Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

If you’re anything like me, sometimes you want a pasta dish that feels fancy but doesn’t take forever or require a dozen hard-to-find ingredients. That’s exactly where this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe shines. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with savory sun-dried tomato flavor, but still totally doable on a weeknight or special enough for date night. When I first discovered this recipe, I loved how the shrimp stays tender and juicy, wrapped in a luscious sauce that’s both comforting and a little indulgent without being overwhelming.

This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe never fails to impress guests and family alike. You’ll find that the combination of vibrant herbs, smoky paprika, and sun-dried tomato oil creates such depth of flavor—it’s like your taste buds are getting a mini-vacation. Whether you’re whipping this up for a cozy dinner at home or to celebrate something special, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels intimate and satisfying.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe lies in combining simple, quality ingredients that build a creamy, flavorful sauce without fuss. Choosing fresh shrimp and sun-dried tomato oil really makes a difference in the final dish.

• Shrimp: Use fresh or thawed large shrimp for best texture; peeled and deveined saves prep time.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky kick—don’t skip it for authentic flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings classic herb notes that complement shrimp beautifully.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: This oil is fantastic for flavor and sautéing shrimp with a rich, tomatoey undertone.
• Cent0 Tomato Paste & Diced Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They deepen the sauce’s tomato flavor and give texture.
• Butter, Garlic, and Onion: The aromatic base that makes the sauce feel comforting and rich.
• Gluten-Free Flour: Thickens the sauce perfectly, keeping it silky and smooth.
• Spinach: Adds freshness and color—plus a little extra nutrition.
• Vegetable Broth & Heavy Cream: Create a creamy, velvety sauce with balanced richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Stirred in last to add cheesy, salty depth without overpowering the shrimp.
• Gluten-Free Penne: Holds sauce well and works great if you’re avoiding gluten.
• Fresh Basil: For garnish, adds a lovely herbal brightness and aroma.

Variations

I love tweaking this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe depending on what I have at home or my mood. Don’t hesitate to personalize it—you can easily make it more vibrant, creamy, or even add a little heat.

• Spicy Kick: Sometimes I add crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the shrimp to turn up the heat without losing the luscious texture.
• Added Veggies: Bell peppers or mushrooms tossed in with the sauce give a great extra bite and make it even heartier.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute coconut cream and skip the parmesan; the sun-dried tomatoes and herbs keep it flavorful.
• Pasta Swaps: Try zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, low-carb option I’ve enjoyed that still captures the essence of the recipe.

How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfect Al Dente

Boil your gluten-free penne according to package directions—this is key because gluten-free pasta can go from perfectly al dente to mushy very fast. Once cooked, drain it but save a little pasta water just in case you want to loosen the sauce later. While the pasta cooks, you can get your shrimp ready, so everything comes together seamlessly.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Shrimp

In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated. Heating sun-dried tomato oil in a skillet adds depth here, so be sure to use it if possible. Cook the shrimp over medium heat for about two minutes per side until they’re pink, opaque, and just curled in a nice C shape—anything tighter like an O means overcooked shrimp, which I’ve learned to avoid for tender bites.

Step 3: Build the Sauce with Flavorful Aromatics

Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat and add minced garlic, onion, diced sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and dried basil. Cook this fragrant mixture for about two minutes until everything smells incredible—you’ll know it by the way the kitchen fills with those cozy herb and tomato aromas.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce and Add Creamy Goodness

Sprinkle gluten-free flour into the aromatics and stir well to form a roux base—this step is crucial because it thickens the sauce nicely without clumps. Slowly add vegetable broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously. Then, toss in the diced spinach and let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens and the spinach wilts. Stir in parmesan cheese at the end, letting it melt fully for that silky, cheesy finish.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce

Gently fold the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce so every piece gets coated. Then, add the cooked shrimp back in and stir carefully to prevent breaking them apart. Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped basil on top for that vibrant herbal note that brightens the whole dish perfectly.

How to Serve Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle fresh basil on top right before serving—it adds a fresh, fragrant burst that lifts the creamy sauce. Sometimes, I shave extra parmesan for those who want a cheesier bite, and a light drizzle of good quality olive oil brings extra gloss and richness.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some garlicky roasted asparagus. My family also loves toasted crusty gluten-free bread on the side to mop up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to plate this pasta in shallow bowls with a sprig of fresh basil and a lemon wedge on the side. Sometimes, I serve it family-style in a large cast iron skillet straight to the table, which always gets everyone excited and makes the meal feel cozy and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge—these stay tasty for up to 3 days. The shrimp can toughen a little after sitting, so I recommend reheating gently and carefully.

Freezing

I don’t typically freeze this one because of the cream sauce, which can separate when thawed. However, if you want to freeze, try storing the shrimp and sauce separately from the pasta for best results. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm it slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back the sauce’s creaminess. Microwave works in a pinch but can make the shrimp tough if overheated, so low and slow is my go-to method.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe quickly became one of my absolute favorites because it hits that perfect balance of impressive yet simple. When I make it, I feel like I’m treating myself and my people to something special, without the stress or hours in the kitchen. I really hope you give this one a try—you might find it’s the kind of dinner that everyone asks for again and again in your home too!

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