Irresistible Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe For Special Nights

Seafood lovers swoon over this irresistible marry me shrimp pasta that sparks instant culinary romance.

Creamy, luxurious sauce coats perfectly tender shrimp and al dente noodles.

Garlic and parmesan create a decadent flavor profile that melts hearts with every bite.

Fresh herbs add a bright, zesty touch to this restaurant-quality dish.

The recipe promises a quick and elegant meal sure to impress even the most discerning palate.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of rich, comforting flavors that feel like a warm embrace.

You’ll want to savor every single delicious moment of this show-stopping pasta.

Why Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Wins Hearts

• Designed for gluten-sensitive food lovers, this recipe delivers bold, satisfying tastes with carefully selected ingredients that don't compromise on flavor or texture.
• Create a memorable meal that's impressive enough to win hearts, with its creamy sauce, perfectly cooked shrimp, and aromatic seasonings that transform an ordinary dinner into a special occasion.
• Easily adapt the recipe by switching proteins or adding extra vegetables, making it a versatile dish that caters to different taste preferences and dietary needs.

What Goes in Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

• Shrimp: A succulent seafood that serves as the star protein of this pasta dish.

• Gluten-Free Penne: A pasta alternative that provides the perfect base for the creamy sauce.
• Gluten-Free Flour: Helps to thicken the sauce and create a smooth, rich texture.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth base for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious and creamy consistency to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp, salty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Garlic, Onion: Fundamental aromatics that build a deep, flavorful foundation for the sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Offer a concentrated, tangy sweetness to the dish.
• Spinach: Adds a fresh, green element and nutritional value to the pasta.

• Italian Seasoning, Dried Basil: Provide a classic Mediterranean herb profile to the dish.
• Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that enhance and balance the overall flavor.

• Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: Infuses an extra layer of flavor into the cooking process.
• Vegetable Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce.

• Fresh Basil: Offers a bright, aromatic finish to the completed dish.

Making Marry Me Shrimp Pasta the Easy Way

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by bringing a pot of water to a rolling boil.

Add your gluten-free penne and cook according to package instructions until it reaches perfect al dente texture, typically around 8-10 minutes.

Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

• Smoked paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Ensure each shrimp is evenly coated with the spice blend.

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Pour in sun-dried tomato oil and add the seasoned shrimp.

Cook for two minutes on each side until they turn pink and curl into a perfect C-shape.

Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low.

• Minced garlic
• Diced onion
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Italian seasoning
• Sweet smoked paprika
• Salt
• Dried basil

Sauté for two minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Sprinkle gluten-free flour over the aromatic base.

Stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients, creating a roux that will help thicken the sauce.

Step 6: Create the Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour in vegetable broth and heavy cream.

Stir continuously to blend with the flour mixture.

Add chopped spinach and simmer for five minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and spinach to wilt.

Step 7: Incorporate the Cheese

Stir in parmesan cheese, letting it melt completely and create a rich, velvety sauce.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked penne to the skillet, gently tossing until every pasta piece is completely coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 9: Reunite with Shrimp

Carefully return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, gently mixing to reheat and allow flavors to meld together.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Garnish with freshly chopped basil.

Plate the pasta and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Tips for Better Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

• Watch closely while sautéing, aiming for a perfect pink color and C-shape. Shrimp turn rubbery and tough when overcooked, so remove them from heat immediately once they curl.
• Choose fresh, large shrimp for best texture and flavor. Wild-caught shrimp typically offer more robust taste compared to farm-raised options.
• Stir continuously when adding flour and liquids to prevent lumps. Low and slow heat helps create a smooth, creamy sauce without separating.
• Use sun-dried tomato oil for an extra layer of richness. Toasting spices briefly before adding liquids intensifies their aromatic qualities.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives. Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that maintains creamy texture.

Keeping Marry Me Pasta Fresh

• Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover the dish completely to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor intensity.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water or cream to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent breaking the shrimp and pasta.
• Transfer pasta to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and taste.

Best Pairings for Marry Me Pasta

• Pairing Perfect Wine Selection: Choose a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the creamy sauce and cuts through the richness of the dish.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Opt for a light, citrusy white wine like Pinot Grigio that enhances the sun-dried tomato and shrimp flavors without overpowering them.
• Ideal Side Dish Companion: Prepare a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, peppery contrast to the creamy pasta's richness.
• Flavor-Boosting Garnish: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs on top to add a delightful crunch and nutty undertone that elevates the entire dish's texture and taste.

Pasta Add-Ins to Try for Marry Me Shrimp

• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese for a creamy, plant-based version that maintains the rich flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace shrimp with roasted cauliflower or white beans, seasoned similarly to create a protein-packed alternative that keeps the sauce's luxurious texture.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute penne with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates while preserving the dish's creamy, savory essence.
• Spicy Seafood Remix: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the shrimp seasoning, and include diced jalapeños in the sauce for those craving an extra kick of heat.

FAQs

The name suggests this pasta is so delicious that it could potentially convince someone to propose marriage, highlighting its incredible flavor and romantic appeal.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe uses gluten-free penne pasta and gluten-free flour, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

• Can I substitute the heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or coconut cream as alternatives, though they might slightly change the sauce’s richness and texture.

• What makes the shrimp extra flavorful?

The shrimp are seasoned with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cooked in sun-dried tomato oil, which adds depth and complexity to their taste.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy marry me shrimp pasta promises culinary romance with its bold flavors and irresistible charm. Quick, elegant dinner delivers restaurant-quality magic straight to home kitchens, ensuring love at first bite.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 pound extra large shrimp, peeled/deveined
• 1 cup parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 3/4 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
• 3/4 teaspoon dried basil

Other Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Cento sun-dried tomatoes, diced
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil from the jar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons Cento tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons gluten free 1:1 flour
• 2 cups diced spinach
• 2 tablespoons minced onion
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 ounces (14 grams) gluten free penne
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Initiate pasta preparation in a pot of boiling water, following package instructions for gluten-free penne. Cook for 8-10 minutes until achieving a perfectly tender texture.
2. In a mixing bowl, thoroughly coat shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly seasoned.
3. Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and curl into a C-shape, indicating ideal doneness.
4. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate, preserving their tenderness while preparing the subsequent components.
5. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low and melt butter. Sauté minced garlic and onion, then incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and dried basil. Allow ingredients to release their aromatic qualities for approximately 2 minutes.
6. Dust gluten-free flour over the skillet mixture, stirring thoroughly to create a thickening base for the sauce.
7. Gradually introduce vegetable broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add diced spinach and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to develop complexity and spinach to wilt.
8. Integrate parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely and blends seamlessly into the sauce.
9. Fold cooked penne into the creamy sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated.
10. Gently reintroduce sautéed shrimp into the pasta, allowing them to warm and absorb the surrounding flavors.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped basil, creating a vibrant final touch that elevates the dish’s visual and flavor profile.

Notes

• Swap seafood with chicken or tofu for protein variety and dietary needs.
• Use gluten-free flour and pasta to keep the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Reduce cream for lighter version by substituting half with low-fat milk or vegetable broth.
• Quickly cook shrimp to prevent rubbery texture, watching for C-shape doneness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 646
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 872 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 163 mg