touch that’s the star of the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses the shrimp with classic Mediterranean herbs for a savory bite.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Adds a subtle heat to balance the creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for sautéing the shrimp without overpowering their flavor.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Forms the rich base for the velvety sauce.
- 3 teaspoons garlic, minced: Brings aromatic depth and a gentle kick to the creamy sauce.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce into a smooth, luscious consistency.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Provides a savory, umami-rich foundation for the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Ensures the sauce’s signature velvety richness.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that melts perfectly into the sauce.
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped: Offers a concentrated burst of sweet, tangy flavor and vibrant color.
- ⅓ cup fresh basil, chopped: Brings fresh, herbaceous brightness to lighten the creamy sauce.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a warm, smoky undertone that rounds out the flavors.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Another boost of herbs to complement the sauce’s layers.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential finishing touches to balance and enhance every bite.
- Additional fresh basil, for garnish: Adds a pop of green and fresh aroma when serving.
How to Make Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your linguine pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—that perfect tender but still slightly firm texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to mingle with the sauce and shrimp later on.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper. This simple seasoning blend is what gives the shrimp that irresistible flavor that shines through the creamy sauce.
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 for about 6 to 8 minutes until they turn a lovely pink color and curl up—just don’t overcook because you want them tender and juicy, not rubbery. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds—just enough to unleash its fragrance without burning. Then, whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to form a roux, stirring constantly for about a minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
Slowly whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream, continuing to whisk until the sauce begins to thicken into a silky consistency. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, ⅓ cup of fresh basil, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Keep whisking and heating until everything is perfectly combined and smooth.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add the drained linguine pasta. Toss everything gently to ensure every strand of pasta and every shrimp is lovingly coated in that creamy, flavorful sauce. Let it sauté together for another 3 to 4 minutes to marry the flavors before turning off the heat.
How to Serve Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are your best friend when it comes to garnishing this dish. Their bright green hue and fragrant aroma add a beautiful finish and fresh contrast to the rich sauce. You might also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese over the top to delight both the eyes and the taste buds.
Side Dishes
To balance this creamy delight, serve it alongside a crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread also pairs wonderfully, perfect for mopping up every last drop of the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls garnished with basil and a twist of lemon zest for a hint of brightness. If you’re entertaining, consider plating it over zucchini noodles or creamy polenta for a unique texture contrast and a beautiful presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The shrimp is best eaten fresh but will still be tasty the next day when gently reheated.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is not ideal because the cream sauce can separate, and shrimp’s texture can become rubbery. If you must freeze, keep the pasta and shrimp separate, and freeze the sauce in a sealed container. Thaw and recombine before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the dish gently over low to medium heat on the stovetop, stirring often. Add a splash of milk or water if the sauce seems too thick or is separating, to bring back that silky texture without drying out the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure they sear nicely and don’t release excess water into the sauce.
What kind of pasta works best for Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe?
Linguine is classic here because its flat shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, but fettuccine or even spaghetti will also work well depending on your preference.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine, use a plant-based cream alternative, and swap Parmesan for a vegan cheese to make a delicious dairy-free version.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe has a mild warmth from the paprika and black pepper, but it is not spicy. You can always add red pepper flakes if you want to give it some heat.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
It’s great for meal prepping if you store components separately and reheat gently. Keep the pasta and shrimp separate from the sauce to avoid textural changes after storing.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe that makes it a standout dish in any weeknight rotation or special occasion menu. Its blend of simple ingredients that come alive in a creamy, herby sauce is just irresistible. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see just how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality dinner that feels like a celebration every time. Happy cooking and here’s to many delicious meals ahead!
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Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta recipe is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan sauce served over linguine. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dinner, it combines Italian seasonings with fresh basil and paprika for a deliciously satisfying experience.
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
- ⅓ 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 it well and set aside temporarily.
- Season Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper to ensure even flavoring.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook until they turn pink and are just cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
- Remove Shrimp: Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside temporarily.
- Make Sauce – Melt Butter: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Create Roux: Whisk in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour to form a roux, cooking briefly to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream, stirring continuously to keep the sauce smooth.
- Thicken Sauce: Continue whisking and heating the mixture until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, ⅓ cup fresh chopped basil, 1 teaspoon paprika, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk well until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Shrimp and Pasta: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the drained linguine pasta.
- Toss to Coat: Gently toss everything together so the pasta and shrimp are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Finish Cooking: Sauté the combined mixture for an additional 3 to 4 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with additional fresh basil leaves before serving immediately for a vibrant, fresh finish.
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add great flavor and texture; rehydrate them if they are too dry before chopping.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best sauce texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
