Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

The rich, silky sauce swirling around perfectly cooked shrimp and al dente pasta creates an irresistible bite in this Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. This iconic dish earned its charming name because it’s so delicious it might just prompt a marriage proposal! The harmonious blend of creamy garlic sauce, tender juicy shrimp, and a hint of heat makes this pasta dish extraordinary enough for special occasions yet simple enough for weeknight dinners. You’ll learn how to create restaurant-quality Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta with perfectly balanced flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta delivers an exceptional dining experience that strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated and comforting. The velvety sauce coats each strand of pasta while plump shrimp provide a delightful pop of texture in every bite. The rich creaminess is beautifully complemented by the gentle kick of red pepper flakes and the bright notes of fresh lemon.

What makes this shrimp and pasta dish truly special is how quickly it comes together despite its impressive flavor profile. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll create a meal that tastes like it simmered all day. The sauce achieves that perfect consistency – thick enough to cling to the pasta but still silky and luxurious.

Even kitchen novices can master this recipe, as the techniques required are straightforward. The dramatic presentation of pink shrimp nestled in creamy white sauce makes this garlic shrimp pasta recipe equally suitable for romantic date nights or casual family dinners. It’s the kind of versatile dish that feels special no matter when you serve it.

Ingredients

For the Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, you’ll need:

• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 12 ounces (340g) fettuccine or linguine pasta
• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 shallot, finely diced (about ¼ cup)
• ¼-½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ½ cup (120ml) dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1½ cups (360ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Zest of one lemon
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

The star of this creamy shrimp pasta is obviously the shrimp – look for fresh, plump ones for the best texture. The heavy cream provides the luxurious base for the sauce, while good quality Parmesan adds depth and umami. Fresh lemon brightens the rich sauce and complements the seafood perfectly.

Pro Tips

Perfect Shrimp Cooking: The secret to juicy, tender shrimp in your Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is avoiding overcooking. Shrimp cook extremely quickly – just 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the pan as soon as they’re done, then add them back to the sauce at the very end. This prevents the rubbery texture that comes from overcooked seafood.

Building Flavor Foundations: Create depth in your garlic cream sauce by properly sautéing the aromatics. Cook the shallots and garlic in butter until fragrant but not browned (about 1-2 minutes). This releases their essential oils and flavors without any bitterness. When you add the wine, make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the pan – these contain concentrated flavors that will elevate your sauce.

Pasta Water Magic: Always save about 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water before draining. This liquid gold serves two purposes in your shrimp pasta recipe: it helps thin the sauce if it becomes too thick, and the starch content actually helps the creamy sauce cling better to the pasta. Add it tablespoon by tablespoon until you reach your desired consistency.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil for your pasta. While waiting, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season them on both sides with salt and pepper. Prepare all your other ingredients and have them ready – mince the garlic, dice the shallot, zest and juice the lemon, and chop the parsley. Having everything prepared before you start cooking ensures this Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta comes together smoothly.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente according to package directions, usually 8-10 minutes. Remember that the pasta will continue cooking slightly in the sauce, so aim for just shy of al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is hot and foaming, add the shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the shrimp to steam rather than sauté. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Create the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the shallots and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer until reduced by half, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Finish the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the lemon zest and juice, then taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta directly to the sauce and toss until well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp to warm through. Garnish your Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Variations

Spicy Cajun Marry Me Pasta: Transform this Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta with bold Cajun flavors. Add 1-2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning to the shrimp before cooking, and incorporate diced bell peppers and sliced andouille sausage when sautéing the aromatics. The smoky spice pairs wonderfully with the creamy base while adding another dimension of flavor to this shrimp dish.

Primavera Adaptation: For a lighter, vegetable-forward version, add 2 cups of seasonal vegetables like asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and peas. Blanch firmer vegetables briefly before adding them to the sauce along with the shrimp. This variation adds beautiful color, nutrients, and textural contrast to the creamy garlic pasta while maintaining its indulgent appeal.

Dairy-Free Option: Create a dairy-free version by substituting the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The coconut adds a subtle sweetness that works surprisingly well with the shrimp and garlic, making this adaptation perfect for those avoiding dairy without sacrificing the signature creaminess of the original marry me pasta recipe.

Storage and Serving

This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is best enjoyed immediately after preparing, when the pasta is perfectly al dente and the sauce is silky smooth. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce, and warm gently over low heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.

For a complete meal presentation, serve this garlic shrimp pasta with a simple side of lemon-dressed arugula or a classic Caesar salad – the bright, crisp greens provide a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. Pair with crusty artisan bread for sopping up every last bit of the delicious sauce.

For an elevated dining experience, serve your Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay. The crisp acidity and subtle fruit notes in these wines complement the creamy sauce and shrimp beautifully, creating a restaurant-worthy pairing right at home.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen shrimp work perfectly in this Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. Simply thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water, then pat them dry before cooking. Pre-cooked frozen shrimp can also be used – just add them at the very end to warm through.

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
This dish is best prepared and served immediately. However, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time: clean and devein the shrimp, chop the aromatics, and measure out other ingredients. The actual cooking should be done just before serving for optimal texture.

What can I substitute for the white wine?
If you prefer to cook without alcohol, substitute the white wine with chicken broth plus 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to mimic the acidity. This maintains the flavor profile while making the recipe family-friendly.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
Yes! You can lighten up this Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reducing the amount of butter. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be delicious.

What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
While fettuccine and linguine are traditional choices that hold up well to the creamy sauce, penne, rigatoni, or farfalle also work beautifully and capture pockets of the delicious sauce in their shapes.

Conclusion

This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is comfort food at its finest — decadent yet refined, with tender shrimp bathed in a velvety garlic sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary evening into something special, whether you’re cooking to impress a date or simply treating yourself to an extraordinary meal. The balance of creamy richness, delicate seafood, and bright citrus creates a memorable dining experience that proves restaurant-quality food can be created right in your own kitchen.

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