This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is creamy, garlicky, and oh-so-satisfying! Loaded with tender shrimp and tossed in a dreamy sauce, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Trust me, once you taste it, you might want to get down on one knee! I love serving this with a crisp salad on the side for the perfect meal. It’s like a cozy hug on a plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fettuccine or rigatoni works well for this dish, but you could also use spaghetti, penne, or even gluten-free options if needed. Just cook according to package instructions until al dente for the best texture.
Shrimp: Fresh large shrimp is ideal, but if you can’t find them, frozen shrimp works fine! Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. You may also use chicken or tofu as a vegetarian alternative.
Olive Oil: This adds a lovely flavor, but you can substitute with avocado oil or even butter if you’re looking for a richer taste.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can swap heavy cream with half-and-half, or if you’re vegan, try coconut cream or cashew cream. These substitutions will alter the flavor slightly, so keep that in mind!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for flavor. However, if you’re out, pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a dairy-free option) can work as alternatives.
How Can You Cook Shrimp Perfectly Every Time?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky, but it’s simpler than you think! The key is to avoid overcooking them. When shrimp turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Here’s how to get it right:
- Heat your skillet on medium heat before adding olive oil, so it’s nice and ready.
- Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip. If you’re using large shrimp, they may take a few extra seconds.
- Remove them as soon as they’re opaque – they continue cooking from residual heat!
Don’t forget to set aside the shrimp while you make your sauce. This will help prevent them from overcooking. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Shrimp:
- 12 oz pasta (such as fettuccine or rigatoni)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick and easy—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. You’ll be enjoying your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta, but save a little bit of the pasta water in case you need it later. Set the pasta aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds or until the garlic is fragrant. Next, gently add the peeled shrimp to the skillet, cooking them for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Cook the Cherry Tomatoes:
In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, mixing everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Add Cheese and Seasoning:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Mix until the cheese melts and is fully incorporated, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine Everything Together:
Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything gently to combine, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if you’d like to adjust the sauce’s thickness.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is ready! Serve it immediately, garnished with freshly chopped basil or parsley for an extra touch of flavor. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them before cooking. You can quickly thaw shrimp by placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Drain well and pat them dry before adding them to the skillet to avoid extra moisture in your dish.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Sure! If you want a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream. Keep in mind that using low-fat dairy may result in a thinner sauce, so you might need to adjust the consistency with a bit more cheese or starch from the pasta water.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce creamy.
What Pasta Works Best for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta?
While fettuccine or rigatoni are great choices, feel free to use any pasta you like! Spaghetti, linguine, or even penne would work well. Just be mindful of cooking times, as thinner pastas usually cook faster.
