Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: The Best Recipe You’ll Ever Try

There’s a reason this dish earned its memorable name. Legend has it that after tasting this extraordinary shrimp pasta, more than one dinner guest has been so impressed they’ve proposed marriage on the spot! While I can’t guarantee a proposal, I can promise that Marry Me Shrimp Pasta delivers a restaurant-quality experience that will have everyone at your table falling in love with the food, at least.

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As someone who’s tested countless pasta recipes over the years, I can confidently say this dish stands in a league of its own. The combination of plump, succulent shrimp and pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce with the perfect balance of flavors creates a truly unforgettable meal. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself to something special, this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta recipe deserves a permanent spot in your cooking repertoire.

How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Quick Overview

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta combines perfectly cooked shrimp with al dente pasta in a luxuriously creamy tomato sauce that strikes the ideal balance between richness and acidity. What makes this dish truly special is how the sweet, briny flavor of the shrimp complements the vibrant sauce, which is infused with aromatic garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes.

Despite its impressive results, this recipe is surprisingly approachable. The sauce comes together in one pan, requiring minimal cleanup, and the entire dish can be prepared in about 35 minutes from start to finish—25 minutes of active cooking time and about 10 minutes of prep. The straightforward process makes it achievable even on busy weeknights, though the results are certainly worthy of your most special occasions.

The finishing touch of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon elevates this dish from merely delicious to truly memorable, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will have everyone requesting seconds (and possibly proposing marriage).

The Ingredients I Use to Bring My Marry Me Shrimp Pasta to Life

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but recommended)

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces linguine or fettuccine (can substitute spaghetti or any pasta shape you prefer)
• 1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 medium shallot, finely diced (about ¼ cup)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, with extra for garnish
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For Finishing:

• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Zest of half a lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Pasta

1. Bring water to a boil: Fill a large pot with water (about 4 quarts), add 1 teaspoon of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Cook the pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes. Remember that the pasta will continue cooking slightly when combined with the sauce, so aim for the lower end of the cooking time range.
3. Reserve pasta water: Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water. This will help adjust the consistency of your sauce later if needed.
4. Drain the pasta: Drain the pasta in a colander, but do not rinse it. The starch on the pasta will help the sauce adhere better.

Preparing the Shrimp

5. Season the shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (if using). Make sure all shrimp are evenly coated.
6. Cook the shrimp: Preheat a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding. Sear the shrimp for 1–2 minutes on each side, just until they turn pink and opaque. They should be slightly undercooked, as they will finish cooking in the sauce later.
7. Set aside: Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Making the Sauce

8. Sauté aromatics: In the same pan used for the shrimp (no need to clean it), add 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic, diced shallot, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring often, until aromatic and softened, being careful not to let them brown.
9. Build the sauce base: Add the tomato paste to the pan and cook, stirring continuously, for about 1 minute to caramelize slightly and deepen the flavor.
10. Add tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and add the dried oregano. Stir to combine, then allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly reduced and the flavors have melded together.
11. Create the creamy sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low, then slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (do not boil) and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
12. Incorporate cheese: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until completely melted and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combining the Dish

13. Return the shrimp: Return the partially cooked shrimp and any collected juices to the pan. Gently toss to coat them in the sauce, and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and remain tender.
14. Add the pasta: Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce. Using tongs or two large spoons, gently toss to thoroughly coat the pasta with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
15. Add finishing touches: Remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle in the freshly chopped basil, parsley, lemon zest, and drizzle with the lemon juice. Toss gently to incorporate.
16. Serve immediately: Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large serving bowl. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.

What to Serve Marry Me Shrimp Pasta With

This rich and satisfying pasta dish stands beautifully on its own, but here are some perfect accompaniments to create a complete meal:

• Garlic bread or crusty bread: Essential for sopping up every last drop of that incredible sauce.
• Simple green salad: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. The peppery notes of arugula particularly complement the creamy sauce.
• Roasted asparagus or broccolini: Lightly seasoned and roasted to maintain some crispness, these green vegetables add color and balance to the meal.
• Caprese salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with quality olive oil and balsamic glaze offer a light, refreshing starter.
• Beverages: A chilled Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or unoaked Chardonnay complements the creamy nature of the dish beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a twist of lemon or a light iced tea works wonderfully.

Top Tips for Perfecting Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

• Shrimp selection matters: Look for wild-caught shrimp when possible for the best flavor. The 21-25 count size (meaning 21-25 shrimp per pound) works perfectly for this dish – they’re large enough to be substantial but not so large that they overwhelm the pasta.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp: They should be removed from the initial cook when they’re still slightly translucent in the center, as they’ll finish cooking when returned to the sauce. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough.
• Pasta water is liquid gold: The starchy water reserved from cooking the pasta is perfect for adjusting the consistency of your sauce. Add it a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired thickness.
• Timing is everything: Start cooking the pasta when you begin making the sauce so everything finishes around the same time. Ideally, the pasta should go directly from colander to sauce with minimal waiting.
• Heavy cream substitution: For a lighter version, you can replace half the heavy cream with half-and-half. I don’t recommend using milk, as it won’t provide the same richness and may curdle more easily.
• Cheese quality matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated. The pre-grated varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.
• Heat management: When adding the cream to your tomato sauce, reduce the heat and avoid boiling. High heat can cause the cream to separate, resulting in a grainy texture.
• Layering flavors: Don’t skip the final additions of fresh herbs and lemon. These bright, fresh elements balance the richness of the cream and really make all the flavors pop.
• Pasta choice flexibility: While linguine and fettuccine are traditional choices that hold the sauce beautifully, this sauce works well with nearly any pasta shape. Choose what you have on hand or prefer.
• Make it spicier: If you enjoy heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration:

• Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers.
• Stored properly in the refrigerator, Marry Me Shrimp Pasta will keep for up to 3 days.
• The pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so the texture may be slightly different when reheated.

Freezing (not ideal but possible):

• While cream-based pasta dishes aren’t the best candidates for freezing, you can freeze this dish if necessary.
• To ensure the best texture, cook the pasta slightly less than al dente before freezing, since it will continue to soften during reheating.
• Store in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating:

• Stovetop method (preferred): Place the pasta in a skillet and add a splash of water, cream, or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce. Cover and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Microwave method: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a tablespoon of water or cream, and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat at 50% power for 1 minute, then stir and continue heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Oven method: Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish, add 2-3 tablespoons of water or cream, cover with foil, and heat at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Refreshing the dish:

• After reheating, consider adding a fresh squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh herbs to revive the flavors.
• A dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving can also help refresh the dish.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta truly lives up to its name as a dish worthy of lifelong commitment. The combination of succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and that irresistible creamy tomato sauce creates a dining experience that turns even an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion. While it may not actually prompt a marriage proposal, it will certainly earn you a reputation as an exceptional cook who knows how to create restaurant-quality meals at home. Try it once, and I guarantee it will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!

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