Welcome to Your New Favorite Dinner: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta!
Hey there, pasta lovers! Let’s talk about a dish that’s not just a meal but an experience—the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. Seriously, this creamy, garlicky goodness is the kind of dinner that could make anyone fall head over heels! It’s simple to make, and I promise your taste buds will be doing a happy dance. Plus, it looks pretty darn impressive, so if you’re planning a special dinner or just want to impress yourself, this recipe has got you covered.
Why You’re Going to Love This Dish
First off, let’s talk health and nutrition—because yes, decadent dishes can still have their nutritious side! Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein and is packed with essential vitamins and minerals like B12 and selenium. Plus, it’s low in calories, which makes it a great addition to a balanced diet. The heavy cream does add some richness, but you can easily adjust it if you’re looking to lighten things up.
Adaptable Variations
- Swap the Pasta: Don’t have rotini or fusilli? No problem! Any pasta shape you love will work. Think penne or even spaghetti!
- Vegetarian Version: If seafood isn’t your thing, you can replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables, and you’re still in for a treat!
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free lifestyle.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in some spinach or peas for an added nutrient boost. They’ll blend right into the creamy sauce!
Let’s Cook Up Some Marry Me Shrimp Pasta!
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Serves 3–4 people
Standard portions → 3 servings
Slightly smaller portions → up to 4 servings
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the rotini or fusilli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Just be careful not to let it burn; nobody wants bitter garlic in this delicious dish!
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s all melted and creamy. If the sauce turns out too thick for your liking, you can lighten it up with a splash of pasta water.
- Combine Ingredients: Toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling adventurous!). Stir it all up before adding the cooked pasta. Make sure the pasta is well-coated in that creamy sauce!
- Add Shrimp: Carefully fold the cooked shrimp back into the pasta mixture and warm everything together for another minute. We want everything to be cozy and heated up nicely!
- Season: Give everything a little taste and adjust the seasoning as needed with more salt and pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. You can even sprinkle on some extra Parmesan or drizzle with olive oil for that gourmet touch. Voila!
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and prepare to fall in love with this dish!
Practical & Valuable Tips
- To make your cleanup easier, consider lining your baking sheet with foil before cooking shrimp.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently, adding a touch more cream if needed to revive the sauce!
- If you’re prepping this for a dinner party, you can cook the pasta and shrimp in advance and just combine everything at the last minute for a fresh taste.
Equipment Needed
Here’s a quick run-through of what tools you’ll need to whip up this delightful dish:
- A large pot for boiling pasta
- A large skillet for sautéing and making the sauce
- Measuring cups and spoons to get all your ingredients just right
- A good knife and cutting board for chopping!
- A spatula or tongs for easy mixing and serving
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes! Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking.
- What can I use instead of heavy cream? You can use half-and-half or even cream cheese to make it lighter!
- Can I make it ahead of time? It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce and reheat it later—just add in fresh pasta and shrimp at the last moment.
- Is this recipe kid-friendly? Absolutely! The flavors are mild, but you can always adjust the spice level to your family’s taste.
- What goes well with Marry Me Shrimp Pasta? A simple green salad and some crusty bread would be perfect to round out this meal!
So there you have it! Your new go-to recipe for a creamy, garlicky dinner that’s bound to impress anyone. I’d love to hear how yours turned out or any creative spins you put on it! Don’t forget to follow my page on Pinterest for more tasty recipes that bring joy to your kitchen. Happy cooking!
