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Close-up of Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, featuring shrimp, pasta, and garnished with herbs and cheese.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

This irresistibly creamy and flavorful shrimp pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs is so delicious, it might just inspire a marriage proposal!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 685

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 1 tbsp salt for pasta water
For the Shrimp
  • 1 1/2 lbs large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add salt and fettuccine pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
Prepare the Shrimp
  1. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Make the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Pour in white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Gradually whisk in parmesan cheese until smooth. Add red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve
  1. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
  2. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to combine. Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil and parsley.
  3. Serve immediately with additional parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

For best results, use fresh shrimp and don't overcook them. The pasta water helps create a silky sauce consistency. This dish is best served immediately while hot. Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 2 days.