Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, but recommended!)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta
- 1 pound fettuccine (or your favorite pasta shape)
- Salt for pasta water
Let’s Talk Shrimp: Choosing and Prepping
Okay, friend, let’s get real about shrimp. Choosing the right shrimp is key to making this Marry Me Tortellini worthy! I always go for large or jumbo shrimp because they have a great texture and don’t overcook as easily. Fresh or frozen? Honestly, frozen shrimp that’s been properly thawed is totally fine – sometimes even better than “fresh” shrimp that’s been sitting out for who knows how long. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge or in a bowl of cold water. And please, please, please, pat your shrimp dry before cooking them! This helps them get a nice sear and prevents them from steaming in the pan.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
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Prepare the Shrimp
While the pasta is cooking, in a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure each shrimp is nicely coated for maximum flavor!
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Cook the Shrimp
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan! Nobody likes rubbery shrimp.
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
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Make the Sauce
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant (but be careful not to burn it!).
Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute, stirring occasionally. If you’re using white wine, now’s the time to add it! Let it simmer for a minute or two, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds tons of flavor!
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
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Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to create a creamy consistency. I find this helps everything come together beautifully. Now, gently fold in the cooked shrimp.
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Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. And maybe a glass of wine to really set the mood!
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
Okay, even the best Garlic Butter Chicken Noodles chefs have kitchen mishaps, so let’s talk about some common pitfalls and how to avoid them with this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken inspired pasta:
- Sauce Too Thick? Add a splash of reserved pasta water or a little extra cream to thin it out.
- Sauce Too Thin? Let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken.
- Shrimp Overcooked? This is the WORST. Watch them carefully! They cook quickly. Err on the side of undercooked; they’ll continue to cook in the sauce.
- Garlic Burnt? Start over! Burnt garlic is bitter and will ruin the whole dish. Low and slow is the way to go with garlic.
Variations to Make it Your Own
This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is fantastic as is, but feel free to get creative! Here are a few ideas:
- Add Veggies: Spinach, asparagus, or mushrooms would be delicious additions. Sauté them with the garlic before adding the sun-dried tomatoes.
- Spice it Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Use Different Cheese: Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese would also work well in this recipe.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
- Add a Squeeze of Lemon: A little lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors.
What to Serve With It
This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out, here are some suggestions:
- Garlic Bread: Because who doesn’t love garlic bread with pasta?
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
- Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
- A Nice Bottle of Wine: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would pair perfectly.
Making it Ahead of Time
While I think this Garlic Parmesan Pasta Heaven inspired pasta is best served fresh, you can definitely prep some of the ingredients ahead of time. You can cook the shrimp and make the sauce separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the pasta, reheat the sauce, and combine everything. The Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta sauce might thicken a bit, so you may need to add a little extra cream or pasta water to thin it out.
Dinner Recipes For Two Summer: Making it Romantic
Looking for the perfect dinner recipes for two summer? This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a winner! But ambiance is key. Light some candles, put on some soft music, and set the table with your best dishes. Presentation matters! Garnish with fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. And don’t forget the wine! A chilled bottle of white wine is the perfect accompaniment to this romantic meal.
Best Shrimp Pasta Recipes: Why This One Stands Out
There are tons of Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta and other best shrimp pasta recipes out there, but what makes this one so special? It’s the combination of the creamy sauce, the juicy shrimp, and the burst of flavor from the sun-dried tomatoes and basil. It’s also incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Plus, the name just adds a little extra magic!
Quick Meals With Shrimp: Perfect for Busy Nights
Let’s be honest, sometimes you just need quick meals with shrimp. This recipe delivers! From start to finish, it takes about 30 minutes to make. And the best part? It’s packed with flavor and feels like a gourmet meal, even though it’s incredibly easy to prepare.
Final Thoughts
So, are you ready to whip up a batch of this irresistible Marry Me Shrimp Pasta? I know you are! Trust me, your taste buds (and maybe even your significant other) will thank you. Enjoy!What kind of shrimp is best for this recipe?
Large or jumbo shrimp are recommended because they have a great texture and don’t overcook as easily. Frozen shrimp, properly thawed, is also a good option.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water or a little extra cream to thin it out.
Can I prepare any part of this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the shrimp and make the sauce separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, cook the pasta, reheat the sauce, and combine everything.
What wine pairs well with Marry Me Shrimp Pasta?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is recommended.
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Medium bowl
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
- ¼ cup dry white wine optional
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 pound fettuccine pasta
- Salt for pasta water
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute, stirring occasionally. If using white wine, add it to the skillet and let it simmer for a minute or two, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to create a creamy consistency.
- Gently fold in the cooked shrimp.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.