The Stars of the Show: Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or your favorite shape)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pasta water, reserved
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure they are evenly coated for maximum flavor!
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll become rubbery! Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- While the shrimp is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet you cooked the shrimp in, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it will taste bitter.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and continue to simmer, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the Parmesan cheese is already salty, so start with a small amount of salt and adjust as needed.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Stir in the chopped fresh basil.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. This is best enjoyed hot!
Troubleshooting Tips for a Perfect Dish
Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
- Sauce Too Thick: If your sauce becomes too thick, simply add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Sauce Too Thin: If your sauce is too thin, continue to simmer it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water to the sauce to help thicken it.
- Shrimp Overcooked: The key to juicy shrimp is to not overcook them. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque. If you accidentally overcook them, try tossing them with a little bit of olive oil and lemon juice to help rehydrate them.
- Pasta Sticks Together: Make sure to use enough water when cooking the pasta, and stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking together. If the pasta does stick together, try rinsing it with cold water after draining.
Variations to Make It Your Own
The great thing about pasta dishes is how easily you can customize them! Here are some ideas to make this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta your own:
- Add Vegetables: Sauté some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers along with the garlic for added nutrients and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Use Different Cheese: Try using a combination of Parmesan and Romano cheese, or add a dollop of mascarpone cheese to the sauce for extra creaminess.
- Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce the fat content.
- Add Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.
What to Serve with Your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to create a full dining experience, here are some side dish suggestions:
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing!
- Caesar Salad: A refreshing and crisp salad to balance the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Asparagus: A simple and healthy side dish.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze.
Other Irresistible Pasta Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, you might also like these equally delicious pasta recipes. Be sure to try this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for another creamy delight. Or, how about this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta? For another take on the same dish, try this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, or if you want a creamier version, try this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. For a chicken-only creamy option, check out this Creamy Chicken Pasta. You might also enjoy this Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a similar flavor profile with chicken instead of shrimp.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover Marry Me Shrimp Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, or the shrimp will become rubbery.
Enjoy your delicious Marry Me Shrimp Pasta! I hope it brings you as much joy as it brings me. Happy cooking!
What can I do if the sauce for the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta becomes too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
How can I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery when cooking the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta?
The key to juicy shrimp is to not overcook them. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
What are some variations I can make to the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta recipe?
You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers; add more red pepper flakes for extra heat; use different cheeses like Romano or mascarpone; use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to make it lighter; or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
How long can I store leftover Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, and how should I reheat it?
Leftover Marry Me Shrimp Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed, or reheat it in the microwave being careful not to overheat it.
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure they are evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- While the shrimp is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In the same skillet you cooked the shrimp in, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and continue to simmer, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Stir in the chopped fresh basil.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Notes
Variations: Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Try using a combination of Parmesan and Romano cheese, or add a dollop of mascarpone cheese to the sauce for extra creaminess. Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce the fat content. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.
