Introduction
Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a delicious, indulgent dish that’s perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home. The rich, creamy sauce pairs beautifully with succulent shrimp and tender pasta, creating a meal that feels luxurious yet is easy to prepare. The name “Marry Me” refers to how irresistibly delicious it is—so good, in fact, that it might just inspire a proposal!
The History of Ingredients
This dish is part of a modern wave of fusion recipes that combine classic comfort foods with bold, rich flavors. While shrimp pasta has been a staple in coastal regions, this particular recipe’s claim to fame comes from the creamy sauce that combines the richness of heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan with the savory depth of sun-dried tomatoes. This combination elevates the dish from a basic seafood pasta to a full-fledged showstopper.
Key Ingredients:
- Shrimp: A popular seafood, shrimp offers a delicate yet savory flavor that pairs perfectly with creamy sauces.
- Cream: Heavy cream is essential for the rich, smooth texture that makes this dish feel indulgent.
- Parmesan Cheese: This adds a sharp, salty kick that balances out the creaminess of the sauce.
- Garlic: A must-have for savory depth, garlic adds aromatic warmth.
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: These provide a tangy contrast to the rich cream sauce and bring an umami punch.
- Pasta: Often, fettuccine or linguine is chosen for its ability to hold the creamy sauce well.
Breakdown of Ingredients
- Shrimp: Fresh, medium-sized shrimp work best. They should be peeled and deveined for convenience and tenderness.
- Heavy Cream: The base of the sauce, creating that velvety texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. Pre-grated versions often don’t melt as smoothly.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves give a bold, aromatic base for the sauce.
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: You can find them in jars, typically packed in oil. They add a chewy texture and concentrated flavor.
- Pasta: Fettuccine or linguine are ideal, but you can use any pasta you prefer—penne or spaghetti can work too.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Prepare the Shrimp:
Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you like (paprika or red pepper flakes are great choices for extra flavor). In a skillet, heat a little olive oil or butter and sauté the shrimp until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside. - Cook the Pasta:
While the shrimp cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water. - Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet used for the shrimp, melt some butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. - Combine Pasta and Shrimp:
Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a bit of pasta water if needed to reach your desired sauce consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and any extra spices. - Serve and Garnish:
Plate the pasta, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, and additional grated Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly, and overcooking can make them rubbery. Just a few minutes per side is all you need.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan won’t melt as smoothly, affecting the sauce’s texture.
- Adjust the cream: If you want a lighter sauce, you can substitute half-and-half or milk for some or all of the heavy cream.
- Pasta choice: While fettuccine or linguine is the most traditional, feel free to use whatever pasta shape you prefer or have on hand.
Variations and Customizations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap shrimp for sautéed mushrooms, cauliflower, or roasted vegetables.
- Add a kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes for some spice.
- Lemon zest: For a fresh, zesty note, add lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce.
- Herbs and spices: Play around with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to customize the flavor profile.
- Extra veggies: Spinach, kale, or zucchini are great additions for added color and nutrition.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
While this dish is undeniably rich, you can make it healthier by:
- Using light cream or substituting some of the cream with a lower-fat option.
- Shrimp is a low-calorie, high-protein seafood option.
- Vegetable substitutions: Adding extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini increases the fiber content of the dish.
On average, a single serving of creamy shrimp pasta can have around 600-800 calories, depending on portion size and ingredient choices.
FAQ
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh since pasta can absorb the sauce as it sits, making it less creamy. However, you can prep the shrimp and sauce ahead of time and simply reheat before serving. - What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can omit them or substitute with roasted red peppers or fresh tomatoes. Sun-dried tomatoes add a distinct tangy, concentrated flavor, so a substitution will change the overall taste slightly. - Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking to ensure they cook evenly. - Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the pasta for a gluten-free version. There are many excellent gluten-free pastas available that work well in creamy dishes like this.
Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a crowd-pleaser and can be customized to suit your preferences or dietary needs. The rich, flavorful sauce paired with the shrimp makes this dish feel truly indulgent, while still being simple enough to prepare for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound extra-large shrimp peeled and deveined
- ½ tablespoon smoked paprika
- ¾ tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ tablespoons oil from sun-dried tomatoes
For the Sauce
- 2 ½ tablespoons Cento tomato paste
- ½ cup Cento sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ⅓ teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free 1:1 flour
- 2 cups diced spinach
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons minced onion
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil chopped (for garnish)
- 12 oz gluten-free penne
Instructions
For the Shrimp
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink, opaque, and curl into a C shape. (If they form an O shape, they’ve been cooked too long.)
- Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside to cool.
For the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the garlic, onion, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and dried basil. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring until fragrant.
- Stir in the gluten-free flour, then gradually pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream. Add the spinach and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the spinach wilts.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and continue mixing until it melts smoothly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it to coat with the sauce. Then, gently fold in the cooked shrimp.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve. Enjoy!