If you’re on the hunt for a dish that s guaranteed to make you want to propose (or at least put a ring on this recipe!), then this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. I absolutely love how this dish combines tender, juicy shrimp with a creamy, flavorful sauce enhanced by sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs. It s like a little celebration in every bite, perfect for date night, special occasions, or whenever you just want to treat yourself to something truly scrumptious.
When I first tried this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe, I was amazed by how quickly it came together and how indulgent yet comforting it felt. You ll find that the sauce clings beautifully to the pasta and shrimp, making each forkful a perfect harmony of flavor and texture. Plus, with easy-to-find ingredients and a straightforward method, it s surprisingly simple to make impressive enough to impress your guests or family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Flavorful: You ll have dinner on the table in about 35 minutes without sacrificing rich, layered flavors.
- Elegant Yet Simple: It looks and tastes fancy but uses everyday ingredients you can easily find at any grocery store.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it s a weeknight or a romantic dinner, this shrimp pasta has you covered.
- Gluten Free Friendly: Switching to gluten free pasta and flour makes it approachable for many dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe all work together to create that creamy, tangy, and savory sauce with perfectly seasoned shrimp. Using sun-dried tomato oil and diced sun-dried tomatoes adds that unique depth that really sets this dish apart from your typical shrimp pasta.
- Extra large shrimp: Peeled and deveined for easy cooking and eating.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings that classic Mediterranean flair.
- Black pepper: For a gentle kick and to balance flavors.
- Salt: Enhances all the ingredients natural flavors.
- Sun-dried tomato oil: Use the oil from the jar-it s packed with flavor and ideal for cooking the shrimp.
- Cento tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that builds the base of the sauce.
- Cento sun-dried tomatoes (diced): Adds chewy, tangy bites that contrast the creamy sauce.
- Dried basil: For that herby sweetness in the sauce.
- Gluten free 1:1 flour: Helps thicken the sauce while keeping it gluten free.
- Fresh spinach: Basic greens that wilt down and add freshness and color.
- Butter: For richness and depth in the sauce.
- Minced onion and garlic: The aromatic foundation that makes everything pop.
- Vegetable broth: Adds body and moisture to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: The silky texture that makes this pasta irresistible.
- Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for that tangy, cheesy finish.
- Fresh basil (garnish): Brightens the dish with herbal notes and a gorgeous color contrast.
- Gluten free penne: Holds the sauce well and keeps the dish gluten free.
Variations
I love that this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe is so versatile-you can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you’re vegan, prefer extra spice, or want to add more veggies, feel free to embrace your inner chef and make it your own.
- Add a Kick: When I want a spicy version, I toss in some crushed red pepper flakes while sautéeing the garlic and onions-it wakes up the whole dish!
- Vegetarian Version: I swap the shrimp for crispy pan-fried tofu or mushrooms for that satisfying bite without seafood.
- Protein Boost: Sometimes I add grilled chicken or scallops alongside the shrimp to feed a hungrier crowd.
- Extra Greens: Baby kale or arugula work beautifully if you want to mix up the greens.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan for a creamy, cheesy vibe without dairy.
How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook Pasta and Season Shrimp
Start by boiling your gluten free penne according to package directions until al dente-this usually takes about 9 to 11 minutes. While the pasta cooks, toss your shrimp in smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until they re evenly coated. This seasoning mix gives the shrimp that smoky, herby flavor that really perks up the dish.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it s hot, place the shrimp in the pan and cook them for about 2 minutes on each side. Keep your eyes on the shrimp: they should turn a bright pink and become opaque, curling into a nice C shape. If you see them curling tightly into an O shape, they re cooked too long and might turn rubbery-something I learned the hard way!
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet (no need to dirty another pan-yep, one pan wonder here!), melt butter over medium-low heat. Add minced onion, garlic, diced sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and dried basil. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes, stirring often until it becomes fragrant and aromatic-it s the part that makes your kitchen smell irresistible.
Step 4: Thicken and Enrich the Sauce
Sprinkle in the gluten free flour, stirring constantly to combine it with the aromatics. Then gradually add vegetable broth, heavy cream, and fresh spinach. Keep stirring as the sauce simmers and thickens-this usually takes about 5 minutes. You ll see the spinach wilt and the sauce develop a luscious, creamy texture. Finally, stir in the parmesan cheese until it melts completely, making the sauce decadently cheesy.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Drain your pasta and carefully fold it into the sauce so every piece is luxuriously coated. Gently stir in the cooked shrimp to warm them back up without overcooking. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil for a burst of color and herbal brightness. Now, grab a fork and enjoy that moment-you made something amazing!
Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Don t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so watch them like a hawk to keep them tender and juicy.
- Use Reserved Pasta Water: If your sauce gets too thick, a splash of pasta water can loosen it up beautifully.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Oil Is Key: Cooking shrimp in the flavorful oil from the jar adds that irresistible tomato essence.
- Don t Skip Fresh Basil: It brightens the whole dish and makes it look stunning on the plate.
How to Serve Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish this pasta with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil just before serving-it adds a fresh, herbaceous note and makes the dish look so inviting. Sometimes, if I m feeling fancy, I add a little extra parmesan on top or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
My family goes crazy for this paired with a simple mixed green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Garlic bread or crusty gluten free rolls are also perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce. Roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans bring a lovely crunch and freshness too.
Creative Ways to Present
For special nights, I ll plate individual portions in shallow bowls, garnish with basil leaves, and scatter halved cherry tomatoes on top for color contrast. A drizzle of olive oil and a grinding of black pepper make it look restaurant-worthy in no time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When I have leftovers, I let the pasta cool completely and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It usually lasts beautifully for 2 to 3 days. The shrimp holds up well, and the sauce might thicken-just gently loosen it with a splash of broth when reheating.
Freezing
I don t typically freeze this dish because creamy sauces can sometimes separate, but if you want to, freeze without the fresh basil garnish, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from curdling. Microwave works too, but do it in short bursts and stir in between for even warming.
FAQs
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Can I make this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the shrimp and sauce ahead and store them separately in the fridge for up to a day. When ready to eat, cook the pasta fresh, then warm the sauce and shrimp gently before combining. This keeps everything tasting fresh and prevents the shrimp from overcooking.
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What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne pasta is a classic choice because its shape holds the sauce well, but you can use any gluten free pasta you prefer. Just be sure to cook it al dente to avoid mushiness when tossed with the creamy sauce.
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Can I use regular flour instead of gluten free flour?
Absolutely! If gluten isn t a concern, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour in the same amount. Just cook it thoroughly with the aromatics to avoid a raw flour taste in the sauce.
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What if I don t have sun-dried tomato oil?
If you don t have the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar, substitute with olive oil and toss in extra diced sun-dried tomatoes to make up for the flavor. The oil adds a nice depth, but the tomatoes themselves carry a lot of that signature taste.
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Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! I like adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms sometimes. Just sauté them with the onion and garlic until softened before proceeding with the sauce to keep the flavors balanced.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it s a surefire way to impress without stress. It s comforting enough to feel like a home-cooked meal but elegant enough to feel like a celebration. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do-there s something magical about sharing creamy, herby shrimp pasta that brings everyone to the table smiling. Give it a try, and I promise you ll want to keep this recipe in your weekly rotation!
Print
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender shrimp cooked in sun-dried tomato oil with a rich sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, and parmesan, served over gluten-free penne pasta. This quick and easy recipe offers a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and herby notes, ideal for a comforting yet elegant dinner.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 3/4 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil (from the sun-dried tomato jar)
For the Sauce
- 2 1/2 tablespoon Cento tomato paste
- 1/2 cup Cento sun-dried tomatoes, diced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/3 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoon gluten free 1:1 flour
- 2 cups diced spinach
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoon minced onion
- 2 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
- 12 oz gluten free penne pasta
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gluten-free penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well coated. Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink, opaque, and form a C-shape. Avoid overcooking to prevent them turning O-shaped. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to cool.
- Make the Sauce Base: In the same pan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and onion along with diced sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and dried basil. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes until fragrant and aromatic.
- Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle in the gluten free flour and stir thoroughly to combine with the aromatics. Gradually pour in the vegetable broth, add the heavy cream and diced spinach, stirring continuously. Cook the sauce until it thickens and the spinach wilts, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the parmesan cheese and mix until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Carefully fold the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring it is evenly coated. Then gently stir in the cooked shrimp to combine all ingredients.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the top for a fragrant, fresh finish. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your delicious Marry Me Shrimp Pasta.
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp; they should be pink and C-shaped for the best texture.
- Sun-dried tomato oil adds a unique depth of flavor; do not substitute with plain oil if possible.
- Use gluten-free pasta and flour to keep the dish gluten-free.
- Fresh basil garnish enhances flavor and presentation.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and paprika, depending on your preference.
- Make sure the sauce thickens well before adding cheese for optimal creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
