Dreamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: 40 Min Wow

Oh, you HAVE to try this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta! Seriously, it’s the stuff dreams are made of. It’s got this super creamy, dreamy sauce that just coats every single piece of pasta and those plump, juicy shrimp. It sounds fancy, right? Like something from a fancy restaurant. But honestly, I whip this up on a Tuesday when I’m craving something special. It’s ridiculously easy, and it always feels like a celebration. If you’re looking for a dinner that’s guaranteed to impress, whether it’s for a date night or just because, this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is your answer. Trust me, it’s a keeper!

Why This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Is a Must-Try

This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a total winner because:

• It’s unbelievably rich and creamy, with perfectly cooked shrimp.
• You can have this amazing dish on the table in under 40 minutes – perfect for busy nights!
• It’s elegant enough for a special occasion but simple enough for any weeknight.
• It’s a fantastic home-cooked dinner idea that feels totally gourmet.

Gathering Your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Ingredients

Alright, let’s get this show on the road! To make our fabulous Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, you’ll need a few key players. First up, grab about a pound of linguine. You could totally use fettuccine or even spaghetti if that’s what you’ve got. Then, for the star of the show, a pound of large shrimp – make sure they’re peeled and deveined, that’s a big time-saver! We’ll need two tablespoons of olive oil to get things sizzling, and about four cloves of garlic, minced nice and fine. For a little kick, we’re adding half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. The magic happens with one cup of heavy cream for that luscious sauce, half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese – get the good stuff if you can! – and a quarter cup of fresh parsley, chopped up. Oh, and don’t forget salt and freshly ground black pepper to make everything sing!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

So, a few quick notes on these ingredients for your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. If you can’t find linguine, don’t sweat it! Fettuccine, angel hair, or even penne will work beautifully here. For the shrimp, medium-sized ones are fine too, just adjust the cooking time a bit so they don’t get tough. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can totally skip the red pepper flakes or just use a tiny pinch. And if you want to make this vegetarian, just leave out the shrimp and maybe add some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra heartiness. For the parsley, fresh is always best for that bright flavor, but a little dried parsley can work in a pinch if you absolutely have to.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Okay, let’s get cooking! First things first, get your linguine going in a big pot of salted boiling water. Cook it just like the package says – usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Before you drain it, scoop out about half a cup of that starchy pasta water; it’s liquid gold for our sauce! Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Now, while the pasta’s doing its thing, grab a big skillet. We’re going to heat up that olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your shrimp. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or they’ll steam instead of getting that nice little sear. Cook them for just about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. We want them cooked, but not rubbery! Scoop those gorgeous shrimp out and set them on a plate. They’ll join the party later.

See the same skillet? Toss in your minced garlic and those red pepper flakes. Give them a quick stir for about 30 seconds until you can really smell that amazing garlicky aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Then, pour in that glorious heavy cream. Let it come to a gentle simmer, stirring now and then, for a couple of minutes until it starts to thicken up just a bit. This is where the magic starts!

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s all melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Oh, it smells SO good! Now, bring your cooked shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Add your drained linguine and that lovely chopped fresh parsley. Give it all a good toss until every strand of pasta and every shrimp is coated in that luscious sauce. If it looks a little too thick, just add a splash of that reserved pasta water we saved to loosen it up. Finish it off with a good pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste it and adjust if needed!

Tips for Perfect Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

A few little tricks can make your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta absolutely perfect. First, don’t overcook the shrimp! They cook super fast, so keep an eye on them. Aim for just-pink and opaque. For the sauce consistency, if it seems too thick after adding the pasta, that reserved pasta water is your best friend. Just a tablespoon or two at a time will make it perfectly silky without thinning it out too much. When you toss everything together, do it gently so you don’t break up the pasta. And always, always taste and season at the end – it makes all the difference!

Serving and Enjoying Your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is absolutely divine served piping hot right away. A little extra sprinkle of that fresh parsley on top is a must for color and flavor. If you want to go fancy, a tiny bit of grated lemon zest adds a lovely brightness that cuts through the richness. It’s fantastic on its own, but a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect companion. Honestly, though, it’s so good you might not even need anything else!

Storing and Reheating Leftover Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

If, by some miracle, you have any Marry Me Shrimp Pasta left over, just pop it into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 2 to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, the best way to reheat it is gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a tiny splash of milk or cream if it looks a little dry. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but stir it halfway through to make sure it heats evenly and doesn’t get weirdly rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Got questions about this amazing Marry Me Shrimp Pasta? I’ve got answers!

Q: Why is it called “Marry Me” Shrimp Pasta?
Well, it’s so incredibly delicious and satisfying, the idea is that it’s so good, it’ll make someone propose to you! It’s one of those home-cooked dinner ideas that just screams “I love you!” It’s definitely one of my favorite shrimp dinner meals. You can find more shrimp pasta recipes here.

Q: Can I make this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta vegetarian?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for vegetarian dinner ideas, just skip the shrimp. You can add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or even some tender spinach right into the sauce at the end. It’s still a fantastic pasta dish without the seafood!

Q: What other seafood can I use in this pasta?
While shrimp is amazing, this creamy sauce is also wonderful with scallops or even chunks of flaky white fish like cod or tilapia. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for whatever seafood you choose. It’s a great way to use up whatever you have on hand for family seafood dinner ideas.

Q: Is this a good recipe for two people?
Yes! This recipe makes about 4 servings, but it’s perfect for dinner recipes for two in the summer because it’s quick to make. Just halve the ingredients if you only want enough for two, or enjoy the leftovers!

Nutritional Information for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is estimated! It can totally change depending on the brands you use, like the type of cream or even the Parmesan cheese. So, think of these numbers as a good ballpark figure for your fantastic home-cooked dinner ideas.

For more delicious recipes and inspiration, check out our Pinterest page: RecipesBestOf on Pinterest.

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