Best Marry Me Shrimp Pasta – Creamy, Garlicky & Absolutely Delicious!

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta earned its name for a reason – it’s the kind of meal that might just prompt a marriage proposal! This indulgent pasta dish combines perfectly cooked shrimp with a rich, creamy garlic sauce that coats every strand of pasta with flavor. Perfect for cool night dinner ideas when you want something special without hours in the kitchen, this pescatarian pasta dish delivers restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. Whether you’re cooking a romantic dinner for two or treating yourself to an elevated weekday meal, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something truly magical. The best part? This super yummy dinner idea comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for both special occasions and quick dinner ideas with shrimp when time is limited.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta isn’t just another pasta recipe – it’s a game-changer for your dinner rotation. The combination of tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a silky garlic cream sauce creates a dish that feels luxurious but requires minimal effort. If you’re looking for dinner ideas easy shrimp recipes often miss the mark on flavor, but not this one!

Perfect for Special Occasions & Everyday Dinners

What makes this dish truly exceptional is its versatility. The elegant presentation and rich flavors make it perfect for date nights or celebrations, but the simple preparation means it’s equally suitable for weekday meals dinners when you need something delicious without the fuss. The recipe scales easily – make it for one as a yummy dinner recipe for one, or double it for a dinner party that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Yet Impressive Results

For those nights when you need quick dinner ideas with shrimp, this recipe delivers maximum impact with minimal time investment. The sauce comes together in minutes, and the shrimp cooks so quickly that you’ll have dinner on the table before anyone has time to get too hungry. Despite the speed, the depth of flavor suggests hours of cooking – a perfect illusion for impressing guests or treating yourself after a long day.

Ingredients for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

The magic of this recipe lies in quality ingredients that work together to create something greater than the sum of their parts. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Pasta and Shrimp

• 8 oz (225g) linguine or fettuccine pasta
• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

For the Creamy Sauce

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup (60ml) dry white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, thinly sliced
• Zest of one lemon

How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

This easy dinner idea with shrimp comes together in just a few straightforward steps. Follow these instructions for perfect results every time:

Preparing the Pasta and Shrimp

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. While pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter until butter is melted and foaming slightly.
4. Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove to a plate and set aside.

Creating the Creamy Garlic Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Pour in wine or broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow to simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced.
3. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
5. Add lemon zest and lemon juice, stirring to combine.
6. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until pasta is evenly coated with sauce and shrimp is distributed throughout.
7. Remove from heat and fold in fresh herbs, reserving a small amount for garnish.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving immediately.

Storage & Reheating Tips

While this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, sometimes you’ll have leftovers or want to prepare components ahead of time for quick weekday meals dinners.

Proper Storage Methods

Seafood pasta dishes require careful storage to maintain quality and food safety. If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly and consume within 2 days for best results. The cream sauce may thicken considerably when chilled – this is normal and can be addressed when reheating.

Best Practices for Reheating

Reheating seafood pasta requires gentle heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Place leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water, broth, or cream to help revitalize the sauce. Cover and warm slowly, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until just warm. Avoid high heat methods that will toughen the shrimp. A fresh sprinkle of herbs and Parmesan will help refresh the flavors.

FAQs and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp works perfectly for this recipe. Thaw them completely before cooking and pat them very dry to ensure proper searing.

What can I substitute for heavy cream to make this lighter?
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk thickened with a teaspoon of cornstarch. The sauce won’t be quite as rich but will still be delicious.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation.

What sides pair well with this pasta dish?
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted asparagus makes perfect accompaniments that won’t compete with the richness of the pasta.

Can I make this ahead for a dinner party?
I recommend cooking the pasta slightly less than al dente and preparing the sauce separately. Refrigerate both, then combine and finish cooking just before serving, adding a splash of pasta water to refresh the sauce.

The Perfect Meal for Any Occasion

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta proves that simple ingredients, treated with care, can create a dining experience worth celebrating. Whether you’re searching for cool night dinner ideas, quick meals with shrimp for busy evenings, or a special pescatarian pasta dish to impress someone special, this recipe delivers in every way.

The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability – make it exactly as written for a proposal-worthy dinner, or use it as a template you can customize based on what’s in your pantry. The combination of tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and that unforgettable garlic cream sauce creates something truly magical that elevates ordinary evenings into memorable occasions. FOR MORE RECIPES FOLLOW ME IN  PINTEREST