Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: Irresistible Recipe in 35 Minutes

Okay, so, “Marry Me” recipes…aren’t they just the cutest? The story goes that if you cook something *so* good, your partner will just HAVE to propose! And honestly, this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta? It totally lives up to the hype. It’s creamy, it’s garlicky, it’s packed with flavor, and it’s seriously easy to whip up.

This isn’t some complicated, all-day affair. We’re talking weeknight dinner material, folks! I made this for my boyfriend (now fiancé!) a few months back, and let me tell you, he was *raving*. Like, couldn’t stop talking about it. I swear, the Parmesan and shrimp combo is just pure magic. Seriously, make this. You won’t regret it. And who knows, maybe it’ll work its charm for you, too!

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Okay, so you’re probably thinking, “Another shrimp pasta recipe?” But trust me on this one! This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is seriously special. Why? Let me break it down for you:

Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal

Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 35 minutes, tops! Perfect for those crazy weeknights when you need something delicious, FAST.

Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home

That creamy, dreamy sauce? The perfectly cooked shrimp? It tastes like you spent hours slaving away, but really, it’s a cinch! Forget takeout; this is way better.

Impress Your Loved Ones

Okay, the name says it all, right? This pasta is a total showstopper. Whether you’re cooking for a date night or just want to treat your family, get ready for some serious compliments!

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Ingredients

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is all about simple, fresh flavors, so you wanna make sure you’re using the good stuff. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp: Get the good kind! Fresh or frozen (thawed, of course!) works great.
• 1 pound fettuccine pasta: I’m a fettuccine kinda gal, but linguine works too!
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil: Don’t skimp! This is the base of our flavor.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Trust me, you want *all* that garlic!
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a little kick! Adjust to your taste, though.
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio): This adds a *ton* of flavor!
• 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes it so creamy and dreamy!
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best, okay?
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: For a pop of freshness and color!
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season!

How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to get cooking? This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is seriously easy, I promise! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal in no time!

Cooking the Pasta

First things first, get your pasta going! Fill a big pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Seriously, don’t skimp on the salt; it flavors the pasta! Once boiling, add your fettuccine and cook according to the package directions, but aim for al dente. You want it to have a little bite! Before you drain the pasta, and this is *super* important, reserve about a cup of that pasta water. Trust me, you’ll need it!

Sautéing the Shrimp and Aromatics

While the pasta’s cooking, heat up that olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add your minced garlic and those red pepper flakes. Careful, it splatters sometimes! Cook for about a minute, until the garlic is fragrant – you’ll *smell* it when it’s ready. Then, add your shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re pink and cooked through. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll be rubbery! Nobody wants that.

Creating the Creamy Sauce

Now for the magic! Pour in that white wine and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. Make sure you scrape up any of those browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s where all the flavor is! Next, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly. It should be coating the back of a spoon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy!

Combining Pasta and Sauce

Alright, time to bring it all together! Drain your pasta and add it directly to the skillet with that creamy shrimp sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is completely coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of that reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. That pasta water is liquid gold, seriously!

Serving Your Delicious Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Okay, almost there! Transfer your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta to plates or bowls, garnish with that fresh parsley, and serve immediately! Seriously, it’s best when it’s hot and creamy. Get ready for some serious compliments!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Okay, so, this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is pretty flexible! Don’t have *exactly* what the recipe calls for? Don’t panic! Here are a few swaps you can totally make, and it’ll still be amazing.

Shrimp Options

Listen, any shrimp will work, but I usually go for medium or large. They just look prettier, you know? If you’re feeling fancy, get some wild-caught shrimp; the flavor is a bit more intense. But honestly, the frozen stuff from the grocery store works just fine too. Just make sure they’re peeled and deveined to save yourself some time!

Wine Substitutions

Okay, so maybe you don’t have white wine on hand, or maybe you just don’t drink it. No worries! Chicken broth or vegetable broth works great as a substitute. It won’t have *quite* the same depth of flavor, but it’ll still be delicious, I promise! A splash of lemon juice can brighten it up too!

