Description
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is an indulgent and creamy pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp, a rich garlic cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy yet elegant meal is perfect for special occasions, date nights, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something delicious. The combination of creamy sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp will have you saying “yes” after the first bite!
Ingredients
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine work great)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed or dry)
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra flavor)
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1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later. Set aside. -
Prepare the shrimp:
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside. -
Make the sauce:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth (or white wine), stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. -
Combine the pasta and shrimp:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
Gently fold in the cooked shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through. -
Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley, and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
For extra spice, increase the red pepper flakes or add hot sauce to the sauce.For a vegetarian version, replace the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or grilled chicken.To make it lighter, substitute heavy cream with light cream or half-and-half, and skip the cheese or use a lighter alternative.Add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers by sautéing them with the garlic before adding the sun-dried tomatoes.