Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe with Minimal Ingredients

Short Description

This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a luscious, flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp with a rich, garlicky sun-dried tomato sauce. With minimal ingredients, this recipe is simple to make yet delivers a gourmet experience right from your kitchen. Perfect for date nights or when you crave a satisfying homemade meal, this dish is bound to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal Ingredients: Requires only a handful of pantry staples, making it convenient and cost-effective.
• Rich and Creamy: The sauce is velvety and indulgent, coating the pasta beautifully.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Brings a high-end dining experience to your table without the hassle.
• Quick and Easy: Takes under 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy nights.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: The luxurious taste makes it a fantastic choice for romantic dinners or celebrations.

Ingredients

pasta of choice
large shrimp, peeled and deveined
sun-dried tomatoes
heavy cream
chicken broth
Parmesan cheese
garlic
red pepper flakes
Italian seasoning
salt
black pepper
olive oil

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes for about a minute until fragrant.
4. Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
5. Incorporate Cheese & Seasoning: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce thicken slightly.
6. Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet, tossing everything together to coat evenly. If needed, add reserved pasta water for extra creaminess.
7. Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Variations

• Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with chicken, salmon, or scallops for variety.
• Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce richness.
• Spice Adjustment: Increase or reduce red pepper flakes based on heat preference.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace shrimp with mushrooms or spinach for a meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta without compromising taste.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to restore consistency.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Cook shrimp for only a few minutes per side until pink and opaque. Overcooking leads to a tough texture.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.

What type of pasta works best?

Linguine, fettuccine, or penne hold the sauce well, but any pasta can be used.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Try cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different but delicious taste.

How can I thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer longer or add extra Parmesan cheese for a thicker consistency.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Milk can work, but the sauce will be thinner. A mix of milk and cornstarch can help thicken it.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, if served with zucchini noodles or another low-carb pasta alternative.

How do I make it more garlicky?

Simply add more garlic or use roasted garlic for a deeper flavor.

What herbs go well with this dish?

Basil, parsley, or thyme enhance the flavors beautifully.

Conclusion

This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a quick and easy dish that packs bold flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious, creamy pasta experience at home!

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