If you have been searching for a pasta dish that will absolutely wow your taste buds and maybe even inspire some serious kitchen romance, let me introduce you to the irresistible Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. This dish is a symphony of flavors: juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp swimming in a luscious, creamy tomato and sun-dried tomato sauce, brightened by fresh spinach and finished with a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh basil. It is comfort food with elegance, and suits both a weeknight dinner and a special occasion. Every bite feels like a celebration, making Marry Me Shrimp Pasta an instant favorite you’ll want to share again and again.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor, exciting textures, and gorgeous colors. Each element brings something special—whether it’s the sweetness of sun-dried tomato oil, the warmth of smoked paprika, or the freshness of chopped basil.

1 pound extra large shrimp (peeled/deveined): Choose fresh or thawed frozen shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
1/2 tbsp smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor that perfectly complements the shrimp.
3/4 tbsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that enhances the sauce and shrimp.
1/4 tsp black pepper: For a gentle kick and spice balance.
3/4 tsp salt: Brings out the natural flavors of each ingredient.
1 1/2 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil: Infuses the dish with rich tomato flavor and silky texture.
2 1/2 tbsp Cento tomato paste: Concentrated tomato goodness to anchor the sauce.
1/2 cup Cento sun-dried tomatoes (diced): Adds a chewy, tangy contrast to the creamy sauce.
1 tbsp Italian seasoning: Additional layer of herbs to make the sauce heavenly.
1/3 tsp sweet smoked paprika: Balances the savory notes with a hint of sweetness.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the depth of flavor in the sauce.
3/4 tsp dried basil: Adds herbal brightness without overpowering.
2 tbsp Gluten free 1:1 flour: Helps thicken the sauce for that silky, clingy perfectness.
2 cups diced spinach: Delivers vibrant green color and a fresh, slightly earthy note.
2 tbsp butter: For richness and a smooth finish to the sauce.
2 tbsp minced onion: Builds a savory base flavor.
2 tbsp minced garlic: Provides aromatic warmth and depth.
2 cups vegetable broth: Adds body and complexity without overpowering.
1 cup heavy cream: The luscious creaminess every great pasta sauce needs.
1 cup parmesan cheese: Sharp, salty, and melty for ultimate comfort.
Fresh basil (chopped for garnish): Brightens and refreshes the final presentation.
12 oz gluten free penne: Holds the sauce beautifully and keeps this dish gluten free.

How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by boiling your gluten free penne pasta following the package directions for al dente, so it is perfectly tender but still firm to the bite when tossed with the sauce. While that’s cooking, move on to prepping your shrimp which are the star of the show.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper aiming for an even and thorough coating. This seasoning blend gives the shrimp that irresistible smoky warmth and herbal kick that will infuse every bite.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the shrimp. Cook them for approximately two minutes on each side until they turn pink, opaque, and curl into a delicate C shape. Watch carefully—overcooked shrimp become tough and shrink into an O shape, so timing is key!

Step 4: Set Shrimp Aside to Cool

Once cooked, remove your shrimp from the skillet and set them aside to cool slightly. This prevents overcooking later and lets you focus on creating the luscious sauce in the same flavorful pan.

Step 5: Sauté the Aromatics

Reduce the heat to medium-low and melt butter in the same skillet, soaking up any remaining shrimp flavor. Add minced garlic, onion, diced sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sweet smoked paprika, salt, and dried basil. Stir and cook gently for about two minutes, just until this fragrant mixture wakes up your senses and forms a deeply flavorful base.

Step 6: Build the Sauce

Sprinkle in the gluten free flour and stir well to coat the aromatics, which will thicken the sauce beautifully. Gradually pour in vegetable broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly as the sauce simmers and thickens. Toss in the diced spinach and let it wilt, adding fresh color and a subtle earthiness. Finally, melt in parmesan cheese until the sauce reaches a creamy, dreamy consistency.

Step 7: Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce

Add your al dente pasta carefully to the rich sauce, folding gently so every piece gets cloaked in silky, savory goodness. Then, nestle the cooked shrimp into the mix, folding again softly so they remain tender and succulent. Garnish the entire dish generously with freshly chopped basil to finish.

How to Serve Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Garnishes

Fresh basil is your best friend here, adding a burst of herbal brightness that keeps every bite lively. If you like, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or an extra sprinkle of parmesan can elevate the dish even more. Crispy red chili flakes also pair wonderfully if you crave a little heat!

Side Dishes

Serve your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta alongside garlic bread for a classic combo, or opt for a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to contrast the richness. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini also make brilliant, colorful accompaniments that balance the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or date night, serve this pasta in shallow bowls so the creamy sauce can be admired alongside the shrimp artfully arranged on top. Add a few whole basil leaves for an elegant touch, and place a small dish of chili flakes in the center of the table so guests can customize their spice. Presentation makes it feel fancy, even if the recipe is straightforward!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, though the creamy sauce may thicken slightly—just stir in a splash of broth or cream before reheating to bring back that luscious texture.

Freezing

While the sauce freezes reasonably well, shrimp tends to lose some tenderness after freezing. If you want to freeze the dish, consider storing the sauce and pasta separately, then adding freshly cooked shrimp when reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stove or in the microwave at reduced power to avoid breaking down the cream sauce. Stir frequently and add a little broth or cream if the sauce feels too thick. This dish tastes just as good the next day with a bit of care!

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten free?

Absolutely! Regular penne or any pasta shape you prefer works great. The recipe is flexible and will taste fantastic with your favorite pasta.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomato oil?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomato oil, you can use olive oil and toss the shrimp with some finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes to keep that flavor in. Just adjust the seasoning to taste.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter and cream with dairy-free alternatives like vegan butter and coconut cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can dice the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic or cook the shrimp a day ahead, storing them in the fridge until ready to assemble. The sauce is best made fresh but can also be warmed gently.

What wine pairs well with Marry Me Shrimp Pasta?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creaminess and delicate flavors of this pasta wonderfully, adding refreshing acidity to balance the richness.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is one of those magical dishes that turns a regular day into something special without complicated ingredients or steps. Its creamy texture, vibrant colors, and perfectly cooked shrimp make it irresistibly cozy and elegant at the same time. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—it just might become your new go-to for impressing yourself, your family, or someone special.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 28 reviews

Author: Victor
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, flavorful gluten-free dish featuring perfectly seasoned extra-large shrimp cooked in a rich sun-dried tomato and parmesan sauce with spinach, served over tender gluten-free penne pasta. This indulgent, yet easy-to-make recipe is ideal for special dinners or anytime you want a deliciously impressive seafood meal.

Instructions

Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gluten free penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Season the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Cook the Shrimp: Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until pink, opaque, and forming a C shape. Avoid overcooking to prevent the shrimp from curling into an O shape. Remove shrimp and set aside to cool.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic, minced onion, diced sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sweet smoked paprika, salt, and dried basil. Cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
Make the Sauce: Stir in the gluten free flour to coat the aromatics. Gradually add vegetable broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Add diced spinach and continue cooking for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the spinach wilts. Stir in parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss gently to coat evenly. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp to warm through.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the finished dish and serve immediately for a rich, creamy, and satisfying meal.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy; watch for a pink and opaque color with a C shape.
Use gluten free penne and gluten free flour to keep the recipe gluten free.
Sun-dried tomato oil adds extra flavor – do not substitute with plain olive oil for best results.
Feel free to substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option, though flavor and texture may vary.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, but best enjoyed fresh.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Sautéing, Boiling
Cuisine: Italian-American