This Easy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a dreamy dish filled with juicy shrimp and a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s perfect for date night or when you want to impress someone special!
You won’t believe how simple it is to make! Just cook the pasta, sauté shrimp with garlic and butter, and toss it all together. Your kitchen might smell so good, you’ll want to hug it! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Linguine works wonderfully in this dish, but spaghetti is a great alternative if that’s what you have. You can even use gluten-free pasta if you’re avoiding gluten—just cook it according to package directions.
Shrimp: I recommend using large shrimp for this recipe. If shrimp isn’t available, you can substitute with scallops or even chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces. Adjust the cooking time accordingly so they don’t overcook.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. If you want a healthier twist, use a mix of butter and olive oil or try a vegan butter substitute.
Heavy cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Keep in mind that this may change the flavor slightly.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, consider using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Get My Shrimp Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky, but it’s all about timing. To ensure they come out perfectly tender, follow these simple tips:
- Start with a hot skillet and add oil before the shrimp. This helps them cook evenly.
- Cook shrimp for just 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook, or they can become rubbery!
- Make sure to remove them from the heat once they’re done, as residual heat will continue to cook them even after they’re off the stove.
Following these steps will have you serving up beautifully cooked shrimp every time! Enjoy making this delightful pasta dish! 😊
Easy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Butter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Pasta: 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- Shrimp: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Butter: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon Juice: Juice of half a lemon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and shrimp, and roughly another 10 minutes putting together the creamy garlic sauce. A quick meal that’ll impress any guest!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, but make sure to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside.
2. Sauté the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. When hot, add the shrimp. Season them with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the additional 2 tablespoons of butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute or until the garlic is fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn. Then, pour in the heavy cream and stir well, letting it warm through for around 2-3 minutes.
4. Combine with Cheese:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until the sauce begins to thicken. If it seems too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Bring it All Together:
Return the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. Stir in the lemon juice, and taste to adjust any seasoning with more salt and pepper.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is mixed and heated through, serve your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta immediately! Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan if you’d like. It’s time for a delicious meal that you, your family, or that special someone will love!
Enjoy this luscious garlic butter shrimp pasta—guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and perfect for “marrying” your favorite flavors! 😊
FAQ for Easy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight or by submerging them in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat them dry before adding to the pan for the best results!
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. For a dairy-free option, try using coconut cream. Keep in mind that the sauce may be slightly less rich, but it will still be delicious!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like it spicy, you can add more red pepper flakes or incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper. Additionally, mixing in some sliced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce can elevate the heat level to your preference!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to prepare it ahead, you can cook the shrimp and sauce separately and combine them when ready to serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or pasta water to refresh the sauce.
