Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a decadent seafood twist on the viral Marry Me chicken pasta. With juicy shrimp, gluten-free penne, and a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, this easy one-pan dinner is the perfect romantic or family-friendly meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and flavorful with sun-dried tomato richness
• Quick 35-minute cook time
• Uses simple pantry-friendly ingredients
• Naturally gluten-free with substitutions available
• One-pan dish for easy cleanup
• Easily adaptable for other seafood or proteins
• Crowd-pleasing comfort food for weeknights or special occasions

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ tablespoon smoked paprika
• ¾ tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil (from the tomato jar)

For the Sauce

• 2 ½ tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ⅓ teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon dried basil
• 2 tablespoons gluten-free 1:1 flour
• 2 cups diced spinach
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons minced onion
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
• 12 oz gluten-free penne pasta

Directions

Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Shrimp

2. In a bowl, toss shrimp with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp 2 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and C-shaped. Set aside.

Make the Sauce

4. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic, onion, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and basil. Cook 2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually add broth, heavy cream, and spinach. Simmer until thickened and spinach is wilted.
6. Stir in parmesan until melted and creamy.

Combine and Serve

7. Gently fold in cooked pasta. Add shrimp and mix to combine.
8. Garnish with chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Calories per serving: ~321 kcal

Variations

• Use scallops, lobster, crab, or even chicken
• Add red pepper flakes for spice
• Substitute plant-based cream and cheese for dairy-free version
• Use seafood stock instead of vegetable broth for deeper flavor
• Try orzo or gluten-free spaghetti as pasta alternatives

storage/reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or cream. Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy sauce.

FAQs

How do you know when shrimp is done?

Shrimp is done when it’s opaque, pink, and curls into a C-shape. An O-shape means it’s overcooked.

Can I use a different protein?

Yes, try chicken, steak, scallops, or even tofu.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it uses gluten-free pasta and flour.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomato oil?

Use olive oil and add a few chopped sun-dried tomatoes for similar flavor.

Can I freeze this pasta?

It’s not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing.

How do I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives.

Can I make it spicier?

Yes, add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne to the sauce.

Is this good for meal prep?

Yes, it reheats well for up to 3 days.

What pasta works best?

Penne is ideal, but any short, textured pasta like fusilli or rigatoni works well.

What can I serve with it?

Serve with garlic bread, side salad, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a rich, creamy, and flavorful seafood pasta that turns a viral favorite into a satisfying weeknight or date night meal. With tender shrimp, sun-dried tomato cream sauce, and gluten-free pasta, this one-pan dish is sure to earn a place in your regular recipe rotation.

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