There’s something magical about the combination of creamy pasta and tender, succulent shrimp, especially when it’s as flavorful as this Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. The silky, garlicky sauce clings to every bite, making it irresistible for romantic dinners or indulgent family meals.

I first came across a version of this dish when looking for a way to elevate our typical pasta night. With a few tweaks, it became a showstopper. Now, it’s my go-to for date nights at home, and it never fails to impress. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special!
Why You'll Love This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Get ready to fall head over heels for this delectable dish. Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the perfect blend of indulgent flavors and quick preparation.
First, it’s incredibly easy to make, coming together in under 30 minutes. That means you can whip it up even on a busy weeknight without sacrificing quality or flavor.
This recipe is also a crowd-pleaser. The combination of shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce is universally loved by seafood fans and pasta enthusiasts alike.
Not to mention, it feels fancy enough for special occasions yet uses simple ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Whether it’s for a romantic dinner or a cozy family meal, this pasta fits the bill.
Finally, this dish is versatile. Serve it as a complete meal or pair it with crusty bread, a crisp salad, or a glass of your favorite white wine for an elevated experience.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in its straightforward yet delicious ingredients. Each element plays a vital role in building the luscious flavor profile.
The shrimp are the star of the show, so opt for large or jumbo shrimp that have been peeled and deveined. They cook quickly and remain tender when handled with care. Fresh shrimp are ideal, but frozen shrimp work just as well—just ensure they’re thawed before cooking.
Sun-dried tomatoes add a punch of tangy sweetness that cuts through the creaminess of the sauce. Look for ones packed in oil, as they’re softer and more flavorful.
Heavy cream is the base of the sauce, giving it that rich, velvety texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half, though the sauce won’t be quite as indulgent.
Parmesan cheese is what ties everything together. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best results; pre-shredded varieties often don’t melt as smoothly.
Garlic and Italian seasoning provide the aromatic backbone of the dish. They bring depth and warmth to the sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
You’ll also need a sturdy pasta like fettuccine or linguine. Their flat shape is perfect for catching all the creamy goodness.
Finally, don’t forget the olive oil for sautéing the shrimp and the butter for creating that silky sauce base.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Creating this elegant dish is simpler than you might expect. With a little organization, you’ll have dinner ready in no time.
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water for your pasta. Cook it al dente according to the package instructions, then drain and reserve about a cup of the pasta water.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your shrimp with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Let the garlic cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in the sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another minute to release their flavor.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, allowing the cheese to melt and thicken the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Return the shrimp to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and shrimp in the creamy sauce. Let it cook for another minute, so the flavors meld together.
Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or additional Parmesan cheese. Pair it with garlic bread for an unforgettable meal.
Storage Options
If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s rare!), you can store this pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to the pasta before warming it in a skillet over low heat. This will help revive the creamy texture without drying it out.
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the sauce separately for up to a month. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and combining with freshly cooked pasta and shrimp.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so don’t be afraid to make it your own.
For a protein twist, swap the shrimp for cooked chicken or scallops. Both options work beautifully with the creamy sauce.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
You can also experiment with the pasta. While fettuccine is classic, penne or spaghetti would work just as well and bring their unique texture to the dish.
For a touch of brightness, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta just before serving. It complements the creaminess and adds a burst of freshness.
Finally, spice lovers can up the heat by adding more red pepper flakes or even a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
This Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is all about love—love for food, love for flavor, and love for sharing a meal with those who matter most. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your home too!
PrintCreamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
This creamy marry me shrimp pasta recipe combines succulent shrimp, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a dish bursting with flavor. Ideal for romantic occasions or weeknight meals, this dish is easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix until fully coated in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of white wine while simmering the sauce.
- Substitute sun-dried tomatoes with cherry tomatoes for a lighter taste.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
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