If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug in pasta form, the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is what you need on your dinner table tonight. This recipe combines succulent shrimp, rich and creamy tomato sauce, and a wonderful blend of herbs and sun-dried tomatoes that burst with flavor in every bite. It’s indulgent yet approachable, perfect to impress your loved ones or simply treat yourself to a meal that sings with freshness and depth. Once you try this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, it might just become your new favorite comfort food that’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for any occasion.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple staples with a few special touches that bring this dish to life. Each one adds a unique texture, flavor, or color, making the final Marry Me Shrimp Pasta a balanced and unforgettable meal.

1 pound extra large shrimp (peeled/deveined): The star protein, juicy and tender when cooked just right.

1/2 tbsp smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that deepens the shrimp’s flavor.
3/4 tbsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to bring classic Italian flair.

1/4 tsp black pepper: Gives a gentle, spicy kick.
3/4 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning to enhance all the flavors.

1 1/2 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil: Intensifies the tomato taste and enriches the sauce.
2 1/2 tbsp Cento tomato paste: Provides a concentrated tomato base with amazing depth.
1/2 cup Cento sun-dried tomatoes (diced): Adds chewy texture and bursts of tart sweetness.

1 tbsp Italian seasoning: A second touch of herbal goodness for the sauce.
1/3 tsp sweet smoked paprika: Adds mild smokiness without overwhelming the dish.
1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sauce’s flavors perfectly.

3/4 tsp dried basil: Infuses an aromatic, herbaceous note.
2 tbsp Gluten free 1:1 flour: Helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
2 cups diced spinach: Adds vibrant color and a mild earthy flavor.

2 tbsp butter: Creates richness and helps meld the sauce ingredients.
2 tbsp minced onion: Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed.
2 tbsp minced garlic: Infuses a pungent, savory aroma that wakes up the senses.

2 cups vegetable broth: A flavorful liquid base that lightens the sauce.
1 cup heavy cream: Adds creaminess and luscious texture.
1 cup parmesan cheese: Provides a savory, nutty finish to the sauce.

Fresh basil (chopped for garnish): Adds a refreshing herbal brightness at the end.
12 oz gluten free penne: A sturdy pasta to carry every bit of sauce and shrimp perfectly.

How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Start by boiling your gluten free penne according to the package directions until al dente. This ensures the pasta has just the right bite, avoiding mushiness but remaining tender enough to soak up the sauce.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This step is crucial because the spices coat each piece, laying the foundation for the shrimp’s bold and smoky flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the seasoned shrimp for about two minutes on each side until they turn pink, become opaque, and curl into a C-shape. Be careful not to overcook; if they curl into an O-shape, the shrimp are too done and might become tough.

Step 4: Set Shrimp Aside

Once cooked perfectly, transfer the shrimp to a plate to cool. This pauses their cooking and prevents them from becoming rubbery while you prepare the sauce.

Step 5: Saute Aromatics and Tomatoes

In the same pan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic, onion, diced sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sweet smoked paprika, salt, and dried basil. Sauté this fragrant mixture for about two minutes so the flavors meld and bloom beautifully.

Step 6: Create the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle in the gluten free flour and stir well to coat the aromatics. Gradually pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously. Add diced spinach, and cook until the sauce thickens and the spinach wilts—about 5 minutes. Finish by folding in the parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts smoothly into the sauce.

Step 7: Combine Shrimp and Pasta

Gently mix the cooked pasta into the sauce to get every noodle coated in that glorious blend. Then, carefully fold the shrimp back into the pan to heat through. A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil right before serving adds a lively, herbal note to the final Marry Me Shrimp Pasta.

How to Serve Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Garnishes

Fresh basil is the perfect garnish for bringing brightness and herbal freshness to balance the creamy, savory sauce. You can also add a dusting of extra parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat if you like a bit of spice.

Side Dishes

This shrimp pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp, green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or garlic roasted asparagus. Bread lovers might want to serve it alongside warm garlic bread or gluten free focaccia to sop up any remaining sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive presentation, serve the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta in a wide shallow bowl with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and basil on top. For a family-style meal, place the pan on the table inviting everyone to dig in. You could also plate it atop a bed of lightly sautéed zucchini noodles for a lower-carb twist with a bright contrast in texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Because this pasta contains cream and seafood, eating it fresh or soon after making is best to preserve the flavors and texture.

Freezing

While you can freeze Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, it’s not ideal as the texture of both the shrimp and cream sauce can change. If you must, freeze in a sealed container for up to one month, but plan to thaw slowly overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat to avoid curdling the cream sauce. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the sauce as it warms. Avoid microwaving at high heat, which can make the shrimp rubbery and the sauce separate.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten free?

Absolutely! Regular penne or any pasta you prefer will work beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to cook it al dente so it holds up well when tossed in the sauce.

What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers can add a lovely smoky sweetness. However, the unique texture and concentrated flavor of sun-dried tomatoes really shine in this dish.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream, and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast. The qualities will change slightly but the sauce will remain creamy and rich.

How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque and curl into a loose C-shape. If they curl tightly into an O-shape, they are overcooked and can become tough.

Can I prepare any parts of Marry Me Shrimp Pasta ahead of time?

You can dice the sun-dried tomatoes, mince garlic and onion, and measure out spices ahead of time to speed things up. However, cooking the shrimp and combining everything fresh yields the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

The Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a truly delightful dish that feels both luxurious and down-to-earth at the same time. Its layers of flavor, creamy texture, and tender shrimp come together to create a meal you won’t soon forget. Whether you’re looking to impress someone special or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this recipe invites you to make something memorable in your own kitchen. Give it a try and fall in love with every silky, savory bite!