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Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is an indulgent and elegant dish featuring succulent jumbo shrimp tossed in a rich, velvety sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this flavorful and creamy pasta combines savory and tangy elements with a subtle spicy kick, guaranteed to impress family and guests alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp

  • 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, a pinch
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Pasta

  • 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta

Sauce

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
  • Extra olive oil, as needed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside to keep tender and juicy.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add a splash of olive oil if needed, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir gently to infuse the oil with their sweet, tangy flavor without burning the garlic.
  3. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer while scraping up any flavorful bits from the pan. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly, forming a smooth, rich coating.
  4. Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain. Add the pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce, toss in the cooked shrimp, and mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Let it warm through for another minute or two.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle chopped basil or parsley on top, and stir lightly to distribute freshness. Plate the dish and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook shrimp; remove from heat as soon as they turn pink to keep them tender.
  • Reserve some pasta cooking water to thin the sauce if it gets too thick or sticky.
  • Use fresh herbs at the end to brighten the flavor and add vibrant color.
  • Choosing high-quality Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes greatly enhances the flavor.
  • Adjust creaminess by substituting half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter dish, or adding extra cream for richness.

Nutrition

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