Marry Me Shrimp Pasta | Creamy Garlic Shrimp Dinner Recipe

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There are some recipes that feel like love at first bite, and this creamy garlic shrimp pasta is one of them. Known as Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, it’s a dish that combines tender shrimp, a luscious garlic-parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a cozy, comforting dinner that feels just a little bit special.

Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta with garlic parmesan sauce served in a skillet

Whether you’re planning a family seafood dinner or a date-night meal for two, this recipe brings big flavor with simple pantry ingredients. It’s easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough to serve when you want to create something memorable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
  • 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-By-Step Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta
    • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
  2. Cook the shrimp
    • In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
    • Add shrimp, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  3. Make the creamy sauce
    • In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
    • Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Add Parmesan
    • Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  5. Combine pasta and shrimp
    • Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  6. Serve & enjoy
    • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm for the best flavor.

Helpful Notes & Tips

  • Shrimp size: Medium or large shrimp work best—just adjust the cooking time so they don’t overcook.
  • Sauce thickness: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth.

Recipe Variations

  • Protein swaps: Try chicken breast strips, seared scallops, or salmon instead of shrimp.
  • Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce Parmesan slightly.
  • Extra flavor: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed spinach for color and depth.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
  • Add garlic bread or warm baguette slices to soak up the creamy sauce.
  • For a romantic dinner, serve with sparkling water, a fruit spritzer, or a refreshing herbal iced tea.

Conclusion

This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the kind of recipe that makes an ordinary evening feel extraordinary. With its creamy garlic sauce, tender shrimp, and comforting pasta, it’s a dish that invites everyone to gather, share, and enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for family or just a cozy dinner for two, this recipe is a keeper.