Print

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 74 reviews

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, flavorful skillet dish featuring tender shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach tossed with rigatoni in a rich Parmesan-infused sauce. This comforting Italian-inspired recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, delivering a luscious, slightly spicy sauce with fresh basil garnish.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

  • 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed

Produce

  • 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 (5-oz.) package baby spinach
  • Torn fresh basil leaves, for serving

Pantry

  • 4 Tbsp. tomato oil, divided (from sun-dried tomato jar)
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 16 oz. rigatoni or penne pasta
  • 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
  • 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning

Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about 1/2 cup), plus more for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of the tomato oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the shrimp, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque, about 3 minutes. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate or bowl and set aside.
  2. Prepare the pasta: While the shrimp cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni or penne and cook according to package directions until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  3. Create the sauce base: Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of tomato oil, then sauté the finely chopped garlic, tomato paste, and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring constantly until the tomato paste deepens in color and becomes fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Add liquids and seasonings: Stir in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet bottom. Allow the sauce to cook and slightly reduce, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.
  5. Incorporate spinach: Add the baby spinach to the sauce and cook, stirring frequently, until the spinach is wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  6. Toss pasta and shrimp in sauce: Add the cooked pasta, reserved shrimp, and grated Parmesan to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the glossy sauce. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Rest to meld flavors: Remove the skillet from the heat, cover it, and let the pasta sit undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Give the pasta a final stir to ensure everything is well coated.
  8. Serve: Divide the shrimp pasta among serving bowls. Garnish each portion with torn fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use large shrimp for best texture and presentation.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add richness; reserve the oil for cooking.
  • If gluten-free pasta is preferred, substitute accordingly.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level of the sauce.
  • Letting the pasta rest in the sauce helps thicken the sauce and infuse flavors.
  • Fresh basil garnish adds a bright, aromatic finish.

Keywords: shrimp pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, Italian pasta dish, quick dinner recipe

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/marry-me-shrimp-pasta-recipe/