Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the richness of creamy sauce, perfectly cooked shrimp, and vibrant cherry tomatoes. The combination of flavors is not just delicious but visually stunning, making it an ideal dish for romantic dinners or gatherings with loved ones. Imagine serving this elegant meal on date night or at a lovely dinner party, and watching everyone marvel at its beautiful presentation.
The balance of savory, creamy, and slightly spicy notes will make it a favorite at your dinner table. You’ll experience the irresistible aroma as it cooks, drawing everyone in and igniting anticipation. This article will guide you through every step of making Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, from selecting the right ingredients to serving it in style. Get ready for an unforgettable culinary adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: The recipe uses fresh shrimp and ripe cherry tomatoes, enhancing overall taste and texture.
- Ease of Preparation: With simple steps, you can whip this dish up in no time, making it perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
- Nutrition: Packed with protein from shrimp and vitamins from vegetables, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.
- Versatility: You can easily adjust spice levels and even substitute ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Presentation: Its vibrant colors make it a showstopper, appealing to both the eyes and the palate.
This dish is sure to win hearts!
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Note that times may vary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, start by selecting the right 8 oz pasta (such as fettuccine or linguine), 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), salt and pepper to taste, and fresh basil for garnish.
Main Protein: Shrimp
Shrimp is the star of this dish, providing a delightful flavor and texture.
- What to use: Jumbo or medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, are ideal for their tender bite.
- How to prepare: Rinse them under cold water and pat dry with paper towels before cooking.
- Substitutions: If you’re looking for an alternative, you can use scallops or chicken.
- Tips: Ensure shrimp are fresh for the best taste. Overcooking can make them tough!
Starch/Pasta: Linguine or Fettuccine
The pasta serves as the perfect base for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- What to use: Choose linguine or fettuccine for a classic feel.
- How to prepare: Cook according to package instructions for al dente texture.
- Substitutions: For gluten-free options, use pasta made from quinoa or brown rice.
- Tips: Always salt your pasta water for extra flavor.
Liquids/Dairy: Chicken Broth and Cream
These provide that rich, creamy texture we crave.
- What to use: Use low-sodium chicken broth for the best flavor and control over salt.
- How to prepare: Measure out the broth and cream before cooking to streamline the process.
- Substitutions: If you’re looking for an alternative, vegetable broth works well for a lighter flavor.
- Tips: Add the cream gradually to avoid curdling.
Aromatics & Vegetables: Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes
These elements provide essential flavors and brightness to the dish.
- What to use: Fresh garlic and ripe cherry tomatoes add depth and sweetness.
- How to prepare: Mince the garlic and halve the tomatoes before cooking.
- Substitutions: If you’re looking for an alternative, shallots can replace garlic for a milder flavor.
- Tips: Sauté garlic until fragrant but avoid burning to prevent bitterness.
Optional Finishing Ingredients: Red Pepper Flakes and Basil
These add spice and freshness to your dish.
- What to use: Red pepper flakes give a light heat, while fresh basil elevates flavor.
- How to prepare: Chop basil leaves just before serving to retain freshness.
- Substitutions: If you’re looking for an alternative, oregano can be used instead of basil.
- Tips: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a one-pan wonder that’s both simple and satisfying!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the fettuccine or linguine, and cook for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and drain, reserving a little pasta water for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 3-4 minutes, turning until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant. This step is crucial to building flavor!
Step 4: Add Cherry Tomatoes
Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they soften and begin to burst. This brings sweetness and color to your dish.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth, followed by 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted. Then return shrimp to the skillet and combine with the pasta. If it’s too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water for the perfect consistency.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste. Garnish with fresh basil before serving this colorful dish!
How to Serve
- Presentation: Serve the pasta in shallow bowls and sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for that wow factor.
- Accompaniments: Pair with a simple green salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Portions: This recipe serves around 4, so it’s perfect for a small gathering.
- Beverage pairing: Enjoy with white wine, like Pinot Grigio, to complement the shrimp.
This dish is sure to impress!
Additional Tips
- To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
- Customization is easy; swap out shrimp for your favorite seafood or protein.
- For serving, consider pairing with seasonal vegetables for a colorful plate.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Shrimp Pasta: Increase red pepper flakes for a bolder kick.
- Pasta Primavera: Add seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
- Creamy Lemon Dill Shrimp: Incorporate fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon into the cream sauce for a refreshing twist.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For freezing, store in a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream as needed.
Special Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet for cooking
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Colander for draining pasta
FAQ’s
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw frozen shrimp in the refrigerator before using, as they can also work well in this dish.Is it healthy?
Yes, it’s packed with protein from shrimp, vitamins from tomatoes, and made with fresh ingredients.Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients in advance and cook just before serving for the best texture.Can I customize it?
Absolutely! Feel free to change spices, add vegetables, or substitute the protein.What alternative cooking methods can I use?
You could use a slow cooker or Instant Pot, but adjust cooking times and liquid ratios accordingly.
Conclusion
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is not just a dish; it’s an experience bursting with flavor and romance. It’s nutritionally balanced while being rich and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, this dish fits every scenario. Dive in and enjoy this culinary delight, knowing you’ve created something truly special!
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or linguine) Use for a classic feel.
Main Protein
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined Use jumbo or medium shrimp for tender bite.
Liquids/Dairy
- 2 tbsp olive oil For sautéing the shrimp.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth Low-sodium is preferred.
- 1 cup heavy cream Add gradually to avoid curdling.
Aromatics & Vegetables
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Sauté until fragrant, avoid burning.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Add sweetness and color.
Finishing Ingredients
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese For mixing into the sauce.
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes Optional, adjust to heat preference.
- to taste salt and pepper For seasoning.
- for garnish fresh basil Chop just before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the shrimp for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque, then set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they soften.
Cooking
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and combined, then add shrimp and pasta to the skillet.
- If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
