Description
Fall in love with this Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe, a quick and indulgent dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions! Juicy shrimp, a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in just 30 minutes. This restaurant-quality dish is comforting, elegant, and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine preferred)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Optional Additions:
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup dry white wine (optional, to deglaze the pan)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the Sauce: Add the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and additional salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Then, add the pasta, tossing gently to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Fresh Parmesan is Key: Using freshly grated Parmesan will give the sauce a creamier, smoother texture compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Customize to Your Taste: Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or a splash of white wine for extra flavor.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to refresh the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Creamy marry me shrimp pasta, shrimp pasta recipe, creamy shrimp pasta, quick shrimp pasta, garlic Parmesan pasta, creamy pasta dinner, 30-minute dinner, seafood pasta recipe.