Description
Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a luscious and indulgent dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice, served over tender pasta. This flavorful and comforting recipe is perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion, offering a delightful blend of savory and creamy textures that are sure to impress.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red chili flakes (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
- Prepare the shrimp: Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Season the sauce: Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes to thicken slightly, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine shrimp and pasta: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Serve: Divide the creamy shrimp pasta onto serving plates, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less creamy.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your preferred spice level.
- For an extra cheesy flavor, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top when serving.
- Use fresh or frozen shrimp; if frozen, thaw completely before cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
