This dish is a seafood lover’s dream. Tender shrimp are cooked in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, infused with garlic and herbs, and tossed with your choice of pasta. It’s a quick yet elegant meal that promises to impress.
Ingredients
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1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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8 ounces pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice)
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish
Directions
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Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
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Cook the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
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Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
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Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the drained pasta and reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and the shrimp are evenly distributed.
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Serve: Divide the pasta among serving plates. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
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Calories: Approximately 580 kcal
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Protein: 32g
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Carbohydrates: 45g
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Fat: 28g
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Saturated Fat: 15g
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Cholesterol: 195mg
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Sodium: 890mg
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Potassium: 892mg
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 4g
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Vitamin A: 1,383 IU
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Vitamin C: 6mg
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Calcium: 225mg
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Iron: 3mg
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Cholesterol: 40mg
Why Shrimp Works So Well in This Dish
Shrimp is the star ingredient in Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, and for good reason. Shrimp is versatile, quick to cook, and absorbs flavors exceptionally well. In this dish, shrimp is cooked to perfection, creating a slightly crispy, golden exterior while maintaining its tender, juicy inside. The natural sweetness of shrimp complements the richness of the creamy sauce, while the seasoning ensures that each bite is packed with flavor.
Another reason why shrimp is such a great choice is that it can be adapted to suit various diets and preferences. It’s low in calories and high in protein, making it a healthy yet indulgent option for those who are looking to enjoy a flavorful meal without the guilt.
The Magic of Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes are a key ingredient in Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, adding a punch of flavor that helps balance out the richness of the cream and cheese. Unlike fresh tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes have a concentrated, almost caramelized flavor that intensifies as they cook. This unique flavor profile pairs wonderfully with the garlic, Parmesan, and heavy cream, creating a luscious, satisfying sauce.
Additionally, sun-dried tomatoes bring a touch of Mediterranean flair to the dish, which complements the other ingredients, especially the shrimp. Their chewy texture and bold taste also add complexity, making every bite feel like a culinary adventure.
The Role of Garlic and Herbs in Enhancing Flavor
Garlic is another essential ingredient that elevates the dish. It provides a depth of flavor that works in perfect harmony with the shrimp, cream, and sun-dried tomatoes. When garlic is sautéed in olive oil, its natural sweetness emerges, creating a subtle background note in the sauce that enhances the dish without overpowering it.
Italian herbs, particularly Italian seasoning, bring even more depth to the sauce. A blend of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary infuses the cream sauce with a fragrant, herby goodness that is synonymous with Mediterranean cuisine. The addition of crushed red pepper flakes (optional) adds a mild heat that balances out the richness of the cream and cheese, making each bite more complex.
The Cream Sauce: A Decadent Base
What sets Marry Me Shrimp Pasta apart from other pasta dishes is the creamy sauce that binds everything together. The sauce is made by combining heavy cream with chicken broth, which creates a luxurious, velvety texture. The addition of Parmesan cheese adds a savory, salty flavor that enriches the sauce even further.
One of the most appealing aspects of this cream sauce is its simplicity. The ingredients are easy to find and straightforward to combine, yet the result is nothing short of divine. The sauce perfectly coats the pasta and shrimp, creating a mouthwatering combination that feels both comforting and elegant.
How to Customize Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
While the original recipe is already a winning combination, there are ways to make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta even more personalized. For instance, you could swap out the shrimp for another type of seafood, such as scallops or lobster, for a luxurious twist. Alternatively, if you prefer a vegetarian version, you could replace the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms, which have a hearty, meaty texture that complements the creamy sauce.
For a bit of extra richness, you can add a touch of white wine to the sauce, giving it a slight tang and depth of flavor. If you’re looking to make it a bit lighter, consider using a lighter cream or milk, though this will alter the texture of the sauce.
If you’re looking to add some extra vegetables to your pasta, spinach, peas, or artichokes are excellent options. These additions bring color and freshness to the dish, providing a nice contrast to the richness of the sauce.
Pairing Marry Me Shrimp Pasta with Wine
When it comes to pairing wine with Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, you want something that complements the rich, creamy sauce without overpowering the delicate shrimp. A crisp, white wine such as Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the dish. The acidity of the wine balances the richness of the sauce, creating a harmonious dining experience.
For those who prefer red wine, a light red such as Pinot Noir or a dry rosé can work well. These wines have enough structure to complement the flavors of the dish without overwhelming them.
The Perfect Occasions to Serve Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is perfect for any occasion where you want to impress your guests or loved ones. Its rich flavors and elegant presentation make it a great choice for date nights, anniversaries, or even casual dinner parties. The dish is simple enough to prepare on a weeknight but sophisticated enough to serve at a celebration.
This recipe is also fantastic for those who enjoy cooking together. The steps are relatively easy, so it can be a fun way to bond with a partner or friend while creating something delicious. Whether you’re in the kitchen solo or sharing the task, Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is guaranteed to delight.
Why This Dish is a Crowd-Pleaser
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is one of those dishes that satisfies everyone. The combination of seafood, creamy sauce, and pasta makes it universally appealing, and it’s easy to customize to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re a seafood lover or not, there’s something about the way the flavors come together in this dish that makes it irresistible. It’s rich yet balanced, comforting yet sophisticated — a true crowd-pleaser.
Additionally, this dish is simple enough to make for a weeknight meal but indulgent enough to serve on special occasions. The ease of preparation combined with the luxurious flavors is what makes this recipe a go-to for so many people.
Conclusion
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular. It’s not just the flavors that make this dish so special but the way each element — from the shrimp to the creamy sauce — complements and enhances the others. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or someone special, this dish is sure to impress and leave everyone wanting more.
Its versatility allows for plenty of customization, ensuring that you can make it your own while still keeping it true to the recipe’s heart. Whether served on a romantic evening or at a gathering with friends, Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is sure to make an impression. With its delightful flavors and elegant presentation, it’s no wonder this recipe has earned its name as the dish that might just get you a proposal.