Cheese Variations

Parmesan is classic, but hey, feel free to get creative! Pecorino Romano has a saltier, sharper flavor that’s amazing. Asiago is another great option; it’s nutty and slightly sweet. Just avoid super strong cheeses like blue cheese, okay? They’ll overpower the shrimp!

Tips for the Best Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Wanna take your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta from good to *OMG amazing*? Of course, you do! Here are a few little secrets that’ll make all the difference:

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp

Seriously, this is the #1 shrimp sin! Overcooked shrimp is rubbery and sad. You want them to be pink, opaque, and slightly curled. As soon as they hit that point, get them outta the pan! They’ll continue to cook a little from the residual heat, so err on the side of undercooked.

Use Freshly Grated Parmesan

The pre-shredded stuff? It’s coated in cellulose to keep it from clumping, and it just doesn’t melt as nicely. Freshly grated Parmesan is so much more flavorful and creates a creamier sauce. Plus, it’s super easy to grate yourself! Just buy a wedge and go for it!

Season to Your Preference

Taste as you go! Seriously, don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to make it *your* perfect dish. Everyone’s taste buds are different, so adjust the seasoning until it’s singing to you!

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Variations

Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic Marry Me Shrimp Pasta? Awesome! Now it’s time to get a little crazy and put your own spin on it! This recipe is seriously begging for you to play around with it. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Adding Vegetables

Wanna sneak in some extra veggies? Go for it! Spinach wilts in beautifully at the end. Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of intense flavor. And asparagus? Chop it up and sauté it with the garlic for a fresh, springy vibe. Honestly, whatever veggies you love will probably work!

Herb and Spice Variations

Basil is a classic with shrimp pasta, but don’t stop there! Oregano adds a warm, earthy note. And a pinch of smoked paprika? Oh man, that’s a game-changer! It adds a subtle smokiness that’s just *chef’s kiss*. Experiment and see what you like!

Making It Spicy

Okay, so you like things HOT? Me too! Add an extra pinch (or three!) of red pepper flakes. Or, for a real kick, try a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper. Careful, though, a little goes a long way! You could even toss in some sliced jalapeños with the garlic for a serious flavor bomb!

Serving Suggestions for Your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Okay, you’ve got this amazing Marry Me Shrimp Pasta… now what? Well, you could just eat it straight from the bowl (I’ve been there!), but if you wanna make it a *real* meal, here are a few ideas:

Complementary Sides

Garlic bread is a MUST, right? I mean, you gotta have something to soak up all that creamy sauce! A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is also a great option to balance out the richness of the pasta. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, some roasted vegetables would be amazing!

Wine Pairing

Okay, so, I’m no wine expert, but a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is *perfect* with this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. The acidity cuts through the creaminess and complements the shrimp beautifully. Cheers to that!

Frequently Asked Questions About Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Got questions about this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta? I got you! Here are a few of the most common things people ask, so you can be a total pro when you make it!

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp is a lifesaver, right? Just make sure you thaw it completely before you start cooking. And pat it dry with paper towels; nobody wants watery shrimp!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Honestly, this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is best served immediately. That’s when it’s at its creamiest and most delicious! But, if you’re short on time, you *can* make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before adding the cooked pasta and shrimp.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Totally! Fettuccine is my go-to, but linguine, spaghetti, or even angel hair pasta will work just fine. Basically, any long pasta will do the trick!

How do I prevent the sauce from being too thin?

If your sauce isn’t thickening up enough, don’t panic! Just let it simmer for a few more minutes; that’ll help it reduce and get creamier. If it’s *really* stubborn, you can whisk together a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir that into the sauce. That’ll thicken it right up!

How do I store leftovers?

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you reheat them, you might need to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce, as it tends to thicken as it sits.

Nutritional Information for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Okay, so, just a heads up: the nutrition info can vary *a lot* depending on the brands you use and how big your shrimp are! So, this is just an estimate, okay?

Make it Tonight!

Seriously, what are you waiting for? Go make this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta tonight! And when you do, leave a comment to let me know how it turned out! Oh, and don’t forget to snap a pic and share it on Insta! #MarryMeShrimpPasta!

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