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Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: A Creamy Love-Inspired Dinner

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a quick, creamy, and romantic dinner option sure to impress.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 560

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces rigatoni can be swapped with penne or fusili
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing shrimp
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter adds velvety texture
  • 1 pound medium to large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder optional if using fresh garlic
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 4 cloves garlic freshly minced
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes well-drained
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning can substitute with dried thyme or oregano
  • 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch for gluten-free
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth or vegetable/fish broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream avoid lighter creams
  • 2 tablespoons double concentrated tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice juice of half a lemon
  • ¼ cup chopped basil leaves or parsley
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino/Grana Padano
  • chili flakes optional for those who enjoy a spicy kick

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by peeling and deveining the shrimp, then pat them dry and season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the rigatoni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the rigatoni.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat, then add seasoned shrimp in a single layer and sear until pink and opaque, about 1 minute per side.
  4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, then stir in sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
  5. Sprinkle flour over the sautéed mixture, stir for 1 minute, then pour in chicken broth while scraping brown bits. Simmer for about 2 minutes to thicken the sauce.
  6. Pour in heavy cream and add tomato paste, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 3 minutes until creamy.
  7. Remove from heat and add lemon juice, basil, and Parmesan, stirring until cheese melts and the sauce is velvety.
  8. Add drained rigatoni and seared shrimp back into the skillet, toss and adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed, then serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 560kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 200mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, adjust salt and pepper to taste and consider adding baby spinach for extra nutrition.

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