Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe because it s one of those dishes that feels fancy yet comes together so quickly – perfect when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy tomato sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and smoky spices pairs beautifully with tender, perfectly cooked shrimp, creating a flavor combo that my family goes crazy for every time. I discovered this trick when I was searching for a date night dinner that wouldn t stress me out but would still wow my guests!

You ll find that once you make this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe, it becomes your go-to for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties. The balance of flavors, from the garlic and herbs to the richness of the parmesan and cream, hits all the right notes. Plus, the added bonus of it being gluten-free thanks to penne pasta options makes it a crowd-pleaser for almost any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe come together in harmony, delivering a sauce that s creamy and packed with flavor while keeping the shrimp perfectly tender. When picking your ingredients, I recommend using sun-dried tomato oil and canned tomato paste brands like Cento for the best authentic taste.

• Extra large shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp cook quickly and absorb the smoky spices wonderfully.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky undertone that makes the sauce pop.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties the whole dish together beautifully.
• Sun-dried tomato oil: Using the oil from the jar amps up the tomato flavor and richness.
• Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor is key for a luscious sauce base.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Adds texture and bursts of intense flavor throughout the sauce.
• Dried basil: Enhances the herbal notes and aroma in the sauce.
• Gluten-free 1:1 flour: Perfect for thickening the sauce without worrying about gluten.
• Spinach: Adds freshness and color – plus some greens to the dish.
• Butter, garlic, onion: Classic aromatics that deepen the flavor profile.
• Vegetable broth and heavy cream: These form the rich, creamy base for the sauce.
• Parmesan cheese: The finishing touch for that silky, cheesy goodness.
• Fresh basil for garnish: Brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal lift.
• Gluten-free penne: Holds up well in this sauce and makes the dish hearty and satisfying.

Variations

I love how flexible the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe is, making it easy to customize based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Experimenting with these variations can breathe new life into the recipe while still delivering that mouthwatering result.

• Protein Swap: I switched to scallops once, and the creamy sauce paired amazingly with their delicate flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Adding crushed red pepper flakes gives the sauce a lovely little heat that I adore.
• Vegan Version: Use coconut milk instead of cream, a plant-based parmesan, and skip the shrimp for a delicious veggie-packed pasta.
• Seasonal Greens: Swap spinach for kale or arugula for different textures and flavor nuances.

How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Season the Shrimp

Start by boiling your gluten-free penne according to package instructions until it’s al dente – you want a bit of bite, so it’ll hold up nicely in the creamy sauce. While that s cooking, mix your shrimp in a bowl with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until each piece is well-coated. This step infuses the shrimp with flavor, so don t skip it!

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add your shrimp. Cook them for two minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re perfectly done when they curl into a C shape and turn opaque pink; if they curl into an O, you ve overcooked them. Set the shrimp aside to cool a bit while you get the sauce going.

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce

In the same pan, melt butter over medium-low heat and toss in garlic, minced onion, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and dried basil. Cook for about two minutes until aromatic – you ll fill your kitchen with the most inviting smell! Sprinkle in the gluten-free flour and stir well to create a roux, which is going to thicken your sauce wonderfully.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Spinach

Slowly pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream while stirring to combine everything smoothly. Keep cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, and the spinach wilts – this usually takes about five minutes. This step is crucial because it lets the sauce reach that silky texture that coats your pasta so nicely.

Step 5: Finish With Cheese, Pasta, and Shrimp

Stir in grated parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, making it extra creamy and flavorful. Gently fold in the cooked pasta and shrimp, combining everything without breaking up the shrimp. Garnish with fresh chopped basil, and you re ready to enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal right at home!

How to Serve Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped basil to add a pop of color and a fresh aromatic note. Sometimes, I like to add a little extra parmesan on top for cheesiness that melts beautifully into each bite. A few red pepper flakes tossed on top can also add a nice warmth if you like a little heat.

Side Dishes

To keep things balanced, I pair this creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe with crisp salads such as arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a simple Caesar salad. Roasted or steamed veggies like asparagus or broccoli also complement the dish without overpowering the flavors. Garlic bread is a classic match if you want a cozy, comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I ve served this pasta in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or elegant individual ramekins garnished with whole basil leaves and a lemon twist. It adds that wow factor without complicated plating skills. Setting the table with rustic breadboards and sparkling water with lemon wedges makes it feel like a small celebration every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors really settle in, making it even tastier the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating, as the sauce tends to thicken a bit when chilled.

Freezing

Because this recipe s sauce is cream-based, I don t recommend freezing-it can cause the sauce to separate and lose that silky texture. If you want to prep ahead, I suggest making the sauce and shrimp separately, then assembling fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating

When reheating, I gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. This method keeps the shrimp tender and prevents the sauce from drying out or splitting, giving you almost-fresh results.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe has truly become a favorite in my kitchen because it delivers on flavor, ease, and a little bit of wow factor every time. I hope you ll enjoy making it as much as I do and feel that same delight watching your family or friends dive into this creamy, comforting dish. Trust me, it s worth keeping in your recipe rotation!

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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• Author: Julia
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring perfectly sautéed extra-large shrimp tossed in a rich sun-dried tomato and parmesan cream sauce. This gluten-free penne pasta recipe combines smoky paprika, Italian seasoning, and fresh spinach for a comforting yet elegant meal that’s ready in just over 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 3/4 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil (from sun-dried tomato jar)

For the Sauce

• 2 1/2 tablespoon Cento tomato paste
• 1/2 cup Cento sun-dried tomatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/3 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 tablespoon gluten free 1:1 flour
• 2 cups diced spinach
• 2 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoon minced onion
• 2 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
• 12 oz gluten free penne pasta

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the gluten free penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink, opaque, and form a C-shape (avoid overcooking to prevent an O-shape). Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside to cool.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic, minced onion, diced sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sweet smoked paprika, salt, and dried basil. Cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Thicken the Sauce: Stir in gluten free flour and mix well. Gradually add vegetable broth, heavy cream, and diced spinach. Cook and stir for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the spinach wilts.
5. Add Cheese: Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the creamy sauce.
6. Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Carefully fold the cooked pasta into the sauce. Gently add the cooked shrimp and stir to combine evenly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Marry Me Shrimp Pasta.

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Notes

• This recipe serves 6.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Due to the cream in the sauce, freezing is not recommended as texture may be affected.
• Shrimp is perfectly cooked when curled into a C-shape; if curled into an O-shape, it is overcooked.
• You can substitute shrimp with chicken, steak, or other seafood like scallops, crab, or lobster by searing the alternative protein and adding it at the end.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 321 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1553 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 161 mg