Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is not just a dish; it’s a culinary love letter. Imagine the aroma of garlic and buttery shrimp sizzling in the pan, while the vibrant colors of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach dance together, enticing your senses. In about 30 minutes, you can create this creamy, flavorful pasta that truly captivates the heart and palate, proving to be an instant favorite for any dinner gathering.

This recipe is perfect for date nights or celebrations when you want to impress someone special with minimal effort. It’s a wonderful make-ahead option, as the sauce can be prepared in advance and reheated when you’re ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The extra large shrimp provide a juicy, tender bite.
• Creamy sauce envelops the pasta for a luxurious texture.
• Quick to prepare, making weeknight cooking a breeze.
• Packed with bold flavors from sun-dried tomatoes and spices.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to create Marry Me Shrimp Pasta:

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 3/4 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 3/4 tsp salt

For the Sauce

• 1 1/2 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil (from the sun-dried tomato jar)
• 2 1/2 tbsp Cento tomato paste
• 1/2 cup Cento sun-dried tomatoes, diced
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1/3 tsp sweet smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 tsp dried basil
• 2 tbsp gluten free 1:1 flour
• 2 cups diced spinach
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp minced onion
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup parmesan cheese

For Serving

• 12 oz gluten free penne
• Fresh basil, chopped for garnish

Use any gluten-free pasta for best results.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use olive oil instead of sun-dried tomato oil.
• Chicken or vegetable broth works well.
• Regular pasta can be swapped for gluten-free.
• Fresh basil can be replaced with dried.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious pasta dish.

Prepare the Shrimp

Heat a large skillet over medium heat, adding the shrimp along with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, then remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the sun-dried tomato oil and butter. Once melted, stir in the minced onion and garlic, cooking for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and diced sun-dried tomatoes, mixing well.

Combine Ingredients

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, sweet smoked paprika, salt, and dried basil, stirring to combine the spices with the sauce. Gradually whisk in the gluten free flour, making sure to avoid lumps.

Add Liquids

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, approximately 5 minutes.

Incorporate Shrimp and Spinach

Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet along with the diced spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything is well combined.

Cook the Pasta

While preparing the sauce, cook the gluten free penne according to package instructions in a separate pot. Drain and add directly into the sauce, tossing to combine everything well.

Serve

Once thoroughly mixed, remove from heat and stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

How to Store It

Fridge: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Yes, but texture may change.
Reheat: Microwave on medium for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Use very fresh shrimp for the best flavor.
• Stir the sauce continuously to achieve a smooth texture.
• Adjust seasoning to taste for personalized flavor.
• Reserve a bit of pasta cooking water for desired sauce consistency.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp white wine for an elegant dinner.
• Serve alongside a fresh garden salad for balance.
• Perfect for romantic evening meals or special occasions.