Marry Me Shrimp Pasta – Creamy, Garlicky & Absolutely Delicious!
Looking to impress your dinner guests or simply craving a next-level comfort meal? This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta delivers everything you need in one creamy, garlicky, and flavor-packed dish. With juicy shrimp, a rich tomato cream sauce, and perfectly al dente pasta, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen with ease.
This dish is a twist on the viral Marry Me Chicken concept, offering the same irresistible flavor but tailored for seafood lovers. The combination of garlic, cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender shrimp creates a pasta that’s bold yet balanced—perfect for special nights or cozy dinners at home.
What Is Marry Me Shrimp Pasta?
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a creamy pasta recipe that features pan-seared shrimp in a rich sauce made from heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. The name “Marry Me” comes from its melt-in-your-mouth flavor that’s so good, it might just lead to a marriage proposal.
This version of the beloved concept swaps chicken for shrimp, making it ideal for seafood fans who want a lighter, ocean-inspired variation. The sauce coats the pasta beautifully while the shrimp bring their own delicate sweetness and tenderness to the plate.
If you’ve ever enjoyed something like our Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, you already know the power of garlic, cream, and shrimp in one bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the ultimate Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, you’ll need a few pantry staples and fresh seafood. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Shrimp – Large, peeled, and deveined. Go for fresh or frozen (thawed).
- Pasta – Fettuccine or linguine works best, but penne or rigatoni are great alternatives.
- Garlic – Freshly minced for maximum flavor.
- Sun-dried tomatoes – Use oil-packed for a more intense taste.
- Heavy cream – This forms the rich base of the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated for depth and richness.
- Chicken broth – To thin out the sauce without compromising flavor.
- Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs to balance the richness.
- Red pepper flakes – Optional, for a hint of heat.
- Olive oil – For sautéing.
For garlic lovers, you may also enjoy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni for another weeknight comfort option.
How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they’re pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well coated. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately with more Parmesan and chopped parsley on top.
If you enjoy creamy seafood pasta dishes, you might also love our Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta.
Tips for Perfect Shrimp Pasta
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp cook quickly and become rubbery if overdone. As soon as they turn pink and curl slightly, remove them from heat.
Use Fresh Parmesan
Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly as freshly grated Parmesan. It also adds a stronger, nuttier flavor when freshly grated.
Adjust the Creaminess
If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water will loosen it without thinning the flavor. If too thin, simmer for a few extra minutes.
Choose the Right Pasta
Long pasta like fettuccine or linguine holds onto creamy sauces beautifully. For a fun twist, try it with bowtie or shell pasta.
What to Serve With Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
This rich dish pairs well with a light side and a bit of crunch to balance the creaminess. Here are some pairing suggestions:
- Garlic Bread Ritz Bits – Adds texture and garlic-forward flavor.
- Simple garden salad – Dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a zesty contrast.
- Goat Cheese Appetizer Spread – Elegant and creamy, perfect for a date-night starter.
Variations You Can Try
Add Spinach or Kale
Toss in a handful of spinach or kale right before adding the shrimp back to the sauce. It wilts perfectly and adds nutrition.
Make It Spicier
Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Try It With Chicken
Love the flavor but want to switch up the protein? Try it with seared chicken like in our Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life.
Avoid microwaving for too long, as the shrimp can get rubbery.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
If Marry Me Shrimp Pasta became an instant favorite, you’ll definitely want to try these next:
- Gordon Ramsay Shrimp Scampi – Simple and elegant, packed with garlic and lemon.
- Zesty Shrimp and Avocado Rice Bowls – A healthy alternative for shrimp lovers.
- Seafood Stuffed Shells – Another creamy, cheesy seafood favorite.
- Sticky Beef Noodles – For those craving bold, savory Asian-style flavors.
- Cajun Potato Soup – A comforting side or standalone meal.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the kind of recipe that’s unforgettable. It blends elegance with ease, turning everyday ingredients into a show-stopping dish. Whether you’re serving it for a romantic dinner, entertaining guests, or just satisfying a comfort food craving, this dish always delivers.
With its silky sauce, succulent shrimp, and deep garlic flavor, one bite might just make someone say, “Will you marry me?”
Let your next dinner be a love story written in pasta. And while you’re here, don’t forget to explore more comforting meals like our Spicy Vodka Pasta or Parmesan Garlic Chicken for even more creamy, crave-worthy dishes.










