Marry Me Shrimp Pasta – A Creamy, Flavorful Delight
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a creamy and flavorful seafood pasta dish featuring tender shrimp simmered in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce with garlic and Italian seasoning, served over your favorite pasta and garnished with fresh herbs. This quick and easy recipe delivers a comforting and elegant meal perfect for date nights or special dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Shrimp and Pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning into the simmering sauce. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them thoroughly with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta, gently tossing everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta and shrimp immediately. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley and serve warm for the best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Use low-sodium broth to control the salt content.
- For added heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and enhances the flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
