Save to Pinterest A luscious crowd-pleasing pasta featuring tender shrimp in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce all made in a single pot for easy weeknight elegance.
I first tried this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta for a family get-together and everyone raved about how delicious and comforting it was. It quickly became my go-to dish when I wanted something satisfying yet impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Large shrimp: 1 lb (450 g) peeled and deveined
- Penne or rigatoni: 12 oz (340 g)
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Garlic: 3 cloves minced
- Yellow onion: 1 small finely chopped
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: ½ cup (60 g) drained and sliced
- Baby spinach: 2 cups (60 g)
- Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth: 2 ½ cups (600 ml)
- Heavy cream: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: ½ cup (50 g)
- Dried Italian herbs: 1 tsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes: ½ tsp optional
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- Fresh basil leaves: Torn for garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese: For serving
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics:
- In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 2 3 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and tomatoes:
- Stir in garlic and sun-dried tomatoes sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook shrimp:
- Add shrimp and season with salt pepper and Italian herbs. Cook for 2 minutes per side just until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Create sauce base:
- Pour in broth and cream stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook pasta:
- Add pasta stirring to submerge as much as possible. Cover and cook stirring occasionally for 12 14 minutes until pasta is al dente and liquid has reduced to a velvety sauce.
- Add spinach and cheese:
- Stir in spinach and Parmesan. Return shrimp to the pot. Heat through for 2 minutes allowing spinach to wilt and shrimp to warm.
- Finish and serve:
- Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve immediately garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Save to Pinterest This creamy pasta has become our family favorite for cozy Sunday evenings—it brings everyone together around the table and hardly ever leaves any leftovers.
Required Tools
Large skillet or Dutch oven chefs knife cutting board measuring cups and spoons wooden spoon.
Allergen Information
Contains shellfish (shrimp) dairy (cream Parmesan) and wheat (pasta) always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 590 Total Fat 25 g Carbohydrates 54 g Protein 36 g.
Save to Pinterest This One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is sure to brighten any dinner table and impress your guests. Enjoy every velvety bite.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Penne or rigatoni are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well and withstand the one-pot cooking method.
- → Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?
Yes, scallops or firm white fish can be used, but cooking times should be adjusted accordingly.
- → How do sun-dried tomatoes affect the flavor?
They add a tangy, slightly sweet depth that enhances the creamy sauce and complements the shrimp.
- → Is it necessary to use heavy cream?
Heavy cream provides the rich texture, but half-and-half can be a lighter alternative with a slight change in consistency.
- → Can this dish be prepared gluten-free?
Yes, using gluten-free pasta varieties allows the dish to be suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- → What wine pairs well with this meal?
A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce and seafood notes nicely.