Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Why Make This Recipe

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that blends tender shrimp, rich cream, and zesty flavors into a satisfying meal. Named for its potential to impress, this pasta isn’t just a feast for the stomach but also for the eyes. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan cheese makes it aromatic and savory, while the shrimp adds a touch of elegance. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or simply want to treat yourself to something special, this dish fits the bill perfectly.

How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Creating Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is straightforward and can be done in just a few steps. Follow this detailed guide to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

Ingredients:

• 11 ounces rigatoni
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3.5 ounces chopped sun-dried tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon flour
• ¾ cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon double concentrated tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¼ cup chopped basil leaves
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Chili flakes, for serving

Directions:

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Start by taking your shrimp and peeling and deveining them. This step is essential to ensure that your shrimp is ready for cooking. Once this is done, season the shrimp with the sweet paprika, garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Mix these spices well with the shrimp and set them aside for later.

2. Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes, but it’s always best to check the package for specific instructions. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water for later if you need to adjust the sauce.

3. Sear the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about 1 minute on each side, or until they turn a beautiful pink color. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

4. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet that you used for the shrimp, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic as this can lead to a bitter taste.

5. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Seasonings: After sautéing the garlic, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and whatever remaining salt and black pepper you have. Cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to blend together.

6. Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the tablespoon of flour over the mixture in the skillet. Stir everything to combine and allow the flour to coat the ingredients. Next, deglaze the skillet by slowly pouring in the chicken broth while stirring. Let this simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.

7. Incorporate Cream and Tomato Paste: Next, add the heavy cream and double concentrated tomato paste to your skillet. Stir well and bring the sauce to a gentle boil. Allow it to simmer for about 3 minutes while the pasta continues to cook.

8. Combine Ingredients: Once the pasta is cooked, add it to the skillet with the sauce. Mix in the lemon juice and fresh basil leaves, making sure that every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Lastly, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until everything is well combined. If you find the sauce too thick, you can add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

9. Finish and Serve: Gently fold in the cooked shrimp to the pasta and sauce mixture. Allow the flavors to meld together for a minute before serving. Garnish each plate with a sprinkle of chili flakes for a bit of heat if desired.

How to Serve Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta can be served immediately after preparation, while it’s warm and creamy. To plate the dish, use a large serving bowl or individual plates. For an elegant touch, add a garnish of fresh basil on top and maybe a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Pair this dish with a glass of white wine or a light salad for a delightful meal. Breadsticks or a crusty loaf would also work nicely to soak up the delicious sauce.

How to Store Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume the pasta within 2-3 days. When reheating, you might find that the sauce has thickened. To remedy this, add a splash of chicken broth or a bit of cream while warming it in a skillet over low heat. Stir gently to avoid breaking the shrimp apart.

Tips to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

1. Shrimp Selection: Choose fresh shrimp if possible; they offer a better flavor than frozen. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.

2. Al Dente Pasta: Always cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce. This helps to avoid mushy pasta.

3. Fresh Herbs: For a more vibrant flavor, use fresh basil instead of dried. You can also try adding fresh parsley or thyme for additional aromatic notes.

4. Cream Alternatives: If you’re looking for a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream option.

5. Watch the Heat: When cooking shrimp, be careful not to overcook them as they can become rubbery. Just a couple of minutes on each side is perfectly sufficient.

Variation

If you want to change things up a bit, consider these variations:

• Vegetable Additions: You can add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the mix for added nutrition and flavor.
• Different Pastas: While rigatoni is used in this recipe, feel free to swap it with linguine, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta if preferred.
• Spicier Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to spice things up.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

2. Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
While it is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Cook the pasta just before serving for the best texture.

3. What can I serve with Marry Me Shrimp Pasta?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or a glass of white wine for a complete meal.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is not just a recipe; it’s an experience full of flavor and love. Whether it’s for a special occasion, a weeknight dinner, or just because, this dish brings joy to the table and is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite!

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Print Recipe

A delightful dish that blends tender shrimp, rich cream, and zesty flavors into a satisfying meal, perfect for romantic dinners or special occasions.

• Author: lila-monroe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Pescatarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 11 ounces rigatoni
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3.5 ounces chopped sun-dried tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon flour
• ¾ cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon double concentrated tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¼ cup chopped basil leaves
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Chili flakes, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the shrimp: Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp, then season with sweet paprika, garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
2. Cook the rigatoni: Bring salted water to a boil, add rigatoni, and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
3. Sear the shrimp: In a skillet, heat olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat. Add seasoned shrimp and cook until pink, about 1 minute on each side.
4. Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
5. Add sun-dried tomatoes and seasonings: Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and remaining salt and black pepper, cooking for another minute.
6. Make the sauce: Sprinkle flour over the mixture, then gradually add chicken broth while stirring. Simmer for about 2 minutes.
7. Incorporate cream and tomato paste: Stir in heavy cream and double concentrated tomato paste, bringing to a gentle boil and simmering for 3 minutes.
8. Combine ingredients: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, mixing in lemon juice and fresh basil, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese.
9. Finish and serve: Gently fold in cooked shrimp, letting it meld for a minute. Garnish with chili flakes before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, serve with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Pair with a glass of white wine or a light salad.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: shrimp pasta, creamy pasta, romantic dinner, Italian recipe, Marry Me Shrimp Pasta