This Easy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a quick and cheesy delight, featuring juicy shrimp tossed with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy sauce over pasta. What’s not to love?
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fettuccine or linguine works beautifully, but you can also use penne or spaghetti if that’s what you have. Just stick with pasta you enjoy!
Shrimp: I love using large shrimp for this recipe. If you’re on a budget, frozen shrimp are a great option – just thaw them before cooking. You could also substitute shrimp with grilled chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Sun-dried Tomatoes: These add a burst of flavor! If you don’t have them, try using roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes, fresh or canned. Both work out well!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or even a plant-based milk like cashew cream. Just keep in mind that it may alter the taste slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for flavor. If you’re dairy-free, consider using nutritional yeast to give a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Cook Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky if you’re not familiar with it. Here’s a foolproof method to keep those shrimp tender!
- Use medium-high heat to get that nice sear. Overcooking can make shrimp rubbery!
- Cook shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side, just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Once they’re done, take them out immediately! You’ll add them back later with the sauce.
With these tips, you will have perfectly cooked shrimp ready to mix into your pasta!
Easy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or linguine)
For the Shrimp and Sauce:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Juice of half a lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious shrimp pasta will take about 25 minutes from start to finish! You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and cooking the pasta and shrimp, plus another 15 minutes whipping up that rich, creamy sauce. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of water and cooking your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm but cooked). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook until they turn pink and opaque, which should take about 2 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside for later.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant—be careful not to let it burn!
4. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Mix in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the optional crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat. Sauté everything together for another minute to enhance the flavors.
5. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, scraping any tasty bits stuck to the pan. This adds flavor to your sauce!
6. Create the Creamy Base:
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let this mixture cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens nicely. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
7. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in with the creamy sauce. Then, add the cooked pasta, mixing everything well so the pasta is evenly coated.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta, toss in a sprinkle of chopped parsley for that lovely garnish, and enjoy your delicious meal right away!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen shrimp completely before using them. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed bag under cold running water. Pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
How to Make It Lighter?
If you want a lighter version of this dish, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a blend of Greek yogurt and chicken broth. Just keep in mind that while it will cut down on calories, it may alter the richness of the sauce.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the sauce and cook the shrimp in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat gently on the stove, add cooked pasta, and enjoy!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
