The aroma of sizzling garlic mingles with the sweet scent of fresh shrimp in this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. Imagine a cozy evening where every bite transports you to a sun-kissed Italian seaside trattoria.
Picture this: It’s date night and you’ve decided to impress your partner with a dish so delicious it could lead to an impromptu marriage proposal right at the dinner table. That’s right; this dish holds magic!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is quick and simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavors are rich and satisfying yet light enough for any occasion
- Visually stunning with vibrant colors, it elevates any dinner table setting
- Versatile enough to customize based on your pantry staples without sacrificing taste
My best friend once made this dish for her anniversary, and let’s just say it was more than just a meal—it was a love story told through flavors!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Large Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen shrimp; just ensure they’re peeled and deveined for easy cooking.
- Pasta of Choice: I prefer fettuccine for its ability to hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Heavy Cream: This is essential for that luxurious texture; don’t skimp on quality!
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth; opt for cloves instead of pre-minced.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate it fresh if possible; it melts better and enhances flavor immensely.
- Fresh Herbs (Basil or Parsley): These not only brighten the dish but also add a lovely aroma.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil can elevate the dish significantly.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brings brightness; freshly squeezed is best!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and chop the garlic finely while bringing a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta.
Cook the Pasta: Add your chosen pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente—usually 8-10 minutes.
Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil before adding minced garlic until fragrant—about 30 seconds—then toss in shrimp until they turn pink.
Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in heavy cream while stirring in grated Parmesan cheese until melted smoothly into a luscious sauce that coats everything perfectly.
Combine Everything Together: Drain your cooked pasta and toss it directly into the skillet with shrimp and sauce—mix thoroughly while ensuring every noodle gets coated in that heavenly creaminess.
Add Fresh Herbs and Lemon Juice: Finally, sprinkle chopped herbs over top along with freshly squeezed lemon juice before serving immediately—you want that bright flavor!
Enjoying this delightful meal will have you dreaming about proposing to someone special—or at least inviting friends over for another round!
You Must Know
- This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta will steal the show at any dinner
- The blend of flavors creates a dish that’s both creamy and zesty, making it a crowd-pleaser
- Perfect for date night or impressing your friends, the aroma alone will have everyone swooning!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the pasta until al dente. While it cooks, sauté garlic and shrimp in olive oil for maximum flavor before adding cream and spices. This sequence ensures everything is perfectly timed.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap shrimp for scallops or add spinach for extra greens. You can also experiment with different cheeses like Parmesan or feta to elevate the dish further.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta unforgettable, use fresh shrimp instead of frozen for a sweeter taste
- Always taste as you go; seasoning can vary based on ingredients
- Remember not to overcook the pasta; it should remain slightly firm to hold up in sauce!
Cooking this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta always brings back memories of my first dinner party where I literally charmed my guests into asking for seconds!
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta?
Yes, but fresh shrimp enhances flavor and texture significantly.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or coconut milk as lighter alternatives.
How do I make this dish spicy?
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to kick it up a notch!

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a dreamy, creamy seafood dish that promises to sweep your loved one off their feet. Perfect for romantic dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping garlic and bringing salted water to a boil.
- Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook until pink.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth.
- Drain pasta and combine with shrimp mixture in the skillet.
- Add fresh herbs and lemon juice; toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately for an unforgettable meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (250g)
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: - For added greens, consider tossing in spinach or substituting shrimp with scallops. - Adjust spice levels by adding red pepper flakes for a kick.