Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the kind of dish that makes people fall in love—sometimes literally. Inspired by the viral “Marry Me” recipe trend, this version takes everything people love about rich, creamy pasta and adds the irresistible flavor of tender, seasoned shrimp. It’s luxurious but approachable, simple to prepare yet elegant enough for special occasions.

At its heart, this dish features sautéed shrimp, gluten-free penne, and a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce seasoned with Italian herbs, garlic, parmesan, and spinach. The flavors are deeply comforting, with layers of richness from the cream and parmesan balanced by the tanginess of sun-dried tomatoes and the freshness of basil.

Whether you’re cooking for a date night, a holiday meal, or just want to elevate your usual weeknight dinner, this pasta offers a bold, romantic presentation without requiring hours in the kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe that wins hearts with every bite.

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Preparation Phase and Tools to Use

Before diving into the recipe, gather everything you need to streamline the process. Since this dish moves quickly once you begin cooking, having all ingredients and tools ready is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan
  Needed for building the sauce and cooking the shrimp.
• Medium to large pasta pot
  For boiling gluten-free penne to the perfect texture.
• Colander
  Useful for draining pasta without breaking the noodles.
• Measuring cups and spoons
  Ensures you use the correct ratios of broth, cream, and spices.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  Helps stir the sauce without scratching non-stick surfaces.
• Knife and cutting board
  For prepping garlic, onions, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.

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Preparation Tips

• Prep all ingredients first: Chop spinach, dice onions, and measure spices before starting.
• Use raw, peeled shrimp: This ensures they soak up the seasoning and cook evenly.
• Cook pasta until al dente: Gluten-free pasta can go from perfect to mushy quickly. Drain as soon as it’s tender but firm.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: When cooking the shrimp, give them space so they sear rather than steam.
• Deglaze with broth: Adding broth after sautéing aromatics lifts the flavor from the bottom of the pan, enriching the sauce.

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Ingredients

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
• 1½ tablespoons oil from a jar of sun-dried tomatoes

For the Sauce

• 2½ tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely 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 grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

For the Pasta

• 12 ounces gluten-free penne pasta

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil the penne in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Season the Shrimp

In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

3. Cook the Shrimp

Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side, or until pink and curled into a C-shape. Remove and set aside.

4. Make the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and onion, sautéing for 1 minute. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and basil. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

5. Build the Sauce

Stir in the gluten-free flour and cook for 30 seconds. Slowly add vegetable broth and heavy cream while stirring. Add spinach and cook until it wilts and the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

6. Finish the Sauce

Add grated parmesan and stir until melted and smooth.

7. Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss gently to coat. Return the shrimp to the pan and stir until everything is well combined and heated through.

8. Serve

Transfer to serving bowls and top with chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

A well-plated dish of Marry Me Shrimp Pasta deserves the right presentation and accompaniments to elevate the entire dining experience. Since the pasta is rich, creamy, and savory, pairing it with light, fresh, or acidic sides helps balance the flavors.

Here are a few ideal serving suggestions to make this dish even more enjoyable:

• Fresh Parmesan and Basil Garnish
  Sprinkle extra grated parmesan and chopped fresh basil just before serving. The cheese intensifies the creamy flavor, while the herbs add brightness.
• Crusty Gluten-Free Bread
  A slice of toasted gluten-free sourdough or baguette is perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sun-dried tomato sauce left on the plate.
• Chilled White Wine
  A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the richness of the pasta and complements the shrimp’s sweetness.
• Small Side Salad
  Consider serving a light arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette. The citrus cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing contrast.
• Proper Plating
  Use wide, shallow bowls to allow room for the sauce and garnish. This also keeps the heat distributed more evenly throughout the dish.

These serving tips enhance both presentation and flavor, creating a balanced meal that feels special yet approachable.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced cooks can make errors with a dish like Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, which has multiple components and relies heavily on timing. Avoid these common pitfalls to achieve the perfect result every time.

Overcooking the Shrimp

Shrimp cook quickly—typically in 2 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and lose their natural sweetness. Watch for them to turn pink and curl into a “C” shape. If they curl into an “O,” they’ve gone too far.

Undercooking or Overcooking the Pasta

Aim for al dente texture to prevent sogginess. Overcooked pasta absorbs too much sauce and becomes mushy, while undercooked pasta stays too firm and lacks cohesion with the dish.

Adding Cream Too Early

If you add cream while the pan is too hot, it may separate or curdle. Add it after deglazing with broth, and stir continuously on medium-low heat until incorporated.

Forgetting to Season in Layers

Each component—shrimp, sauce base, and finished dish—should be seasoned individually. This builds depth and ensures that the final dish doesn’t taste bland or one-dimensional.

Using Frozen Spinach Without Draining

If using frozen spinach, be sure to squeeze out all excess liquid. Otherwise, it will dilute the sauce and negatively affect the texture.

