Description
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, dreamy main course that elevates weeknights with restaurant-worthy flavor. Juicy shrimp simmer in a Parmesan cream sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and lemon, then toss with al dente pasta. Quick skillet steps deliver elegance in under 35 minutes, making it perfect for date night or cozy family dinners, and sure to garner seconds and compliments.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup cooking cream or coconut cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Season shrimp with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and chili flakes if using.
- Pour in cream and chicken broth. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat, using reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Return shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Do not overcook shrimp; cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink.
- For variation, substitute chicken breast and skip seafood.
- Garnish with extra basil or parsley for color and fresh aroma.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of cream, keeping in mind flavor will be lighter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 750 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: Approximately 900 mg
- Fat: 44 g
- Saturated Fat: 23 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 230 mg
Keywords: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, garlic parmesan pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, restaurant-style pasta, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner