Creamy, garlicky, slightly spicy, and packed with juicy shrimp—Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the kind of dish that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly easy to make at home. Inspired by the wildly popular “Marry Me” creamy chicken recipes, this seafood twist delivers bold flavor in every bite. Legend says it’s so good it could inspire a proposal—and after one forkful, you might believe it.
Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner in the United States, hosting friends in the United Kingdom, or preparing a cozy family meal in Canada, this creamy shrimp pasta is guaranteed to impress.
❤️ Why Is It Called “Marry Me” Shrimp Pasta?
The name comes from the rich, indulgent sauce—creamy Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a touch of chili flakes—that’s so irresistible it’s “proposal-worthy.” While there’s no official origin story, the dish gained popularity through social media for its comforting yet elegant flavor profile.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Creamy Sauce:
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
1 cup heavy cream (double cream in the UK)
½ cup chicken or seafood broth
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
For the Pasta:
10–12 oz (280–340g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine work well)
Salted water for boiling
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Shrimp
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Remove from skillet and set aside.
Tip: Avoid overcooking—shrimp cook quickly!
Step 3: Make the Creamy “Marry Me” Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Pour in heavy cream and broth.
Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
Let the sauce thicken slightly. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return shrimp to the skillet.
Add drained pasta and toss to coat evenly.
Simmer together for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors.
Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving.
🌟 What Makes Marry Me Shrimp Pasta So Special?
1. The Creamy, Flavor-Packed Sauce
The combination of cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a rich, slightly tangy depth of flavor.
2. Balanced Heat
Red pepper flakes add just enough spice without overwhelming the dish.
3. Elegant Yet Easy
It looks gourmet but comes together in about 30 minutes.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta pairs beautifully with:
Garlic bread
Simple green salad with vinaigrette
Steamed asparagus or broccoli
A crisp white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
🔄 Variations & Substitutions
🧄 Extra Garlic Lovers
Double the garlic for a bolder flavor.
🌿 Spinach Addition
Stir in fresh baby spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
🧀 Creamier Version
Add 2 tablespoons cream cheese for an even silkier sauce.
🐔 Swap the Protein
Replace shrimp with chicken if preferred.
🥛 Lighter Option
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream (sauce will be thinner).
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Shrimp Pasta
Use fresh shrimp when possible for the best flavor.
Grate Parmesan yourself—pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Don’t boil the cream sauce aggressively; keep it at a gentle simmer.
Taste before serving and adjust salt and spice levels.
🥗 Nutritional Notes
Shrimp are a lean source of protein and provide important nutrients like selenium, iodine, and vitamin B12. While this dish is indulgent due to the creamy sauce, you can balance it with lighter side dishes or slightly reduce the cream.
⏱ Make-Ahead & Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth.
Not ideal for freezing due to the cream-based sauce.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is rich, comforting, and full of bold flavors that feel special enough for date night—but simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The creamy Parmesan sauce, tender shrimp, and sun-dried tomato tang create a harmony that’s hard to resist.
If you’re looking for a dish that wins hearts (and maybe proposals!), this recipe is a must-try. 🍤🍝✨