Okay, friends, let’s talk about Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. You’ve probably seen it all over Pinterest, right? I mean, who wouldn’t fall head-over-heels for a creamy, dreamy pasta dish loaded with juicy shrimp? It’s the kind of meal that just *feels* special, and trust me, it tastes even better than it looks.
Here at my little corner of the internet, you know I’m all about simple, comforting recipes that bring a little bit of joy to your day. And this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta fits that bill perfectly! It’s easy enough for a weeknight, but fancy enough for date night. Plus, it’s totally customizable, so you can make it your own. Get ready to whip up a dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds…and maybe a ring! 😉
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Seriously, you’re gonna adore this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. It’s:
- Ready in a flash – perfect for busy nights!
- Bursting with flavor – that creamy sauce is EVERYTHING.
- Date-night approved – impress your sweetheart without the fuss.
- Made with simple stuff – no fancy ingredients needed.
- Totally your own – tweak it to your heart’s content!
This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Is Perfect For
Think romantic dinners, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, or just when you want to treat yourself (because you deserve it!). It’s also a winner for impressing friends at a casual get-together. Honestly, any excuse is a good excuse for this pasta!
Ingredients for Your Dreamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Alright, gather ’round! Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy pasta a reality. Don’t skimp on the good stuff, okay?
- Shrimp: About a pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes to prep them yourself.
- Pasta: Linguine or fettuccine work best here – about a pound. But hey, use what you like!
- Heavy cream: One and a half cups. This is where the magic happens, folks.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated, about one cup. None of that pre-shredded stuff, got it?
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Half a cup, oil-packed, and make sure you drain them well.
- Garlic: Three cloves, minced. Because garlic makes everything better.
- Red pepper flakes: A pinch, or more if you like it spicy!
- Fresh basil: A quarter cup, chopped. Adds a pop of fresh flavor that’s just *chef’s kiss*.
- Olive oil: Two tablespoons.
- Butter: Two tablespoons. Yes, both!
- Salt and pepper: To taste, of course!
How to Prepare Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, here’s the deal. This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta might *sound* fancy, but it’s honestly super easy to make. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be golden!
- Step 1: Cook the pasta. Get a big pot of salted water boiling, then toss in your linguine or fettuccine. Cook it according to the package directions – you want it al dente, not mushy. Before you drain the pasta, and this is *important*, scoop out about a cup of that starchy pasta water. You’ll thank me later!
- Step 2: Sauté the aromatics. In a large skillet (the one you’ll use for the sauce), melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about a minute, until the garlic is fragrant. Careful not to burn it! Burnt garlic is the worst.
- Step 3: Cook the shrimp. Add the shrimp to the skillet, along with those red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll be rubbery. Nobody wants rubbery shrimp! Take the shrimp out of the pan and set aside for now.
- Step 4: Make the sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens up nicely. It should coat the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Combine everything. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss it all together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of that reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. That pasta water is liquid gold, remember?
- Step 6: Finish it off. Stir in the cooked shrimp and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it one last toss to make sure everything’s happy.
- Step 7: Serve and enjoy! Serve immediately in bowls. Seriously, don’t wait! This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is best enjoyed hot and fresh. Get ready for some serious compliments!
Tips for the Best Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Want to take your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta from “good” to “OMG amazing?” Here’s the inside scoop! First, *please*, don’t overcook the shrimp! It’s the easiest way to ruin the whole dish. And splurge on the Parmesan – that pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt the same. My favorite part is using fresh basil; it adds a brightness you just can’t beat. Trust me on this one!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Variations
Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic Marry Me Shrimp Pasta? Awesome! Now let’s get a little wild, shall we? Don’t be afraid to play around – that’s how the best recipes are born! I love tossing in a handful of fresh spinach or kale for extra veggies (sneaky, right?). You could even swap the Parmesan for mozzarella or Asiago. Chicken or scallops work great if you’re not feeling shrimp. And oh! A little lemon zest? *Chef’s kiss*! It’s your pasta, make it your own!
Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a showstopper on its own, but a few simple sides can really take it over the top! You’ll *definitely* want some crusty bread for soaking up all that amazing sauce. A light, fresh side salad cuts through the richness perfectly. Or, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, garlic bread is *always* a good idea. Just sayin’!
Storing Leftover Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is still delicious the next day. Just pop it in an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid microwaving if you can, it can make the shrimp rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common things folks ask me about making this dreamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Marry Me Pasta recipe? Absolutely! Just make sure you thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Nobody wants watery shrimp!
What kind of pasta works best with this creamy shrimp pasta recipe? I’m a big fan of linguine or fettuccine because they really grab onto that luscious sauce. But honestly, any long pasta will do! Check out these easy pasta recipes for more ideas.
How can I make this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta spicier? Easy! Just add a little more red pepper flakes. Or, for a real kick, try a dash of cayenne pepper. But be careful, a little goes a long way!
Can I make this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta ahead of time? Hmm, I wouldn’t recommend making the whole dish ahead. The pasta can get a little mushy. But you *can* prep the sauce ahead of time and then just cook the pasta and shrimp when you’re ready to eat.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream in this shrimp pasta dinner for two? If you’re looking to lighten things up, you *could* use half-and-half. But trust me, the heavy cream is what gives it that super decadent, “marry me” quality! If you want something a bit healthier but still creamy, try using a blend of milk and a tablespoon of cornstarch. For more healthy options, consider these easy recipes.
Estimated Nutritional Information for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m no nutritionist, but roughly, one serving of this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta clocks in around 600 calories, 35g fat, 40g carbs, and 30g protein. Keep in mind, it’s just an estimate! For more information on healthy eating, you might find resources on nutrition helpful.
Ready to Make This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta?
So, what are you waiting for? Go whip up this dreamy pasta and let me know what you think! Leave a comment, give it a rating, and tag me on social media – I can’t wait to see your creations!
PrintMarry Me Shrimp Pasta: 7 Unforgivable Mistakes
Bite-sized pecan pie treats with a creamy, buttery filling and a crisp pastry shell. Perfect for holidays and special occasions.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 tassies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 package (15 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts, prepared as mini tart shells
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy.
- Stir in pecans.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, egg, and salt.
- Spoon pecan mixture into cream cheese mixture.
- Fill prepared mini tart shells with the pecan mixture.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden.
- Let cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, toast the chopped pecans before adding them to the filling.
- You can make your own mini tart shells from scratch if preferred.
- These tassies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tassie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg