Irresistible Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: A Date Night Dream

There’s a reason it’s called Marry Me Shrimp Pasta—this creamy, dreamy seafood pasta is said to be so good, it could inspire a proposal. While I can’t promise a diamond ring will follow dinner, I can promise happy sighs, second helpings, and maybe even a standing ovation from your special someone.

This dish brings together tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce that clings to every strand like it was meant to be there. The garlic? Subtle but swoon-worthy. The seasoning? Balanced and just enough to make each bite sing. It’s one of those recipes that feels restaurant-fancy but comes together in just 30 minutes—making it perfect for date night meals, romantic dinners, or honestly, when you just need to treat yourself after a long Tuesday.

So, tie on that apron, light a candle or two, and let’s make a pasta that might just be love at first bite.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

• 30 minutes start to finish: Perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner dates.

• Creamy but balanced: Rich sauce without feeling heavy.

• Versatile pasta choice: Works with spaghetti, fettuccine, or whatever’s in the pantry.

• Romantic flair: Feels like a gourmet seafood pasta, but no reservation required.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 8 ounces (225 g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice)

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half)

• 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

• 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon (5 g) Italian seasoning

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the pasta. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain, saving 1 cup of pasta water. Set aside.

2. Sear the shrimp. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the sauce. In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Pour in broth and cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Add the cheese. Whisk in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Stir in Italian seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper to taste.

5. Bring it all together. Return shrimp and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss until coated. Add splashes of pasta water if sauce is too thick.

6. Finish strong. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Shrimp Pasta

• Choose good shrimp: Fresh or frozen both work—just make sure they’re peeled and deveined.

• Don’t overcook: Shrimp cook fast. Pull them off the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.

• Sauce rescue: If your sauce thickens too much, reserved pasta water is your secret weapon.

• Cheese matters: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded.

• Add spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes gives the dish a subtle kick.

And remember, if your sauce looks a little lumpy before the cheese fully melts, don’t panic—it smooths out beautifully as it simmers.

A Little Love Story from My Kitchen

The first time I made this dish, it wasn’t for a proposal (already married, thank you very much), but it was for a quiet anniversary dinner at home. I was juggling kids’ bedtime, a kitchen that looked like a tornado hit it, and a clock ticking closer to “too late for fancy dinner.”

In came Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. It was quick, it was luscious, and by the time we sat down with glasses of wine and plates of creamy shrimp pasta, it felt like we’d been transported to a cozy little trattoria in Italy. My husband actually paused after the first bite and said, “Wow, this tastes like something we’d order out.” If that’s not love in a skillet, I don’t know what is.

What to Serve with Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

This pasta can absolutely shine on its own, but if you want to round out the meal:

• Garlic bread: Perfect for mopping up that luscious sauce.

• Simple green salad: A crisp lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.

• Roasted asparagus or broccoli: Adds a pop of color and freshness.

• A glass of wine: White pairs beautifully (think Pinot Grigio), but honestly, go with what you love.

For special occasions, I like to add a light appetizer like bruschetta, then finish with a small dessert—something chocolatey, because, well, romance.

How to Store Leftovers

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to revive the sauce.

• Freezer: Not the best candidate, since cream sauces can separate when thawed. Stick to fridge storage.

• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Avoid microwaving for too long, or your shrimp may get rubbery.

Pro tip: If you know you’ll have leftovers, cook the shrimp separately and only add them to the portion you’re serving. That way, they stay perfectly tender the next day.

FAQs About Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Can I use a different protein?

Yes—chicken, scallops, or even salmon work beautifully in this creamy pasta.

Is there a lighter version?

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk, but expect a slightly thinner sauce.

Can I make it ahead?

The sauce is best fresh, but you can prep shrimp and pasta earlier, then quickly finish the sauce before serving.

What type of pasta works best?

Fettuccine and spaghetti are classics, but penne and linguine hold the sauce well too.

Can I make this spicy?

Definitely! Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a little heat.

Cooking Up Romance, One Bite at a Time

At its heart, Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is more than a meal—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of creamy shrimp pasta that feels indulgent without being fussy, making it perfect for a romantic dinner recipe or just a cosy night when you want something special.

So whether you’re cooking for love, for family, or simply for yourself, let this dish remind you that food has a way of bringing people closer. After all, a plate of seafood pasta shared with someone you care about is its own little love story—and one worth savouring.

Discover more delicious recipes by following me on Facebook and Pinterest.

Irresistible Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

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• Author: Olivia Hartwellen
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, elegant dish that combines juicy seared shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. It’s fast enough for weeknights and romantic enough for date night. With balanced garlic, herbs, and a silky texture, this seafood pasta recipe will have everyone falling in love—bite after bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice)

• 3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half)

• 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

• 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp (5 g) Italian seasoning

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

• Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

• Sear shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.

• Make sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Pour in broth and cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.

• Add cheese: Whisk in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Stir in Italian seasoning, and season to taste.

• Combine: Return shrimp and pasta to skillet. Toss until coated, adding reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.

• Serve: Plate hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.

Notes

Don’t overcook shrimp—remove as soon as they turn pink.

Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and gives a smoother sauce.

Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicier version.

Can be made with chicken, scallops, or salmon as alternatives.

Store leftovers up to 3 days in the fridge, reheating gently with cream or broth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Plats
• Method: Sauté + Simmer
• Cuisine: Italian-American