Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: A Beginner-Friendly Delight

There is something special about a dish that can impress with minimal effort while delivering restaurant-quality flavors. Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is one of those meals—creamy, rich, and packed with perfectly seasoned shrimp, all brought together by a sun-dried tomato sauce that tastes like it has been simmering for hours. This dish gets its name from the idea that it is so delicious, it could make someone propose after just one bite. While the legend may be playful, the flavor is undeniably irresistible.

Print

For beginner cooks, this recipe is a perfect introduction to working with shrimp, creating a creamy pasta sauce from scratch, and balancing flavors. The ingredients are simple, the steps are easy to follow, and the results are impressive. In just over 30 minutes, you can prepare a meal that feels luxurious without requiring advanced cooking skills. Whether you are cooking for yourself, family, or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients and Preparation

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ tablespoon smoked paprika
• ¾ tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil (from the sun-dried tomato jar)

For the Sauce

• 2 ½ tablespoons tomato paste (Cento recommended)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ⅓ teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon dried basil
• 2 tablespoons gluten-free 1:1 flour
• 2 cups diced spinach
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons minced onion
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil, chopped for garnish

For the Pasta

• 12 ounces gluten-free penne pasta

Alternative Ingredients for Flexibility

• Protein Substitutes: If you prefer another protein, you can swap shrimp for chicken, steak, or seafood such as scallops, crab, or lobster. Chicken and steak should be seared and cooked before adding them back into the dish.
• Pasta Options: Regular pasta can be used instead of gluten-free, and other shapes like fettuccine or rigatoni also work well.
• Dairy-Free Options: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free parmesan for a lactose-free version.
• Vegetable Variations: You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or asparagus for extra texture and nutrients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Preparing the Shrimp

1. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer.
3. Cook for about two minutes on each side or until the shrimp turns pink, opaque, and curls into a “C” shape. If they form an “O” shape, they are overcooked.
4. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Sauce

1. Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and melt the butter.
2. Add the minced garlic and onion, cooking for about two minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
3. Stir in the diced sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and dried basil. Let the mixture cook for another two minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
4. Sprinkle the gluten-free flour over the mixture and stir well, cooking for about one minute to remove the raw flour taste.
5. Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while continuously stirring to prevent lumps. Follow with the heavy cream, stirring until well combined.
6. Add the diced spinach and let the sauce simmer for five minutes until it thickens slightly and the spinach begins to wilt.
7. Stir in the parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce.

Combining Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat it evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
2. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, mixing gently to incorporate. Let everything heat through for one to two minutes.
3. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Cooking Shrimp Perfectly

• Shrimp cooks quickly, so watch carefully to prevent overcooking. The perfect shrimp will be pink, opaque, and curled into a “C” shape. If it becomes tightly curled into an “O” shape, it is overdone and may turn rubbery.

Making the Sauce Smoother

• To ensure a silky sauce, add the liquid ingredients gradually while stirring continuously. This prevents lumps from forming when incorporating the flour.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, adding a splash of reserved pasta water or extra vegetable broth can loosen it.

Balancing Flavors

• Sun-dried tomatoes add natural sweetness and depth to the sauce. If you prefer a slightly tangier flavor, a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can enhance the dish.
• Adjust salt levels gradually, especially since parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes already contribute saltiness.

Saving Time in the Kitchen

• Chop all ingredients, measure seasonings, and prepare the shrimp before starting to cook. This organization helps the process go smoothly.
• Using pre-minced garlic and pre-washed spinach can speed up prep time without compromising flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: A crispy slice of garlic bread pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• Simple Salad: A fresh side salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans add a healthy touch to the meal.

Beverage Pairings

• A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the creamy, slightly tangy sauce.
• A refreshing iced tea with lemon or a citrus-infused sparkling water provides a non-alcoholic option that enhances the dish’s flavors.

Storage Tips

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Because this dish contains cream, freezing is not recommended as the sauce may separate when thawed.
• When reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Heat gently over low heat, stirring frequently.

Engagement Features

Cooking a dish like Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a rewarding experience, especially when it turns out beautifully on the first try. For beginner cooks, this recipe offers a great balance between simplicity and sophistication. The creamy sauce, perfectly seasoned shrimp, and sun-dried tomatoes come together in a way that feels special without requiring advanced techniques.

If you give this recipe a try, share your experience. Did you make any modifications? Did you try it with chicken, steak, or a different type of pasta? Leave a comment with your thoughts and any tips you discovered along the way.

Cooking should be an enjoyable and creative process. This dish is a fantastic starting point for building confidence in the kitchen. Enjoy the process, taste as you go, and most importantly, have fun creating a meal that is sure to impress.