If you’re looking for a meal that impresses, Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the answer! This dish combines juicy shrimp, creamy sauce, and fresh ingredients into a heartwarming dinner. Whether you’re planning a special night or a cozy meal, this recipe is sure to delight. Join me as we explore the simple steps to create this irresistible meal that might just earn you a marriage proposal!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 12 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust more or less to your preference)
Additional Ingredients
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
The key to my Marry Me Shrimp Pasta lies in these fresh ingredients. I always choose large shrimp. They add a delightful bite and absorb flavor well. I prefer linguine for its ability to hold the creamy sauce. You can also use fettuccine for a thicker noodle.
Extra virgin olive oil brings a rich taste. Garlic adds warmth and depth. The red pepper flakes provide a lovely kick. Adjust the amount to fit your spice level.
Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and color. Heavy cream creates a luscious sauce. Grated Parmesan adds saltiness and creaminess. Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. Don’t forget salt and cracked black pepper to taste. Lastly, fresh basil leaves give it a beautiful finish.
For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe link. It has all the steps and tips to make this dish shine!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 ounces of linguine or fettuccine. Cook it until al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta but save about 1 cup of the pasta water for later. This water will help adjust the sauce later.
Sautéing the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan. Season them with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, take them out and set them on a plate.
Making the Sauce
Now, we move on to the sauce! In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring often. This step is vital for flavor. You want the garlic to smell great but not brown. Next, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 more minutes until they soften a bit. Slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream while stirring. Let it simmer gently. Gradually mix in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and thickens the sauce.
Combining Ingredients
Once your sauce is ready, it’s time to combine! First, gently fold the drained pasta into the skillet. Then, add the cooked shrimp and a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and shrimp with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired texture. Taste and adjust with extra salt and pepper if needed.
Final Touches
After combining, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the pasta in individual bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh basil for a pop of flavor and color. Enjoy your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta right away for the best taste.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Techniques
To get shrimp just right, cook them quickly. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Don’t walk away! Overcooked shrimp can get tough and rubbery.
For pasta, aim for al dente. Bring salted water to a boil. Cook linguine or fettuccine as per package directions, usually 8-10 minutes. Before draining, save about a cup of that pasta water. It helps adjust the sauce later.
Flavor Enhancements
To adjust spice levels, use red pepper flakes. Start with a teaspoon, and taste as you go. You can always add more if you like heat. This adds a nice kick without overpowering the dish.
For depth in your sauce, think about adding a splash of white wine. It adds brightness and pairs well with shrimp. You can also toss in some chopped herbs like parsley or basil. They will enhance the overall flavor.
Presentation Ideas
Garnishing makes your dish pop! Top each serving with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese. It adds color and flavor. Place a lemon wedge on the side. This gives a touch of freshness and looks lovely.
For a romantic dinner, serve the pasta in pretty bowls. Dim the lights and add candles. A nice side salad or garlic bread pairs well and rounds out the meal.
If you want the full recipe, check out the detailed cooking steps mentioned earlier.
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can change up the main protein in this dish. If you want a different flavor, use chicken instead of shrimp. You can also use vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for a lighter option. Both choices taste great in the sauce.
For pasta, you can switch from linguine or fettuccine to whole wheat or gluten-free options. This way, you make the dish fit your needs while keeping it delicious.
Sauce Modifications
If you want a lighter sauce, try using less cream. You can substitute with milk or even a non-dairy option like almond milk. This still gives you creaminess without the heaviness.
For more flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine. It adds a nice depth to the sauce. Just make sure to let it cook down a bit so the alcohol cooks off.
Seasonal Variations
Use seasonal veggies for a fresh twist. In spring, add asparagus or peas. In fall, try adding butternut squash or kale. This not only enhances flavor but also makes the dish colorful.
If you have a special occasion, you can adapt the recipe too. Consider adding a sprinkle of truffle oil or a fancy cheese on top for a gourmet touch. These small changes can make your dinner feel extra special.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep Marry Me Shrimp Pasta fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Place the pasta in the fridge if you plan to eat it within three days. For longer storage, freeze it. In the freezer, it stays good for about two months. The quality may drop after this time, so enjoy it soon!
Reheating Tips
When reheating, you want to keep the pasta moist. The best way is to use a skillet or a microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or broth. Heat it over low heat, stirring often. For the microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel. This helps steam the pasta and keeps it from drying out. If the sauce thickens too much, add a little pasta water when reheating. This keeps the dish creamy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and shrimp separately. Store them in the fridge. Keep the sauce in an airtight container. When ready to eat, simply reheat each part. Combine them in a skillet on low heat. This way, you keep the flavors fresh.
What can I serve with this dish?
You have many tasty options. Try a simple green salad for a crunchy side. Garlic bread pairs well too. For wine, a crisp white like Pinot Grigio works great. It complements the flavors of the shrimp and cream nicely.
How can I make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta spicier?
If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes. You could also mix in diced jalapeños. Another option is to drizzle hot sauce over the finished dish. Adjust the spice to fit your taste. Just remember to start small, then add more if needed.
What is the origin of the “Marry Me” name?
The name comes from the dish’s reputation. Many say it’s so good, it might inspire a proposal! It’s a fun way to describe how delicious it is. The dish has become popular for romantic dinners.
Full Recipe for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. It’s easy to follow and will make your cooking fun!
