Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Short Description

Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a rich and indulgent dish that combines tender shrimp with a luscious, garlicky parmesan cream sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a dish so delicious that it might just lead to a marriage proposal! Perfect for a romantic dinner or an elegant meal, this dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful – The creamy parmesan sauce, combined with succulent shrimp and sun-dried tomatoes, creates an irresistible dish.
• Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home – This dish brings fine dining flavors to your table without the hefty price tag.
• Versatile and Customizable – You can easily swap ingredients to suit your dietary preferences.
• Perfect for Date Nights – The name itself suggests romance, making it a great dish to impress your loved one.

Ingredients

• Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Garlic, minced
• Red pepper flakes
• Italian seasoning
• Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Pasta of choice (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining and set aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp – In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and butter. Once melted, add shrimp, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce – In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning.
4. Add Liquids – Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-5 minutes, thickening slightly.
5. Incorporate Cheese – Stir in grated parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water for desired consistency.
6. Combine Everything – Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Add the drained pasta and mix well to combine everything evenly.
7. Garnish and Serve – Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately with extra parmesan on top.

Variations

• Spicy Kick – Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Protein Options – Swap shrimp for chicken, scallops, or even salmon for a different protein twist.
• Low-Carb Alternative – Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta.
• Dairy-Free – Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast in place of parmesan.

Servings and Timing

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

Storage/Reheating

• Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving as it can overcook the shrimp.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, but ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for the best texture.

2. What pasta works best for this dish?

Fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti are great options as they hold the sauce well.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the sauce in advance and reheat gently before serving.

4. How can I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer a little longer, or add more parmesan cheese for extra thickness.

5. What can I serve with this pasta?

Garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables complement the dish well.

6. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce may be slightly less creamy.

7. How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.

8. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, but sun-dried tomatoes provide a richer, more concentrated flavor.

9. What can I use instead of parmesan cheese?

Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are good alternatives.

10. Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference.

Conclusion

Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the perfect dish for impressing guests, celebrating a special occasion, or indulging in a rich and satisfying meal. With its combination of tender shrimp, creamy parmesan sauce, and bold sun-dried tomato flavors, it’s a dish that’s sure to win hearts. Try it tonight and experience its magic for yourself!

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