Name: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined (Note1)); 1 lb pasta ((Note2)); 2 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil; 2 clove garlic (minced); ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (sliced (Note3)); 2 tbsp tomato paste; ½ tbsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ tsp red chili flakes ((Note4)); ⅓ cup parmesan cheese (grated); ¼ cup fresh parsley (stem removed, coarsely chopped); salt n pepper (to taste)

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a luxurious, creamy dish that combines succulent shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a velvety sauce that’s so irresistible, it might just inspire a proposal (or at least a second helping). If you loved the viral “Marry Me Chicken“, get ready for its delicious seafood cousin! 🤗

Perfect for date night, special occasions, or just treating yourself (and your loved ones), this recipe brings bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors to your table in under 20 minutes—with minimal effort. Trust me, you’ll want to make this on repeat after the first bite! 😉

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

This seafood dish is inspired by the viral “Marry Me Chicken“—but with succulent shrimp as the star. It combines tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a rich, garlicky cream sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs. It’s Italian-American comfort food with hints of Tuscan flair, but not authentic.

The name playfully suggests it’s so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal! (No actual marriage guarantees—but the compliments are guaranteed!😅)

This romantic, restaurant-worthy pasta strikes the perfect balance—effortless enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for celebrations. The creamy, garlicky sauce with bursts of sun-dried tomatoes and plump shrimp will have everyone begging for the recipe.

If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional pasta? This Marry Me Tortellini is a fantastic choice, and Marry Me Chickpeas for a plant-based alternative.

What You Will Need

Ingredient List

For this seafood pasta dish, you’ll need mostly pantry staples – like tomato paste, pasta, vegetable broth, and dried herbs – along with a few fresh ingredients from your local market: shrimp, heavy cream, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. The recipe yields 5 main-course portions.

Pasta of choice: I recommend spaghetti or linguine, but any pasta works. If using short pasta, choose shapes larger than your shrimp (like rigatoni or penne).
Shrimp⭐: Buy peeled and deveined shrimp (tails-on for presentation if preferred). Skip Pre-cooked shrimp – It turns rubbery when reheated in the sauce. Opt for large if possible – They’re meatier and hold up better in the creamy sauce. Avoid tiny shrimp – Smaller varieties can overcook easily and get lost in the dish.💀
Sun-dried tomatoes⭐: When choosing sun-dried tomatoes, you’ll find both oil-packed and dry-packed varieties. Oil-packed tomatoes are ideal for this dish—they’re softer, ready to use, and often infused with herbs and garlic. These blend perfectly into the creamy sauce while adding richness (plus, we’ll use some of that flavorful oil for sautéing!). Since sun-dried tomatoes are the flavor powerhouse of this recipe, selecting the right type makes all the difference.
Vegetable broth: Low-sodium broth is preferred.
Heavy cream & Parmesan Cheese: Use heavy cream (36–40% fat) for the richest, silkiest sauce. Light cream or half-and-half may curdle when simmered. For dairy-free option, you can use full-fat coconut cream (but adds subtle sweetness). For Parmesan replacement: Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan cheese.
Seasonings: Tomato paste, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, salt and pepper to taste.
Red chili flakes: We use just a pinch to add subtle warmth (the dish won’t be spicy). If you’re sensitive to heat, feel free to omit them completely.
Parsley: I prefer using coarsely chopped parsley as the finishing touch, but feel free to substitute with fresh basil or your favorite herbs.

How To Make

Instruction

Heat 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil in a large cast-iron pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then sauté for 1-2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain. Set aside.
Reduce heat to low. In the same pan, add 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil and minced garlic, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful browned bits. Increase heat to medium, then stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet, gently tossing to coat evenly in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Finally, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, red chili flakes and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve immediately while piping hot – enjoy! 😋

Our Tips

Skip Pre-cooked shrimp, Opt for large peeled and deveined shrimp if possible.
Buying Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes instead of dry-packed, and use that flavorful oil for sautéing!
If using short pasta, choose shapes larger than your shrimp (like rigatoni or penne).
Don’t overcook the shrimp – They should be just opaque and tender.

What To Serve With

Here are perfect pairings to complement your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta and create a balanced meal:

Breads:

Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette – For soaking up the creamy sauce.
Focaccia – Herb-infused and perfect for tearing/sharing.

Fresh Salads:

Arugula Salad with lemon vinaigrette (peppery greens cut the richness).
Caprese Salad (tomatoes, mozzarella, basil) – A light, fresh contrast.

Vegetables:

Roasted Asparagus or Broccoli – Tossed with olive oil and garlic.
Sautéed Spinach with garlic and lemon zest.

Try it tonight and let the compliments roll in! 🍤❤️ Share your creations on the comment section with your photos! We’d love to see your delicious results!