Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, flavorful, and slightly spicy pasta dish that’s so delicious it might just make someone propose! This dish combines tender shrimp, a rich cream sauce, sun dried tomatoes, garlic, and a hint of red pepper flakes over your favorite pasta. The combination of flavors is irresistible, making it a perfect meal for a special occasion or even just a cozy weeknight dinner. It’s called “Marry Me” because the taste is so amazing, it might just inspire someone to pop the question!

This dish is quick to make, comes together in one pan, and is creamy without being too heavy. You get the perfect balance of protein, carbs, and a flavorful sauce that clings to every piece of pasta. It’s elegant enough to serve to guests but simple enough for beginners in the kitchen.
You Should Try the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
If you love seafood and creamy pasta dishes, Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a must try. The recipe is simple, yet the flavors are layered and impressive. Imagine juicy shrimp cooked in garlic, butter, and olive oil, then tossed in a creamy sauce with parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. The sauce is slightly spicy with red pepper flakes, which gives it a little kick without being too hot.
The best part about this pasta is how versatile it is. You can make it with spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne, and easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Serve it with a fresh side salad or warm garlic bread for a complete meal that feels elegant yet effortless. One bite, and you’ll see exactly why it’s called “Marry Me” pasta.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
- 12 oz pasta spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Step One
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
Step Two
Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step Three
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add remaining butter. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2 minutes.
Step Four
Combine Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Step Five
Finish the Dish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add the pasta. Toss everything together, making sure the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Add a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Kitchen Equipment Needed :
Before you start Cooking, gather the following kitchen tools:
- Large pot for pasta
- Colander for draining pasta
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Grater for Parmesan cheese
Tips for the Best Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Use fresh shrimp if possible; frozen shrimp works too but thaw completely before cooking.
Don’t overcook the shrimpcthey cook quickly and can become rubbery if left too long.
Reserve a little pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
For extra flavor, sauté the suncdried tomatoes in olive oil before adding to the sauce.
Serving Suggestion
I like to serve this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta a salad, as my children enjoy it, with fruit juice. I personally like to have it with lemon juice. It’s also our custom to serve some sweets, like cake or Bars, as soon as we finish our meal.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute heavy cream ?
Yes, you can use half and half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy free version, but the sauce will be less thick.
Can I freeze Marry Me Shrimp Pasta ?
It’s not recommended because the creamy sauce and shrimp can separate and become watery when thawed.
Can I add vegetables to the pasta ?
Absolutely! Spinach, broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers work great. Add them to the sauce and cook until tender.
Can I add wine to the sauce ?
Yes! A splash of white wine adds flavor and depth. Let it cook for a minute to evaporate the alcohol.
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Course: Main Course, DinnerCuisine: Italian, AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes550
kcal30
minutesCreamy, flavorful pasta with tender shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese in a slightly spicy sauce.
Ingredients
12 oz pasta spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add remaining butter. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Combine Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Finish the Dish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add the pasta. Toss everything together, making sure the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Add a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry to avoid watery sauce.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Cook pasta just until al dente; it will absorb sauce without becoming mushy.
- Add vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or broccoli for color and nutrition.
You can add this post to your favorite Pinterest board!




