Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

I absolutely love the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe because it strikes this perfect balance between indulgent and fresh – the creamy sauce is rich without being too heavy, and the shrimp has that lovely smoky, tangy kick from the sun-dried tomato oil. Every time I make this, it feels like a little celebration in my kitchen, yet it’s surprisingly easy and quick to pull together on a weeknight.

You’ll find that this recipe shines on those cozy nights when you want a dish that tastes fancy but doesn’t require hours of babysitting. The layers of flavor from the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and that luscious blend of parmesan and cream will keep everyone at the table coming back for seconds. Trust me, once you try this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe, it’ll become your go-to pasta for impressing guests or just treating yourself.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to give you that classic Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe vibe — creamy, smoky, and just the right touch of savory sweetness. For the best result, try to use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes with oil and good parmesan cheese.

• Extra large shrimp: Peeled and deveined for convenience; I love using fresh or thawed frozen shrimp for juicier bites.
• Smoked paprika: This brings an irresistible smoky warmth that’s absolutely essential.
• Italian seasoning: A pop of classic herbs that ties the dish together.
• Black pepper: Adds just a bit of ground heat and depth.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, so don’t skip it.
• Sun-dried tomato oil: This oil is pure magic, soaking the shrimp with subtle tomato richness.
• Tomato paste: Use a good quality one like Cento for that rich tomato backbone.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Diced for bursts of intense sweetness and chewiness in the sauce.
• Dried basil: Adds a fragrant, slightly sweet herbal note.
• Gluten free 1:1 flour: For thickening the sauce without lumps.
• Diced spinach: Freshness and color, plus a gentle earthiness.
• Butter: For richness and to build flavor in the sauce.
• Minced onion and garlic: The aromatic base that wakes up the dish.
• Vegetable broth: Adds moisture and depth without heaviness.
• Heavy cream: Gives that silky, creamy texture everyone loves.
• Parmesan cheese: The salty, nutty finish that pulls it all together.
• Fresh basil: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a fresh, bright finish.
• Gluten free penne: Or any pasta you love—cooks to al dente and holds the sauce beautifully.

Variations

I love making this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe my own by swapping a few ingredients or adding extras based on what I’m in the mood for. Feel free to customize it – it’s a flexible recipe that plays well with your favorites.

• Add a kick: I sometimes toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh chili for a little heat that wakes up the sauce beautifully.
• Switch the seafood: If shrimp isn’t your thing, scallops or chunks of white fish also work really well with this creamy tomato sauce.
• Make it vegetarian: Leave out the shrimp and double up on the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for a lovely veggie-packed pasta.
• Use fresh herbs: When available, fresh oregano or thyme instead of dried Italian seasoning can elevate the flavor even more.

How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Shrimp

Start by tossing your peeled and deveined shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until they’re evenly coated. Then heat the sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat in a large skillet – this oil is packed with flavor from the jar, so it really makes the shrimp sing. Cook the shrimp for about two minutes on each side; you’re looking for them to turn pink, opaque, and form a nice C-shape. If they curl tightly into an O-shape, that means they’re overcooked and might get rubbery – a mistake I used to make all the time!

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

While the shrimp cooks, boil your gluten-free penne pasta according to the package directions, aiming for al dente. I usually set a timer because it’s easy to let pasta get mushy, especially gluten-free types. When done, drain but save a small cup of pasta water just in case for adjusting sauce consistency later.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet you cooked the shrimp, melt butter over medium-low heat, then add minced garlic, onion, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and dried basil. Cook for about two minutes until everything is fragrant – this step wakes up the flavors beautifully. Next, sprinkle in the gluten free flour and stir well to combine; this will gently thicken the sauce without lumps.

Slowly pour in vegetable broth and heavy cream while stirring to keep it smooth. Add diced spinach and cook until the sauce thickens and the spinach wilts, about five minutes. Finally, stir in parmesan cheese until melted and creamy – this is where the sauce really comes to life.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Carefully fold the cooked pasta into the sauce so every piece is coated in that silky, tomato-ey goodness. Then add back the shrimp and gently stir to combine without breaking up the tender seafood. Garnish everything with freshly chopped basil for a burst of color and fresh herbal aroma. Serve immediately, pairing with your favorite glass of white wine or sparkling water.

How to Serve Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always freshen this dish up with plenty of chopped fresh basil—it adds a bright herbal note that balances the rich sauce perfectly. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of extra parmesan at the table or a few crushed red pepper flakes if I’m feeling adventurous. Lemon wedges on the side can also brighten things up and add a lovely zing.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette and warm, crusty garlic bread to mop up every last bit of sauce. Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli work beautifully too, adding a nice textural contrast and freshness to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the pasta in neat nests, topping each portion with shrimp artfully arranged and a small basil sprig on top. It looks like you put in way more effort than you did! Serving in shallow bowls with a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving elevates the presentation even more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The shrimp stays tender and the sauce thickens nicely, so it’s easy to reheat gently without losing texture or flavor.

Freezing

Personally, I don’t recommend freezing this pasta because the cream sauce can separate and the shrimp texture changes after thawing. However, if you must, freeze immediately after cooking and thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating to minimize texture changes.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave works in a pinch but can make the shrimp rubbery, so I prefer the stovetop method for the best result.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe has become a real favorite in my kitchen because it’s both comforting and impressive, without any complicated steps. It’s one of those dishes I recommend when you want to wow someone (or yourself!) with something delicious yet totally doable. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—go ahead, give it a try and watch your family or guests fall in love bite after bite!

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