1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Sear the Shrimp
- Pat shrimp dry and season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high.
- Cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (30 seconds).
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in heavy cream and broth.
- Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in parmesan until melted and creamy.
4. Combine Everything
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until coated.
- If too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Gently fold in shrimp.
5. Serve & Garnish
- Top with fresh basil or parsley.
- Add extra parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve hot and watch it disappear.
Perfect Pairings
- Garlic bread or focaccia for dipping into the sauce.
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
- A chilled glass of white wine (Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio).
Tips for Success
- Use large shrimp for the best bite and presentation.
- Don’t overcook shrimp—they only need a couple of minutes.
- If you want extra richness, swap half the broth for white wine.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of cream.
Final Thoughts
The Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is creamy, dreamy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making it for your sweetheart, your family, or even just yourself, it’s the kind of recipe that makes any dinner feel special. One bite, and you’ll see why it’s called “Marry Me.”