The Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a delicious twist on the classic Marry Me Chicken. This quick and easy recipe combines juicy shrimp with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, creating a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Ideal for date nights or family dinners, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser ready in just 30 minutes!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• Pasta: 11 ounces rigatoni (or your preferred type)
• Shrimp: 1 pound, peeled and deveined
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
• Unsalted butter: 1 tablespoon
• Seasonings: 1 teaspoon each of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and sweet paprika
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Sun-dried tomatoes: 3.5 ounces, drained and chopped
• Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
• Flour: 1 tablespoon (or substitute with cornstarch)
• Chicken broth: ¾ cup (low sodium)
• Heavy cream: 1 cup
• Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon
• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
• Basil leaves: ¼ cup, chopped
• Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated
• Chili flakes: For serving (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Peel and devein shrimp. Toss with paprika, garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Mince garlic, grate Parmesan, chop sun-dried tomatoes, and basil.
2. Cook Pasta: Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain when ready.
3. Sear Shrimp: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp for 1 minute on each side, then remove and set aside.
4. Make Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and remaining salt and pepper. Cook for 1 more minute.
5. Thicken Sauce: Stir in flour until incorporated. Deglaze skillet with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
6. Add Cream and Seasoning: Stir in heavy cream and tomato paste. Simmer for 3 minutes until sauce thickens. Add lemon juice and basil.
7. Combine: Toss cooked pasta and shrimp with the sauce. Garnish with Parmesan and chili flakes.
8. Serve: Plate immediately and enjoy your flavorful dish!

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 722 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Fat: 33 g (Saturated Fat: 18 g)
• Cholesterol: 268 mg
• Sodium: 971 mg
• Potassium: 643 mg
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 4 g

The Perfect Balance of Flavor

This dish achieves its irresistible flavor profile through a blend of complementary ingredients. The shrimp provides a delicate, juicy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. The sauce’s tanginess comes from the sun-dried tomatoes, which bring an intense, concentrated tomato flavor, balanced by the richness of heavy cream and the slight acidity of lemon juice. Italian seasoning and garlic add depth, while a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese enhances its savory notes, creating a perfectly balanced dish that’s neither too heavy nor too light.

Nutritional Highlights of Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Shrimp is a low-calorie, high-protein ingredient packed with essential nutrients like selenium, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acids. These elements contribute to brain health, heart health, and overall well-being. The use of heavy cream and butter adds indulgence, but the dish can be modified to suit dietary preferences. Pasta provides the carbohydrates needed for energy, making this a wholesome, satisfying meal.

Adding sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil elevates the nutritional value further. Sun-dried tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which support heart health, while basil is a source of vitamins A, C, and K. The inclusion of lemon juice not only enhances the flavor but also contributes a dose of vitamin C, boosting the dish’s nutritional profile.

Versatility and Customization

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a versatile recipe that adapts well to various preferences:

• Pasta Choices: While rigatoni is recommended for its ability to hold sauce in its ridges, other options like penne, fettuccine, or even zucchini noodles can be used for a different texture or to make it gluten-free.
• Protein Variations: Swap shrimp with chicken, scallops, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. The creamy sauce complements many proteins beautifully.
• Dietary Adjustments: To reduce calories, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and thicken the sauce with cornstarch instead of flour.

Why It’s an Ideal Weeknight Dinner

Despite its gourmet appearance and taste, Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is surprisingly quick and easy to prepare. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings when you want to serve something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it a go-to recipe for last-minute plans.

The dish is also easy to scale up, making it ideal for feeding a crowd. Its eye-catching presentation, with vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, ensures it looks as good as it tastes.

Cooking Tips for Success

• Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked. Searing it for just a minute on each side ensures it remains tender and juicy.
• Building Flavor in the Sauce: Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth to scrape up any browned bits left from cooking the shrimp. This step adds depth to the sauce.
• Timing is Key: Prepare all ingredients before you start cooking to ensure a smooth and stress-free process. The dish comes together quickly, so having everything ready will prevent any mishaps.
• Finishing Touches: Always garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a burst of flavor and a pop of color.

Presentation Matters

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is not just about taste—it’s also a feast for the eyes. The creamy orange-hued sauce coats the pasta beautifully, while the vibrant red of sun-dried tomatoes and the fresh green of basil add a splash of color. Serving it in a large bowl or on a white plate enhances its visual appeal. For a special touch, pair it with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad.

A Romantic Meal for Special Occasions

The name “Marry Me Shrimp Pasta” evokes romance and elegance, making it a perfect dish for date nights or anniversaries. Its luxurious texture and bold flavors create a dining experience that feels indulgent and celebratory. Cooking this dish together with a partner can also be a fun and rewarding activity, adding a personal touch to your meal.

Conclusion

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a dish that lives up to its name, delivering a combination of flavors and textures that will leave you swooning. It strikes the perfect balance between richness and lightness, making it suitable for both intimate dinners and family meals. The versatility of the recipe allows for endless customization, ensuring it can be tailored to suit any dietary preference or occasion.

This recipe exemplifies how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something extraordinary. Whether you’re impressing a loved one or treating yourself, Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is sure to become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire. Give it a try, and you might just fall in love all over again—with your cooking skills and this unforgettable dish.