Creamy, dreamy, and packed with flavor, this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta might just win hearts at the dinner table. Juicy shrimp are seared until golden, nestled over a bed of rich, garlicky parmesan cream sauce tossed with tender fettuccine. It’s bold enough for date night and easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

What makes this pasta a “Marry Me” dish? It’s all about layers of irresistible taste—the kind that make people swoon. Crispy bacon bits, a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, and the buttery sear on shrimp come together like culinary magic. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or just treating yourself, this pasta promises to impress.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta?

Fettuccine is ideal for holding onto the creamy sauce thanks to its flat and thick surface. However, you can swap it with linguine, tagliatelle, or even penne for a fun twist. The key is to choose a pasta that can scoop up the luscious sauce in every bite.

Ingredients for the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Shrimp: The star of the show. Opt for large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, for juicy bites.

Fettuccine: A wide pasta that clings beautifully to the rich sauce.

Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce that velvety, indulgent texture.

Garlic: Fresh minced garlic deepens the flavor of the sauce.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated works best for melting smoothly into the sauce.

Chicken Broth: Balances out the richness with a savory base.

Sun-dried Tomatoes: Adds sweet-tart bursts of flavor and color.

Red Pepper Flakes: A gentle kick that enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.

Olive Oil + Butter: Used for cooking the shrimp and building the sauce.

Bacon Crumbles: For a salty crunch and flavor contrast.

Fresh Parsley: Brings a bright finish to the creamy, rich pasta.

How To Make the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Shrimp

Start by seasoning your shrimp with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil and a bit of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add more butter. Stir in minced garlic and let it sizzle until fragrant, about 1 minute. Deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits left from the shrimp.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic and broth. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes until slightly thickened. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir them into the sauce.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra chili flakes if you like more heat.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is simmering, boil your fettuccine in salted water until al dente. Reserve a little pasta water before draining to help adjust the sauce later if needed.

Step 6: Toss It All Together

Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, tossing gently to coat each strand in the creamy goodness. If needed, loosen the sauce with a splash of pasta water. Return the shrimp to the skillet and fold them in.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Top with crispy bacon crumbles and chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot, with extra parmesan on the side for the ultimate indulgence.

How to Serve and Store Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

This dish shines brightest when served immediately. The shrimp are tender, the sauce is at its creamiest, and the flavors are perfectly blended right off the stove. Serve it with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread to make it a complete meal.

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare!), transfer the pasta into an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce without overcooking the shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Excess moisture will prevent a good sear.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

You can substitute with cherry tomatoes or even roasted red peppers. They won’t have the same tangy intensity, but still add great flavor.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?

For a lighter take, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and skip the bacon. The sauce will be less rich but still delicious.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Baby spinach, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli are wonderful additions. Add them toward the end so they don’t overcook.

Will another pasta shape work?

Definitely. Linguine, penne, or tagliatelle also work beautifully with this sauce.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative, and swap out parmesan for a plant-based option.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love the creamy richness of this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, you’ll want to check out these other indulgent pasta favorites:

Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for a comforting twist with ricotta cheese.
Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta if you’re craving something heartier with ground beef.
Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce for a nostalgic creamy classic.
One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken Sausage Mac when you need something with a little kick.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli for cheesy comfort in every bite.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it when that creamy pasta craving hits: Life with Nina Recipes on Pinterest.

And I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you spice it up? Add extra veggies? Let me know in the comments. Your take might inspire someone else.

Questions are always welcome—let’s make dinner time feel special, together.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Pasta
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American/Italian Fusion

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy, savory, and a little spicy, this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet touch. Golden seared shrimp are tossed in a rich parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and crispy bacon—all over perfectly cooked fettuccine.

Instructions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

2. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

4. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and stir in garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze.

6. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

7. Add sun-dried tomatoes and continue simmering for 2 more minutes.

8. Stir in parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.

9. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until fully coated. Use reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

10. Return shrimp to the skillet and fold into the pasta.

11. Top with bacon crumbles and fresh parsley. Serve hot with extra parmesan if desired.