What kind of pasta should I use?

While the sauce works well with almost any pasta, long, flat shapes like fettuccine or linguine are highly recommended. These shapes have a wide surface area that expertly captures the rich, creamy sauce. If you prefer a short cut, penne or rigatoni with their internal ridges are excellent choices for trapping the sauce.

Why is it called Marry Me Shrimp Pasta?

The name is affectionately attributed to the dish’s intense, irresistible flavor profile. The sauce is so rich, savory, and satisfying—and often so visually appealing—that the dish is said to be romantic and impressive enough to earn a marriage proposal. It’s a fun nickname for a recipe that everyone falls in love with immediately.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter sauce. However, be aware that the final sauce will be thinner and potentially less stable (more prone to breaking). If using half-and-half, make sure the heat is kept very low when adding the cheese, and incorporate a bit more of the starchy pasta water to help stabilize the emulsion.

How do I prevent my shrimp from becoming tough?

The most important step is not to overcook the shrimp. As outlined in the directions, sear the shrimp briefly (1–2 minutes per side) and remove them from the pan. Only return them to the sauce for the final minute of simmering. They finish cooking instantly in the residual heat of the sauce, resulting in tender, succulent bites.

Can I add spinach or other vegetables?

Absolutely. Adding vegetables is a great way to incorporate more color and nutrients into your homemade marry me shrimp pasta recipe . Fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the sauce at the very end. Sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even blanched broccoli florets can also be folded in just before serving.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: Ultimate Homemade Recipe (Easy & Creamy)

The Ultimate Homemade Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe (Tested & Perfected)

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An irresistible and easy recipe for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, featuring succulent shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and a silky Parmesan cream sauce that is guaranteed to impress.

Author: Emily Parker
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb large shrimp (21/25 count), peeled and deveined

12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta

4 cloves garlic, minced

Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

2 tbsp olive oil

3 tbsp unsalted butter

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and chopped)

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Reserved pasta water

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta al dente and reserve 1 cup of starchy water. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt/pepper.

2. Heat oil and 1 tbsp butter. Sear shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until pink and slightly underdone. Remove from pan and set aside.

3. Add remaining butter, garlic, red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano to the pan. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Pour in chicken broth and reduce slightly. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Slowly whisk in Parmesan until smooth and seasoned.

5. Add the drained pasta and reserved pasta water (if needed) to the sauce. Toss well.

6. Return the shrimp to the pan and cook for 1 minute until heated through. Stir in fresh basil and serve immediately.

Notes

Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce. Pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy.

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but keep the heat low.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 650
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 45g
Cholesterol: 175mg

Find it online: https://www.flavourrecipe.com/marry-me-shrimp-pasta/