Rushing the Sauce

Allow the sauce time to simmer and thicken after the cream and broth are added. The flour needs heat to activate and thicken the mixture properly. Rushing this step can leave the sauce watery.

Not Reserving Pasta Water

While this recipe doesn’t require it, having a bit of pasta water on hand allows you to adjust the sauce texture if it gets too thick or dries out during mixing.

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Side Dish Recommendations

A rich, flavorful pasta like this benefits from sides that are either light and refreshing or offer complementary textures. Below are eight gluten-free side dishes that pair wonderfully with Marry Me Shrimp Pasta.

1. Garlic Roasted Broccolini

Lightly charred broccolini tossed in olive oil and minced garlic offers a slight bitterness and crunch that contrasts well with the creamy pasta.

2. Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Sweet carrots roasted with balsamic vinegar bring out natural caramelized notes that enhance the shrimp’s sweetness.

3. Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad

This citrusy grain salad provides a healthy, gluten-free alternative to traditional bread or starch-heavy sides.

4. Caesar Salad with Gluten-Free Croutons

A classic Caesar made with gluten-free croutons and a light lemon anchovy dressing adds crisp texture and bold flavor.

5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta

The salty pancetta complements the creamy sauce while the roasted sprouts add a nutty bite.

6. Zucchini Noodles with Lemon and Garlic

These light, low-carb noodles serve as a palate cleanser and can be served either warm or chilled.

7. Crispy Polenta Cakes

Seared gluten-free polenta rounds create a satisfying crunch and mild flavor that pairs well with the tomato-parmesan cream.

8. Caprese Salad Skewers

Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a cold, fresh side that aligns with the dish’s Italian roots.

Recipe Tips and Variations

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and flexible recipe. With just a few thoughtful adjustments, you can tailor this dish to different preferences, dietary needs, or seasonal ingredients.

Swap the Protein

• Chicken: Substitute shrimp with thin-sliced chicken breasts or thighs. Sear until golden, then finish in the sauce.
• Scallops: Cook similarly to shrimp but for a shorter time—about 1 to 1.5 minutes per side.
• Lobster or Crab: Add precooked shellfish during the final mixing phase for a luxurious twist.
• Tofu or Mushrooms: For a vegetarian version, use pan-seared tofu cubes or sautéed mushrooms as the main protein.

Spice it Up

• Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
• A pinch of crushed fennel or rosemary can intensify the Italian flavor profile.

Cheese Options

• For a sharper edge, blend in aged asiago or pecorino romano.
• To make it creamier, fold in a spoonful of mascarpone or cream cheese at the end.

Make it Low Carb

• Replace penne with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb variation.
• Use coconut cream instead of dairy if following a dairy-free or paleo diet, though the flavor will shift slightly.

Add More Vegetables

• Stir in sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli, or roasted red peppers for added texture and nutrients.

These tips let you personalize the dish without losing its rich, creamy, and comforting essence.

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

Proper storage ensures that your creamy shrimp pasta stays delicious even the next day. While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can make it ahead or enjoy leftovers with a few key practices.

Refrigeration

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep shrimp and pasta mixed to help retain moisture and flavor.

Reheating

• Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
• Add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to loosen the sauce as it warms.
• Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from separating or burning.

Microwave Option

• Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
• Add a teaspoon of cream or milk to prevent drying out.

Freezing

• This dish is not recommended for freezing. Cream-based sauces tend to separate and become grainy when thawed and reheated.

If you need to prep ahead, consider making just the sauce and pasta base. Cook the shrimp fresh before serving for the best texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten-free?

Yes. Any short pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni works well. Adjust the cooking time based on the brand and type.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomato oil?

Use olive oil and add a bit of tomato paste or a few finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes to mimic the flavor. The infused oil adds depth but isn’t mandatory.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with plant-based alternatives, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and opt for a dairy-free parmesan. Note that this will slightly alter the flavor and texture.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not inherently. The smoked paprika adds warmth but no heat. Add crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer it spicy.

How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Look for shrimp to turn pink and opaque, curling into a “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and form an “O.”

Can I prepare this ahead for a dinner party?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently, boil fresh pasta, and cook the shrimp right before serving.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking. This ensures proper searing and prevents the shrimp from steaming.

Is this similar to Marry Me Chicken?

Yes. It uses a variation of the same creamy sun-dried tomato sauce but substitutes seafood for poultry, adding a light, briny touch to the richness.

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Conclusion

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is more than a recipe—it’s a complete dining experience. With its bold flavor, creamy texture, and romantic appeal, it’s the perfect dish to serve on a special occasion or when you want to impress with minimal effort.

The balance of savory parmesan, juicy shrimp, and aromatic herbs makes each bite memorable. While easy enough for a weeknight meal, it’s refined enough for anniversaries, holidays, or date nights.

For more rich and elegant gluten-free dinner ideas, be sure to explore our collection of pasta recipes and quick seafood meals. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a crowd, this pasta is always a winning choice.