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Creamy marry me shrimp pasta plated and ready to eat, topped with fresh herbs.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: The BEST Creamy Recipe!

Indulge in this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, a creamy, savory, and slightly sweet dish with a unique dry sherry twist. Quick enough for weeknights yet impressive for special occasions, it delivers a restaurant-quality experience every time. Get ready for unforgettable flavor!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 700
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound extra large shrimp (peeled/deveined)
  • 1/2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 3/4 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 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
  • 1/4 cup dry sherry
  • 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
  • Fresh basil (chopped for garnish)
  • 12 oz gluten free penne

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Large pot
  • Medium bowl

Method
 

Prepare the Pasta and Shrimp
  1. Boil the pasta according to the package directions for al dente while you cook the shrimp. Achieving al dente pasta is crucial; it means the pasta should be firm to the bite, not soft or mushy, as it will continue to cook slightly when added to the hot sauce.
  2. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated. This pre-seasoning step is vital for maximizing the flavor of every single shrimp.
Cook the Shrimp
  1. Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then, cook the shrimp for two minutes on both sides until they are pink, opaque, and C-shaped. The C-shape is your visual cue for perfectly cooked shrimp. If they curl into a tight O-shape, you have cooked them a bit too long and they will likely be rubbery.
  2. Set the cooked shrimp aside to cool. This is necessary because it prevents the shrimp from overcooking and becoming tough when they are later added back into the hot sauce. They will retain their tender texture this way.
Build the Creamy Sauce
  1. Melt the butter in the same pan over medium heat. Then, cook the garlic, onions, sun dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and dried basil until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. The aroma that develops is incredibly rich and savory, building the foundation of the sauce flavor.
  2. Add the dry sherry to deglaze the pan, stirring for 30 seconds until mostly evaporated, lifting any browned bits from the bottom.
  3. Add the flour to the tomato mixture and stir until well combined, forming a thick paste. This helps thicken the sauce smoothly and reduces the chance of lumps.
  4. Then, gradually add the broth, heavy cream, and spinach, stirring well after each addition.
  5. Cook the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken to a luxurious consistency and the spinach begins to wilt.
  6. Then, add the parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely, making the sauce beautifully creamy and cohesive.
Combine and Serve
  1. Gently stir in the pasta. Then, add the shrimp and gently stir again to combine everything without breaking the pasta.
  2. Garnish generously with fresh basil and enjoy your incredible Marry Me Shrimp Pasta immediately!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance. To reheat, do so gently in a skillet, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the sauce. For best flavor and melting quality, grate your own block of Parmesan cheese. Do not overcook the shrimp; remove them as soon as they are pink and C-shaped. Always taste the sauce before adding pasta and shrimp, adjusting seasoning as needed. The dry sherry adds a unique depth and nutty sweetness, so do not skip it!
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.