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Marry Me Shrimp Pasta – Creamy, Flavor-Packed & Irresistible

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a luxurious, creamy pasta dish bursting with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and perfectly seasoned shrimp. The sauce is silky from heavy cream and Parmesan, with a gentle heat from chili flakes and paprika. It’s the kind of meal that feels restaurant-worthy but can be made at home in under an hour. Perfect for date night, special occasions, or just when you want a pasta that will wow everyone at the table.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Seafood & Pasta
  • 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 11 oz rigatoni pasta
Vegetables & Herbs
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 3 ½ oz sun-dried tomatoes sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves chopped
  • 1 pinch chili flakes or to taste
Sauce Base
  • ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp double-concentrated tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
Seasonings
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tbsp flour for thickening
Fats & Dairy
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Large pot (for pasta)
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Mixing spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander
  • Cutting board and knife

Method
 

Step 1 – Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook rigatoni until al dente according to package instructions.
  3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2 – Season and Sear the Shrimp
  1. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
  2. Toss with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink; remove and set aside.
Step 3 – Build the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; sauté for 1 minute.
  2. Stir in flour and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Add chicken broth, tomato paste, and lemon juice; whisk until smooth.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and pour in heavy cream.
  5. Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes.
  6. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
Step 4 – Combine
  1. Add cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet.
  2. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  3. Stir in fresh basil just before serving.
Step 5 – Serve
  1. Plate immediately and top with extra Parmesan and chili flakes if desired.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth to loosen sauce.
Freezer: Not recommended — cream sauce may separate when thawed.
🥄 Variations
Spicy Kick: Add extra chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Seafood Mix: Add scallops or lobster for an even more decadent dish.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and skip the flour (or use a GF alternative).
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Can I substitute chicken? Yes, bite-sized chicken breast pieces work well.
Do I have to use rigatoni? No, penne, linguine, or fettuccine also work.
Can I skip the sun-dried tomatoes? You can, but they add a sweet-tart depth.
What’s the best cream for this? Heavy cream for richness; avoid milk to prevent curdling.
How do I prevent overcooked shrimp? Cook quickly over medium-high heat until just pink.
Can I make it dairy-free? Use coconut cream and vegan Parmesan.
Is this dish spicy? Only mildly — adjust chili flakes to your taste.
What sides go well with it? Garlic bread and a crisp green salad are perfect.
Can I make the sauce ahead? Yes, store and reheat before adding pasta and shrimp.
🏁 Conclusion
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is creamy, garlicky, and full of bold, layered flavors — the perfect balance of richness from cream and Parmesan with freshness from basil and lemon. It’s a romantic dinner idea that’s equally fitting for a weeknight indulgence.