Marry Me Shrimp Pasta – Irresistibly Creamy & Flavor-Packed

If you’re searching for a pasta dish so good it might just win someone’s heart, this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is it! With succulent shrimp, a luxuriously creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, and tender gluten-free penne, every bite is bursting with flavor. This recipe takes the beloved “marry me” concept and makes it even more indulgent with rich Parmesan and fragrant herbs. Whether you’re cooking for a special date night or simply treating yourself, this pasta is a showstopper. If you enjoy comforting yet elegant meals, you might also love my Italian Sausage Zucchini Boats for another hearty dinner idea or try a sweet finish with my Zucchini Brownies for dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s romance in a bowl. The flavors are perfectly balanced: smoky paprika adds depth, sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy sweetness, and Parmesan melts into the sauce for a creamy finish. It’s the kind of meal that feels gourmet yet is surprisingly easy to make at home.

Plus, it has some hidden advantages:

• Quick to prepare – The whole dish can be ready in under 40 minutes.
• Restaurant quality at home – Impress your guests without a complicated process.
• Customizable – Works with gluten-free, dairy-free, or different proteins.
• Meal prep friendly – Make parts of it ahead to save time later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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 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)

For the Pasta

• 12 oz gluten-free penne pasta

How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Step 1 – Cook the Pasta and Shrimp

Start by boiling your gluten-free penne pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. While it cooks, toss the shrimp in a bowl with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until fully coated. Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side, until pink, opaque, and C-shaped. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 2 – Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the garlic, onion, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and dried basil. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. This step is where the deep, rich flavors start to develop, and it’s the secret to making the sauce taste like it’s been simmering for hours.

Step 3 – Make the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle in the gluten-free flour and stir until it’s fully incorporated into the aromatics. Slowly pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream, whisking to prevent lumps. Add the diced spinach and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, until it thickens slightly and the spinach wilts. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 4 – Combine and Serve

Gently fold the cooked pasta into the sauce until well coated. Add the shrimp back to the skillet and toss everything together. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Pro Tips for the Best Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

• Don’t overcook the shrimp – Once they curl into a C-shape, they’re done.
• Use sun-dried tomato oil – It adds an extra boost of flavor to the shrimp and sauce.
• Freshly grate Parmesan – It melts more smoothly and gives the sauce a richer taste than pre-shredded cheese.
• Salt the pasta water – This simple step seasons the pasta from within.
• Reserve some pasta water – If the sauce gets too thick, adding a splash can bring it back to the perfect consistency.

Variations & Substitutions

• Protein swap – Use chicken breast or scallops instead of shrimp for a twist.
• Pasta options – Swap gluten-free penne for regular pasta, spaghetti, or even fettuccine.
• Vegetable boost – Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for more color and nutrition.
• Spice level – Increase the smoked paprika or add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
• Dairy-free option – Use coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

What to Serve With Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Pairing your pasta with the right side dish can turn a good meal into an unforgettable one:

• Garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce.
• Fresh green salad – Balances the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted asparagus – Adds a fresh, earthy bite.
• Light white wine – Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the dish beautifully.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving on high heat as it can overcook the shrimp. Freezing is not recommended because the cream sauce can separate after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best to cook the pasta and shrimp fresh. You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge.

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before seasoning so they sear properly.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
Letting it simmer gently allows it to reduce naturally, but you can also add a touch more flour or Parmesan for extra richness.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients, but make sure to use a large enough skillet or Dutch oven to allow even cooking.

How do I keep the sauce silky?
Avoid boiling the cream too hard—gentle simmering prevents curdling and keeps it smooth.

Nutrition Facts Table

Conclusion

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience meant to be shared. The creamy, flavorful sauce, tender pasta, and perfectly seasoned shrimp make every bite irresistible. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, treating family, or indulging in a solo gourmet night, this dish will deliver.

Once you try it, you’ll see why it earns such a romantic name—this pasta could truly make someone fall in love. And remember, food is more than just sustenance—it’s a love language all on its own.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta – Irresistibly Creamy & Flavor-Packed

A creamy, indulgent shrimp pasta loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, rich tomato cream sauce, and seasoned to perfection—this luscious one-pan dinner is so irresistible it practically proposes!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

30 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 5

Calories 321 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 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
• 1½ tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil reserved from the jar
• Golden Grace Kitchen
• For the Sauce
• 2½ tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ cup diced sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ⅓ teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon dried basil
• 2 tablespoons gluten-free 1:1 flour roux
• 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

Instructions

 

• Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
• Golden Grace Kitchen
• Season the shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
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• Cook the shrimp: Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp about 2 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and C-shaped. Remove shrimp and set aside.
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• Start the sauce: In the same pan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add onion, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and basil. Cook about 2 minutes until fragrant.
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• Build the sauce: Stir in flour to form a roux. Then add vegetable broth, heavy cream, and spinach. Cook until sauce thickens and spinach wilts (~5 minutes).
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• Finish the sauce: Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
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• Combine everything: Gently toss cooked pasta and shrimp into the sauce until well combined.
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• Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and serve immediately.

Notes

• Shrimp is perfectly cooked when it forms a C-shape—if it curls into an “O,” it’s overcooked. Golden Grace Kitchen
• Make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free flours and pasta (already included).
• To store leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. Golden Grace KitchenHealthy Fitness Meals
• Freezing is not recommended, as cream-based sauces can separate.

Keyword Marry Me pasta, shrimp pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, sun-dried tomato shrimp pasta, romantic dinner recipe