Creamy, flavorful, and loaded with juicy shrimp — the perfect romantic dinner ready in just 35 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Succulent shrimp seared to perfection.

• Rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan.

• Ready in just 35 minutes — perfect for date night.

• Comforting and elegant all in one dish.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 10 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for pasta water)

• 2 tbsp butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained & chopped

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 cup chicken broth (or seafood broth)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Kcal: ~650 kcal per serving

Directions

Step 1: Cook Pasta

Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.

Step 2: Season & Sear Shrimp

Toss shrimp with olive oil, butter, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sear for 2 minutes per side, then set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes, then stir in broth and simmer.

Step 4: Make Creamy Sauce

Add cream, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan. Stir until sauce thickens, then season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Combine Pasta & Shrimp

Toss pasta in the sauce, add shrimp back in, and combine well. Add a splash of pasta water if needed for desired consistency.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for mild or spicy heat.

• Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with scallops or chicken for variation.

• Make Ahead: Sauce can be prepared a day in advance; just reheat gently and add shrimp at the end.

• Extra Creamy: Stir in a bit more Parmesan or cream for a richer sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure broth is gluten-free.

Can I prepare the sauce without sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, it will still be creamy and flavorful, though slightly less tangy.

Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is an elegant yet easy dish that combines succulent shrimp, creamy Parmesan sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes for a dinner that’s sure to impress. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for date nights, special occasions, or simply treating yourself to a flavorful meal at home.