The First Bite
I first tasted this dish at my friend’s wedding rehearsal dinner. The creamy sauce hugged the shrimp perfectly. Each bite felt like a warm, happy hug. Ever wondered how a simple pasta could feel so special? That meal made me believe in food magic. I knew I had to make it myself. It was love at first taste. The memory still makes me smile.
My Kitchen Adventure
My first try was a little messy. I was so nervous about the shrimp. I almost forgot to add the spinach at the end. The kitchen was a whirlwind of pots and pans. That night taught me that good food comes from the heart, not perfection. It is okay if things are not perfect. The effort and love are what truly matter. What was your last fun kitchen mistake?
Why It Tastes So Good
This dish has amazing flavor layers. The sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy punch. The creamy sauce balances the slight spice from the pepper flakes. Which flavor combo surprises you most, the creamy and spicy or the sweet and tangy? The textures are just as important. You get tender shrimp and firm pasta in every forkful. It is a true party for your mouth.
A Dish’s Journey
This recipe is a modern American classic. It became popular on the internet for its romantic name. It mixes Italian-inspired flavors with a creamy sauce. *Did you know the “Marry Me” name comes from its power to impress?* It is a dish meant for sharing and creating joy. It shows how food can bring people closer together. Tell me, what is your go-to meal for a special night?
| Ingredient | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Penne pasta (or gluten-free short pasta) | 8 ounces | |
| Shrimp | 1 pound | peeled and deveined |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon | plus more to taste |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 teaspoon | plus more to taste |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon | plus more to taste |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons | |
| Mushrooms | 2 cups | sliced |
| Garlic | 4 cloves | minced |
| All-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour) | 2 tablespoons | |
| Tomato paste | 1 tablespoon | |
| Vegetable stock | 2 cups | |
| Sundried tomatoes | 1 cup | roughly chopped |
| Baby spinach | 3 cups | |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/2 teaspoon | optional |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup | shredded |
| Heavy cream | 1/2 cup | |
| Fresh basil | 2 tablespoons | chopped, for garnish |
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Step 1 Cook your pasta in salted boiling water. Follow the directions on the box. Drain the water and set the pasta aside. (A hard-learned tip: save a little pasta water for your sauce).
Step 2 Heat oil in a large pan. Season the shrimp with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook them for two minutes on each side. Take them out so they do not get tough.
Step 3 Melt butter in the same pan. Cook sliced mushrooms until they are brown. Add the garlic and cook for one minute. It should smell amazing but not burn.
Step 4 Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir. Add tomato paste and mix it in. Pour in the vegetable stock slowly. Let the sauce simmer and thicken.
Step 5 Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes. Add the spinach in handfuls, letting it wilt. Put in the cheese and cream next. Simmer everything until it is wonderfully creamy.
Step 6 Take the pan off the heat. Gently mix in the cooked pasta and shrimp. Taste the sauce and add more seasoning if needed. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil. What is the best sign that your shrimp is perfectly cooked? Share below!
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner, Pasta
Make It Your Own
This dish is easy to change up. Try a new version to keep things fun. Here are three creative spins for your next dinner.Chicken Twist Swap the shrimp for diced chicken breast. Cook it through before you make the sauce.
Extra Spicy Kick Double the red pepper flakes. Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end.
Summer Garden Use fresh cherry tomatoes instead of sun-dried. Add fresh zucchini with the mushrooms. Which of these spins would you try first? Vote in the comments!
Serving Up Romance
This pasta deserves a beautiful table. Serve it with simple, elegant sides. A crisp green salad with lemon dressing is perfect. So is some warm, crusty garlic bread. For drinks, a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio pairs nicely. A sparkling lemonade with mint is great for a non-alcoholic option. *Fun fact: the name comes from its power to impress!* Which would you choose tonight, the wine or the lemonade?
Keeping Your Shrimp Pasta Perfect
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge. They will keep for up to three days. You can freeze this dish for a month, but the cream sauce may separate a bit. Reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of stock. My husband loves when I make a double batch. It makes our busy weeknights feel special. Why does this matter? A ready-made meal turns a hectic day into a calm one. Do you have a favorite make-ahead dinner? Let me know.
Quick Fixes for Common Hiccups
Is your sauce too thick? Just stir in a little more vegetable stock or that reserved pasta water. If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer. It will thicken up nicely. Did you accidentally overcook the shrimp? They get rubbery fast. Next time, take them out as soon as they turn pink and curl. No fresh basil? A teaspoon of the dried kind works in a pinch. A friend once used kale instead of spinach. It worked great. Why does this matter? Simple swaps mean dinner is saved, not stressed.
Your Shrimp Pasta Questions Answered
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It works perfectly.
How far ahead can I make it?
You can prep the sauce and shrimp a day ahead. Keep them separate in the fridge until dinner.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half is a good swap. For a dairy-free option, try full-fat canned coconut milk.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use your largest pot and skillet. You might need to cook the shrimp in two batches.
Is the red pepper really optional?
It is. But a little pinch adds a nice warmth. My family always adds it. What is your must-have pantry ingredient?
A Dish Made for Sharing
I hope this recipe brings joy to your table. It is perfect for a cozy date night. It also works for a fun family meal. I love seeing your kitchen creations. Did you give this a try?
Share your photos and tag Amelia Hartwell on Pinterest.
Happy cooking! —Amelia Hartwell.
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe for Romance
Description
A romantic and creamy pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a rich Parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- For the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain and set aside. (Optional: reserve ¼ cup pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency.)
- For the shrimp: While pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pat shrimp dry, then season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté shrimp for about 2 minutes per side (shrimp should turn opaque and curl into a “C” shape). Avoid overcooking. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- For the sauce & finishing: In the same skillet used to cook the shrimp, melt the butter. Add sliced mushrooms and cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown and release moisture. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute (do not let it burn).
- Sprinkle in the flour. Stir to coat the mushrooms, cooking for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until the raw flour smell is gone and there are no visible white streaks. Then add tomato paste, mixing well.
- Gradually pour in the vegetable stock about ½ to 1 cup at a time, stirring after each addition, bringing the sauce to a simmer. Let it thicken slightly.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Reduce heat to low. Add spinach in batches, letting each batch wilt before adding more.
- Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat (optional).
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Bring the sauce back to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook 1 to 2 minutes until creamy. If sauce seems too thick, use reserved pasta water (if you saved it) or more stock to thin out.
- Remove from heat, then fold in the cooked penne pasta and the shrimp. Stir gently to ensure shrimp and pasta are well coated with sauce.
- Taste, then adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper or Italian seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped basil.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
