Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of a pasta dish so irresistibly creamy, flavorful, and downright romantic that it might just earn you a proposal, then the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, juicy shrimp nestled in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce dotted with sun-dried tomatoes and crispy bacon, all tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine. This recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels indulgent yet comforting, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner or special occasion showstopper. Once you try this, it’s easy to see why it’s called the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe — it’s love at first bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this dish. Each one plays a crucial role: the shrimp delivers a fresh, succulent texture, while the sun-dried tomatoes add bursts of tangy sweetness, and the bacon crumbles bring a savory crunch that takes the whole pasta to another level. The creamy sauce pulls everything together with rich, decadent flavor that’s impossible to resist.

• 12 oz fettuccine pasta: Choose a good-quality pasta to hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp work best for that tender bite.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the shrimp perfectly without drying them out.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: Adds richness and depth to the sauce and shrimp.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic is the heart of the flavor here—don’t skimp on it!
• 1 cup heavy cream: Provides the dreamy, velvety base for the sauce.
• 1 cup chicken broth: Helps deglaze the pan and adds savory background notes.
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, giving that classic, nutty flavor.
• 1⁄3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes: Injects the sauce with a wonderful tangy sweetness.
• 1⁄4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a subtle kick that wakes up the palate.
• 1⁄3 cup cooked bacon crumbles: Adds irresistible smoky crunch on top.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Fresh herbaceous brightness to finish the dish.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.

How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add the fettuccine and cook it until just al dente—this means it should still have a little bite because it will soak up the sauce later. Be sure to reserve a small cup of the starchy pasta water before draining; this can be a lifesaver to loosen your sauce if it gets too thick as you combine everything.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

While the pasta cooks, season the shrimp generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. This seasoning combo is simple but packs a punch, enhancing the natural sweetness of the shrimp while giving it a gentle hint of heat that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp

Heat olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer to ensure they sear rather than steam. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque, creating a beautiful golden crust. Remove them from the pan and set aside to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.

Step 4: Sauté Garlic

Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, or until it becomes aromatic and golden without browning. This quick step infuses the butter with garlic’s rich, fragrant flavor, laying the foundation for the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Deglaze with Chicken Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. These bits, called fond, are pure flavor gold and will deepen the sauce’s taste, so don’t skip this important technique.

Step 6: Simmer with Heavy Cream

Add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir gently. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly over 3 to 4 minutes. This slow simmer helps develop the sauce’s creamy texture and allows the flavors to meld beautifully before the other ingredients join the party.

Step 7: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let the mixture simmer for another 2 minutes. The sun-dried tomatoes introduce a sweet, tangy depth that cuts through the richness of the cream, providing both color and a bright contrast that makes each mouthful sing.

Step 8: Melt in Parmesan Cheese

Reduce the heat slightly and add the freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts completely and the sauce becomes silky smooth. Taste the sauce now and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking — this is the moment to customize it perfectly!

Step 9: Toss Pasta in the Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Use tongs or a pasta fork to toss everything thoroughly, making sure each strand is luxuriously coated. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach that perfect creamy consistency.

Step 10: Fold in the Shrimp

Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently fold them into the pasta and sauce. The residual heat will keep them tender and warm, integrating their savory flavor throughout the dish and completing the harmony of flavors the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe is famous for.

Step 11: Finish with Bacon and Parsley

Sprinkle cooked bacon crumbles and freshly chopped parsley over the top. The bacon adds crispy smokiness while the parsley lends a fresh burst of color and brightness, creating a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Serve immediately, and get ready for compliments!

How to Serve Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Beyond the bacon and parsley already in the recipe, you can elevate the presentation by adding a few extra shavings of parmesan cheese or a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil. A few lemon wedges on the side can offer a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness if desired.

Side Dishes

This dish shines as the star of your meal, but pairing it with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread makes it even more memorable. The salad adds a refreshing crunch, while the bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or special occasion, serve the pasta in shallow bowls with the shrimp artfully arranged on top. Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley or basil for a touch of elegance. If you’re feeling playful, serve it family-style in a large, rustic platter at the center of the table to encourage sharing and conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to two days, allowing you to enjoy that magic flavor again without fuss.

Freezing

Because this dish features a creamy sauce and shrimp, freezing is not ideal as the texture of both the cream and shrimp can suffer. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or store leftovers only in the fridge for short-term enjoyment.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or broth to refresh the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid the microwave if you can, to preserve texture. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through to keep shrimp tender and sauce smooth.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid extra moisture in the pan, which can affect the searing and final texture.

What if I’m not a fan of spicy food? Can I skip the red pepper flakes?

Definitely. The red pepper flakes add a subtle kick, but you can leave them out or reduce the amount for a milder version without compromising the deliciousness of the dish.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?

You can substitute half-and-half mixed with a bit of cream cheese or use a cashew cream for a dairy-free option, but keep in mind the sauce may be less rich and slightly thinner.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can omit the shrimp and bacon and add mushrooms or roasted vegetables instead, but it won’t be quite the same Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe experience. The shrimp and bacon bring signature flavors that define this dish.

How do I prevent the sauce from splitting?

Simmer the sauce gently and avoid boiling once the cream and cheese are added. Slowly stirring and maintaining a moderate heat helps keep the sauce smooth and luscious.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe that makes it so much more than just a meal. It’s the kind of dish you make when you want to impress effortlessly, when you want dinner to feel special but not stressful. The creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and delightful bursts of flavor work in harmony to create a dining experience that’s meant to be savored — and shared. So next time you’re wondering what to cook that will wow everyone at your table, give this recipe a try. I promise it’s worth every single bite and might just have your loved ones asking for seconds — and maybe even that special question you were hoping for.

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