Introduction
Get ready to fall in love with this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta! We’re taking everyday ingredients – pasta, shrimp, and a few pantry staples – and transforming them into a restaurant-quality dish that’s so easy, the whole family can help make it. This creamy, dreamy pasta is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s the perfect balance of simple and delicious. The creamy sauce is rich and flavorful without being heavy, and the shrimp adds a touch of elegance and protein. It comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights, and the clean-up is a breeze! Plus, it’s adaptable to what you have on hand – feel free to experiment!
Key Ingredients
- 🍤 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 🍝 1 pound pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well)
- 🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 🧀 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 🥛 1 cup heavy cream
- 🌿 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
- 🌶️ Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2️⃣ While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3️⃣ Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
4️⃣ Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5️⃣ Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
6️⃣ Serve immediately and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in a little lemon juice and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the shrimp. Cook them in batches if necessary to ensure they cook evenly.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes depending on your preference.
Heat Control
Medium heat is key for this recipe. Low heat will take too long to cook the shrimp and the garlic might burn. High heat will cause the shrimp to overcook and the sauce to become grainy. Keep a close eye on things and adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe is primarily creamy and smooth, you can add a bit of crunch by toasting some pine nuts or breadcrumbs and sprinkling them over the finished dish.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For an even richer flavor, use a combination of Parmesan and Romano cheese.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use 1 tablespoon of dried parsley instead.
Storage Tips
Leftover Marry Me Shrimp Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish is perfect for a potluck or a casual dinner party. You could package individual servings in pretty disposable containers and tie them with a ribbon.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Shrimp: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce.
🌟 Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce.
🌟 Creamy Tomato Shrimp: Stir in 1/2 cup of crushed tomatoes with the heavy cream.
🌟 Sausage & Shrimp: Add 1/2 pound of cooked Italian sausage to the skillet with the shrimp.
Troubleshooting
- Shrimp is overcooked: If your shrimp is tough and rubbery, you likely overcooked it. Try cooking it for a shorter time next time.
- Sauce is too thin: Simmer the sauce for a longer time to allow it to thicken. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) to help thicken the sauce.
- Sauce is too thick: Add a little more pasta water or heavy cream to thin the sauce to your liking.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat it gently before adding the cooked pasta and shrimp. However, it’s best to cook the shrimp and pasta just before serving for optimal texture.
- What kind of pasta works best? Linguine, fettuccine, and spaghetti are all great choices.
- Can I add vegetables? Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus would all be delicious additions.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? It can be! Simply use gluten-free pasta.
Conclusion
This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta recipe is a keeper! It’s simple, delicious, and sure to become a family favorite. We hope you enjoy making it (and eating it!) as much as we do. Don’t forget to share your creations on Ratemyrecipes.com and let us know what you think!
Shrimp Pasta So Good, It's a Marriage!
A delightful shrimp pasta dish that combines the sweetness of shrimp with a rich, creamy sauce and a hint of spice, perfect for a romantic dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sautu00e9 until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they are pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, pour in the white wine, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Add the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and stir to combine.
- Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to maintain their tenderness.