If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and indulgent pasta dish that will make you feel like you’re dining at a fine restaurant, then this Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the one for you. This dish combines succulent shrimp with a rich, velvety sauce that coats perfectly cooked pasta, creating an unforgettable experience with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Rich and Flavorful Sauce: The creamy sauce is the heart of this recipe, made with a delicate blend of heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. The shrimp add an extra depth of flavor, making it indulgent and delicious.

Quick and Easy to Make: Despite the luxurious taste, this dish comes together in less than 30 minutes! Perfect for a busy weeknight or a special weekend meal when you want something both impressive and easy to prepare.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two, a family meal, or a gathering with friends, this dish is a showstopper that will leave everyone asking for the recipe. It’s great for special occasions like anniversaries or even casual dinner parties.

Versatile: The recipe is highly customizable to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. You can easily adjust the level of spice, swap out the shrimp for chicken, or use gluten-free pasta for a more inclusive meal.

A One-Pot Wonder: This recipe doesn’t require a ton of pots or pans, which makes cleanup a breeze! Most of the cooking is done in a single skillet, giving you more time to enjoy your meal and less time doing dishes.

Ingredients

To make this creamy Marry Me shrimp pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:

8 oz. pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti works well)

1 lb. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon zest (optional, for a fresh zing)

Cooking Process

Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to salt the water generously before adding the pasta. Once the pasta is al dente, reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, and add them to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it. Add the butter and let it melt. Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.

Finish the Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for some spice.

Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing it gently to coat the noodles evenly. Return the shrimp to the skillet and mix everything together. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is well combined and heated through.

Serve and Garnish: Finally, garnish the pasta with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of lemon zest, if using. Serve immediately while the dish is hot and creamy.

Variations

While the original recipe is incredible on its own, here are a few variations to try:

Chicken Marry Me Pasta: If you prefer chicken over shrimp, you can easily swap out the shrimp for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Simply cook the chicken in the skillet until golden brown, then slice it into thin strips and proceed with the rest of the recipe.

Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce to add some heat. This pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture of the dish, giving it a little extra kick.

Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist, swap the shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. The creamy sauce still provides a rich base for the veggies, making it a satisfying meat-free option.

Gluten-Free: For those who need to avoid gluten, simply use gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy substitution.

How to Serve

This creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served with a few side dishes to round out the meal:

Garlic Bread: A crispy, buttery garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment. It’s great for mopping up any remaining creamy sauce from the plate.
Green Salad: A light, refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the pasta. A simple mix of arugula, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers works beautifully.

Wine Pairing: If you’re looking to pair wine with this dish, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce and shrimp perfectly.
Roasted Vegetables: For added texture and flavor, serve the pasta with roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers.