Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to impress your loved one with a delicious, home-cooked meal. And what better way to show your love than with a dish called Marry Me Shrimp Pasta? Creamy, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible, this pasta is a guaranteed way to win hearts—and the best part? You can make it in just 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is rich, indulgent, and full of incredible flavors. The combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and cream creates a luxurious sauce that perfectly coats tender shrimp and pasta. Plus, with the addition of Italian seasoning and baby spinach, this dish brings both depth and freshness to the table. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or a cozy night in, this dish will make the evening extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, sliced, plus 4 tbsp. tomato oil, divided
- 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 16 oz. rigatoni or penne pasta
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp. tomato paste
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 (5-oz.) pkg. baby spinach
- 1 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about 1/2 cup), plus more for serving
- Fresh basil, torn, for garnish
How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta in 30 Minutes
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of the reserved tomato oil. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of tomato oil. Stir in the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Next, stir in the tomato paste, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to enhance its depth of flavor. Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and lift any flavorful bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Lower the heat and add the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, stirring until everything is well combined. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Cheese
Stir in the baby spinach and let it wilt into the sauce. Then, add the grated Parmesan, stirring until fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, ensuring that the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Divide the pasta between plates and top with extra Parmesan and torn fresh basil. Serve immediately and watch as your Valentine falls in love—not just with you, but with this incredible dish!
Pro Tips for the Best Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook quickly and can become rubbery if left in the pan too long.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Save that pasta water! It helps to create a silky, restaurant-quality sauce.
- Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the dish’s creamy richness.
A Meal Worth Saying ‘Yes’ To!
Whether you’re planning a romantic Valentine’s dinner or just want to treat yourself to something special, this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the perfect choice. With its rich, creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and bold flavors, this dish is sure to impress in just 30 minutes. So, grab your ingredients, set the mood, and get ready to enjoy a dinner that’s truly love at first bite!
Will you be making this for your Valentine? Let us know how it turns out!
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