30-Minute Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta – Absolutely Irresistible!

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Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a romantic, flavor-packed dish that absolutely lives up to its name—and then some! If you’re looking to make a dinner that’s memorable, indulgent, and downright irresistible, this is the recipe to keep on hand. Right after the first bite, you’ll understand why it’s called “Marry Me”—it’s creamy, savory, rich, and totally swoon-worthy. Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta combines tender shrimp, velvety sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta into a one-pan wonder that could very well seal the deal at any dinner table.

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What Is Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta?

Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a comforting pasta dish featuring sautéed shrimp bathed in a decadent garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. It’s inspired by the viral “Marry Me Chicken” recipe, but with a seafood twist that makes it feel extra elegant. This pasta is quick enough for a weeknight and special enough for a date night—it really walks that fine line between comforting and gourmet.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

• Fast and fabulous: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.

• Restaurant-quality at home: Creamy, rich, and layered with flavor.

• Perfectly customizable: Make it spicy, herbaceous, or extra cheesy!

• Romantic and comforting: Ideal for anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, or “just because” dinners.

What Does Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Taste Like?

Oh, the taste! Imagine juicy shrimp coated in a luxurious garlic cream sauce with a touch of Parmesan and a whisper of spice from red pepper flakes. Every bite is rich but balanced—there’s umami from the cheese, depth from the garlic, and freshness from the parsley. It’s indulgent but never heavy, and it feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Benefits of Making This Dish

• High in protein thanks to shrimp.

• Satisfying and hearty, but not overwhelming.

• Simple ingredients, most of which are pantry staples.

• Impressive presentation with minimal effort.

 Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up your own Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta:

For the Pasta

• 8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling pasta

• Large skillet

• Tongs or pasta fork

• Mixing bowls

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Garlic press (optional, but handy!)

• Optional equipment: Magic Bullet Blender (for grated cheese or making a smoother sauce), Forged Frying Pan for even heating

 Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

• Pasta: Use linguine, penne, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

• Shrimp: Swap with scallops or cooked chicken breast if preferred.

• Dairy-free? Use coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

• Want it spicier? Double the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

• Add-ins: Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms take it up a notch!

 How to Make Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your fettuccine or spaghetti and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Slowly stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the shrimp to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated in the sauce. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot. Pair with crusty bread and a crisp salad for a complete meal.

 What to Serve with Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

• Garlic bread: Perfect for sopping up that dreamy sauce.

• Green salad: A light, lemony arugula salad pairs beautifully.

• White wine: A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio enhances the richness.

 Tips for Making the Best Shrimp Pasta

• Use fresh shrimp: It really makes a difference in texture and flavor.

• Don’t overcook the shrimp: They should be just pink and slightly curled.

• Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts better and tastes richer.

• Balance the cream: If your sauce gets too thick, add a splash more broth.

 Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

• Freezing not recommended: Cream sauces can separate upon thawing.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the shrimp and cook the pasta ahead of time, but it’s best assembled and served fresh for the creamiest texture. The sauce is at its silkiest right after cooking!

Is Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta spicy?

Only mildly! The red pepper flakes add a gentle kick, but you can easily adjust or omit them if you prefer a milder dish.

Can I use frozen shrimp in this recipe?

Definitely. Just make sure to fully thaw them and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the skillet.

What’s the best pasta shape to use?

Fettuccine and spaghetti are great choices, but linguine, tagliatelle, or even short pastas like penne will also work beautifully with this sauce.

Can I substitute chicken for the shrimp?

Yes! For a surf-and-turf twist or to accommodate allergies, you can replace shrimp with diced or sliced chicken breast. Just cook it fully before adding to the sauce.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your Parmesan and broth are certified gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe for a dinner party?

Yes, and it scales wonderfully! Just use a large enough skillet or Dutch oven, and cook the shrimp in batches so they sear properly.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

If your sauce thickens too much while simmering or reheating, simply add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, and it’s a great way to add color and nutrients! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed asparagus are all delicious add-ins.

What wine pairs best with this dish?

A chilled glass of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy garlic-Parmesan flavors beautifully.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the kind of dinner that turns an ordinary night into a special occasion. It’s easy enough for beginners but flavorful enough to impress. If you’ve ever wanted to win someone over with a home-cooked meal—or just treat yourself to something amazing—this is the one. I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!

More Romantic and Comforting Recipes You’ll Love:

• Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe – Creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-satisfying.

• Marry Me Chickpeas – A Vegan Delight – All the romance, none of the meat!

• Ravioli with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Garlic, and Herbs – A veggie-packed pasta dream!

Let’s Stay Connected!

Tried this recipe? I’d LOVE to hear from you! Leave a comment, rate it below, or share your photo on Pinterest and tag me so I can cheer you on! Your creations seriously make my day.

 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 520 kcal

• Fat: 25g

• Carbohydrates: 50g

• Protein: 20g

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