The Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe is creamy, flavorful, and irresistible – the kind of dish that could win hearts with a single bite. Juicy shrimp, al dente pasta, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce come together to create a meal that feels luxurious yet simple enough for weeknights.
With garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh herbs, every bite delivers richness balanced by freshness. It’s a dish that will impress guests or make family dinners feel extra special.
🧾 Want to keep this recipe for later? Download your printable PDF version now and enjoy it anytime!
📥 Download Recipe PDF✅ Print-friendly • 🕒 Save for later • 📱 Mobile-accessible
💡 Want more like this? Subscribe to our weekly printable recipes!
The Story Behind This Dish
Why It’s Called “Marry Me” Pasta
The name comes from its irresistible flavor. Originally made popular with chicken, the “marry me” version gained fame because people joked it was so good, it could inspire a marriage proposal. This shrimp variation takes the classic idea and adds a seafood twist, giving the dish elegance while keeping the same creamy, dreamy sauce.
Shrimp Elevates the Dish
Shrimp cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. When paired with garlic, cream, and Parmesan, it creates a restaurant-quality pasta you can prepare at home in under 40 minutes.
Print
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: {{total_time}}
- Yield: {{yield}}
Description
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, dreamy dish with juicy shrimp, Parmesan cream sauce, and pasta — perfect for date nights or family dinners.
Ingredients
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice)
3 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
1. Bring salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup cooking water. Drain.
2. Heat olive oil in skillet. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
3. In same skillet, sauté garlic 30 seconds. Add broth and cream. Stir to combine. Simmer gently.
4. Whisk in Parmesan until smooth. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Adjust taste.
5. Return shrimp and pasta to skillet. Toss until coated. Add pasta water if sauce is too thick.
6. Serve hot, garnished with basil or parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
Do not overcook shrimp. For spice, add red pepper flakes. Store in fridge for 3 days, reheating gently with extra cream or broth.
- Prep Time: {{prep_time}}
- Cook Time: {{cook_time}}
- Category: {{category}}
- Method: {{method}}
- Cuisine: {{cuisine}}
Nutrition
- Serving Size: {{serving_size}}
- Calories: {{calories}}
- Sodium: {{sodium}}
- Fat: {{fat}}
- Saturated Fat: {{saturated_fat}}
- Unsaturated Fat: {{unsaturated_fat}}
- Trans Fat: {{trans_fat}}
- Carbohydrates: {{carbohydrates}}
- Fiber: {{fiber}}
- Protein: {{protein}}
Ingredients and Substitutions
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined – fresh or frozen (thawed).
- 8 ounces pasta – spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite shape.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil – for cooking shrimp and aromatics.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – adds depth and aroma.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half) – creates the velvety sauce.
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth) – balances creaminess.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – freshly grated for smooth melting.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – adds herbaceous flavor.
- Salt and pepper – to taste.
- Fresh basil or parsley – garnish for freshness.
Substitution Ideas
- Replace shrimp with scallops or lobster for variety.
- Use gluten-free pasta if desired.
- Add red pepper flakes for a touch of spice.
- Swap cream for coconut cream if dairy-free.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a pot of salted water to boil.
- Add pasta and cook until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of cooking water, then drain.
Cook the Shrimp
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well.
- Simmer gently to allow flavors to meld.
Add Cheese and Seasoning
- Whisk in Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Taste and adjust as needed.
Combine Pasta and Shrimp
- Return shrimp to the skillet.
- Add drained pasta and toss everything in the sauce.
- Add pasta water gradually if sauce is too thick.
Serve
- Divide pasta into plates.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
How to Serve
This dish is perfect for a romantic dinner or a family gathering. Serve it with garlic bread and a crisp salad for balance.
Drink Pairings
- White wine such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.
- Sparkling water with lemon.
- For indulgence, pair with light desserts like panna cotta.
For variety, serve alongside your High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe for a pasta night that offers both creamy seafood and hearty beef options.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive sauce.
- Freezer: Not ideal, as shrimp can become rubbery.
Variations and Twists
- Spicy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta – add chili flakes to the sauce.
- Vegetable Additions – stir in spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Extra Creamy – add cream cheese with Parmesan.
- Lighter Version – use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
Which pasta works best?
Fettuccine and spaghetti are classics, but penne holds the sauce beautifully.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
How do I avoid overcooking shrimp?
Cook only 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove immediately from heat.
Conclusion
The Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe combines tender shrimp, creamy sauce, and Parmesan cheese into a dish that feels indulgent yet easy. With its rich flavors and elegant presentation, it’s the perfect meal for date nights, family dinners, or impressing guests. Once you try it, this recipe will be one of your favorites for years to come.
