There's nothing quite like a bowl of Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta to bring a little romance to your dinner table. This luscious dish combines tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a dreamy, creamy sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese.

I first came across this recipe when planning a date-night meal at home, and it instantly became a favorite. It’s quick, easy to make, and fancy enough to feel like a special treat. Ready to make a dish that’s sure to wow your loved ones? Let’s dive in!

Why You'll Love This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to pasta recipe. Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is indulgent yet simple, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

First, it’s a breeze to make. This restaurant-quality dish comes together in under 30 minutes, so you can enjoy an elevated meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Next, the flavors are out of this world. The creamy garlic sauce, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and tender shrimp create a combination that’s both comforting and elegant.

It’s also surprisingly versatile. Whether you prefer it with gluten-free pasta, zoodles, or a different protein, this dish adapts beautifully to your preferences.

Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Even picky eaters can’t resist the creamy sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp, making it a hit for family dinners or entertaining friends.

This recipe is as delightful to make as it is to eat, so let’s take a closer look at the ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta lies in its combination of simple yet luxurious ingredients. Each one contributes to the rich, well-rounded flavors that make this dish so irresistible.

Shrimp is the star of the show. Use large, raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, for the best results. Fresh shrimp adds the sweetest flavor, but frozen works well, too—just thaw them first.

Sun-dried tomatoes provide a tangy, slightly sweet burst of flavor that elevates the sauce. Use the kind packed in oil for the best texture and to infuse your dish with even more richness.

Heavy cream forms the base of the sauce, giving it that signature creaminess. For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as decadent.

Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the sauce. Be sure to use freshly grated parmesan—it melts more smoothly than pre-grated varieties.

Garlic and onion build a savory foundation for the dish. Fresh garlic is essential for that punch of flavor, and finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth.

Lastly, you’ll need pasta. Fettuccine or linguine are classic choices, but penne or spaghetti work well, too. Choose your favorite!

For equipment, all you need is a large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta. Let’s move on to the cooking process.

How To Make This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Creating this flavorful Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a showstopping dish in no time.

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water for the pasta. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining—it’s great for loosening up the sauce later.

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and cook the shrimp until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil and sauté finely chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them warm through.

Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine with the other ingredients. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.

Return the shrimp to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to coat the pasta evenly.

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (though it’s so delicious, you might not!), storing this dish is easy.

Transfer any cooled pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore its creamy texture.

For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Keep in mind that shrimp can become rubbery if overcooked, so reheat just until warmed through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it adapts to your preferences. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Swap the protein: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, try chicken, scallops, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Use a different pasta: This sauce works beautifully with any pasta shape, from penne to pappardelle or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Add some heat: Stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a spicy kick.
Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan for a dairy-free version.
Incorporate greens: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale to add a touch of freshness and extra nutrients.

No matter how you customize it, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to experiment—half the fun of cooking is making a dish uniquely yours!

Now, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking. This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is calling your name!