This blog post shared a simple and tasty recipe for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. We covered key ingredients like shrimp, pasta, and spices. You now know how to cook pasta perfectly and create a flavorful sauce. You also learned tips for variations and storage.
For your next dinner, try this dish to impress someone special. Cooking should be fun, so enjoy every step in the kitchen. Use fresh ingredients to make it shine! Happy cooking!
![- 12 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust more or less to your preference) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish) The key to my Marry Me Shrimp Pasta lies in these fresh ingredients. I always choose large shrimp. They add a delightful bite and absorb flavor well. I prefer linguine for its ability to hold the creamy sauce. You can also use fettuccine for a thicker noodle. Extra virgin olive oil brings a rich taste. Garlic adds warmth and depth. The red pepper flakes provide a lovely kick. Adjust the amount to fit your spice level. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and color. Heavy cream creates a luscious sauce. Grated Parmesan adds saltiness and creaminess. Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. Don't forget salt and cracked black pepper to taste. Lastly, fresh basil leaves give it a beautiful finish. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe link. It has all the steps and tips to make this dish shine! First, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 ounces of linguine or fettuccine. Cook it until al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta but save about 1 cup of the pasta water for later. This water will help adjust the sauce later. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan. Season them with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, take them out and set them on a plate. Now, we move on to the sauce! In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring often. This step is vital for flavor. You want the garlic to smell great but not brown. Next, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 more minutes until they soften a bit. Slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream while stirring. Let it simmer gently. Gradually mix in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and thickens the sauce. Once your sauce is ready, it’s time to combine! First, gently fold the drained pasta into the skillet. Then, add the cooked shrimp and a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and shrimp with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired texture. Taste and adjust with extra salt and pepper if needed. After combining, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the pasta in individual bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh basil for a pop of flavor and color. Enjoy your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta right away for the best taste. To get shrimp just right, cook them quickly. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Don't walk away! Overcooked shrimp can get tough and rubbery. For pasta, aim for al dente. Bring salted water to a boil. Cook linguine or fettuccine as per package directions, usually 8-10 minutes. Before draining, save about a cup of that pasta water. It helps adjust the sauce later. To adjust spice levels, use red pepper flakes. Start with a teaspoon, and taste as you go. You can always add more if you like heat. This adds a nice kick without overpowering the dish. For depth in your sauce, think about adding a splash of white wine. It adds brightness and pairs well with shrimp. You can also toss in some chopped herbs like parsley or basil. They will enhance the overall flavor. Garnishing makes your dish pop! Top each serving with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese. It adds color and flavor. Place a lemon wedge on the side. This gives a touch of freshness and looks lovely. For a romantic dinner, serve the pasta in pretty bowls. Dim the lights and add candles. A nice side salad or garlic bread pairs well and rounds out the meal. If you want the full recipe, check out the detailed cooking steps mentioned earlier. {{image_4}} You can change up the main protein in this dish. If you want a different flavor, use chicken instead of shrimp. You can also use vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for a lighter option. Both choices taste great in the sauce. For pasta, you can switch from linguine or fettuccine to whole wheat or gluten-free options. This way, you make the dish fit your needs while keeping it delicious. If you want a lighter sauce, try using less cream. You can substitute with milk or even a non-dairy option like almond milk. This still gives you creaminess without the heaviness. For more flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine. It adds a nice depth to the sauce. Just make sure to let it cook down a bit so the alcohol cooks off. Use seasonal veggies for a fresh twist. In spring, add asparagus or peas. In fall, try adding butternut squash or kale. This not only enhances flavor but also makes the dish colorful. If you have a special occasion, you can adapt the recipe too. Consider adding a sprinkle of truffle oil or a fancy cheese on top for a gourmet touch. These small changes can make your dinner feel extra special. To keep Marry Me Shrimp Pasta fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Place the pasta in the fridge if you plan to eat it within three days. For longer storage, freeze it. In the freezer, it stays good for about two months. The quality may drop after this time, so enjoy it soon! When reheating, you want to keep the pasta moist. The best way is to use a skillet or a microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or broth. Heat it over low heat, stirring often. For the microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel. This helps steam the pasta and keeps it from drying out. If the sauce thickens too much, add a little pasta water when reheating. This keeps the dish creamy and delicious. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and shrimp separately. Store them in the fridge. Keep the sauce in an airtight container. When ready to eat, simply reheat each part. Combine them in a skillet on low heat. This way, you keep the flavors fresh. You have many tasty options. Try a simple green salad for a crunchy side. Garlic bread pairs well too. For wine, a crisp white like Pinot Grigio works great. It complements the flavors of the shrimp and cream nicely. If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes. You could also mix in diced jalapeños. Another option is to drizzle hot sauce over the finished dish. Adjust the spice to fit your taste. Just remember to start small, then add more if needed. The name comes from the dish's reputation. Many say it’s so good, it might inspire a proposal! It’s a fun way to describe how delicious it is. The dish has become popular for romantic dinners. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. It's easy to follow and will make your cooking fun! This blog post shared a simple and tasty recipe for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. We covered key ingredients like shrimp, pasta, and spices. You now know how to cook pasta perfectly and create a flavorful sauce. You also learned tips for variations and storage. For your next dinner, try this dish to impress someone special. Cooking should be fun, so enjoy every step in the kitchen. Use fresh ingredients to make it shine! Happy cooking!](https://recipetorch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/0cf186f0-d15c-4296-806c-99e022026677-250x250.webp)