Name: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound extra large shrimp (peeled and 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; 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; 12 oz gluten free penne pasta; Fresh basil (chopped for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug with every bite, you need to try this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. It’s a luscious combination of tender shrimp coated in spices, swimming in a creamy, tangy sun-dried tomato sauce that clings perfectly to gluten-free penne. The vibrant colors, the fragrant herbs, and that velvety sauce make this recipe irresistible to anyone who loves comfort food with a touch of elegance. Trust me, this is the kind of meal you’ll want to make when you’re celebrating something special or simply want to impress yourself with your cooking skills.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully straightforward, relying on quality ingredients that build flavors layer by layer. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the smoky paprika giving the shrimp a subtle kick or the sun-dried tomato oil adding depth to the sauce. Plus, the spinach adds a fresh burst of vibrant green, balancing the richness beautifully.

1 pound extra large shrimp (peeled/deveined): Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor in your pasta.
1/2 tbsp smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness to amplify the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
3/4 tbsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings classic Mediterranean flavor to the dish.
1/4 tsp black pepper: Just enough to add a little bite without overpowering.
3/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors across the board.
1 1/2 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil: The secret weapon that imparts rich tomato goodness to the shrimp and sauce.
2 1/2 tbsp Cento tomato paste: Deepens the sauce’s tomato flavor and adds luscious thickness.
1/2 cup Cento sun-dried tomatoes (diced): Offering bursts of intense, tangy sweetness.
1 tbsp Italian seasoning: Extra herbaceous notes layering into the sauce.
1/3 tsp sweet smoked paprika: To double down on that smoky-sweet appeal.
1/2 tsp salt: Balances the acidity of tomatoes and cream.
3/4 tsp dried basil: Adds a hint of freshness with every bite.
2 tbsp Gluten free 1:1 flour: Helps thicken the sauce while keeping it gluten-free.
2 cups diced spinach: A vibrant and nutritious touch that wilts into the creamy sauce.
2 tbsp butter: Brings silkiness and a slight richness to the base of the sauce.
2 tbsp minced onion: Builds savory depth and aroma.
2 tbsp minced garlic: Essential for that irresistible fragrant punch.
2 cups vegetable broth: A light broth to keep the sauce flavorful without heaviness.
1 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its decadently creamy texture.
1 cup parmesan cheese: Melts through the sauce adding umami and a cheesy finish.
Fresh basil (chopped for garnish): Brightens up the final dish visually and flavor-wise.
12 oz gluten free penne: The perfect pasta shape for capturing that gloriously thick sauce.

How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Begin by boiling your gluten-free penne until it’s perfectly al dente according to the package directions. This ensures it holds up well when you stir it into that creamy sauce later.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a medium bowl, then toss them evenly with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning blend gives the shrimp a flavorful foundation that pairs so well with the tomato-based sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook them for about two minutes on each side until they turn pink, become opaque, and form a charming C shape. Watch closely—you want juicy shrimp, not rubbery ones that curl into tight O shapes.

Step 4: Set Shrimp Aside

Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and let them cool slightly. The pan is still your friend for the next steps, and you’ll build your sauce right in it.

Step 5: Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes

Melt butter in the same skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic, onion, diced sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sweet smoked paprika, salt, and dried basil. Sauté this fragrant mix for about two minutes until you can’t resist the mouthwatering aroma.

Step 6: Build the Sauce

Sprinkle gluten-free flour over the sautéed ingredients and stir well to combine. Slowly pour in vegetable broth, then the heavy cream and spinach. Keep stirring and cooking until the sauce thickens and the spinach wilts, which usually takes around five minutes.

Step 7: Finish the Sauce

Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese until it melts fully into the sauce, making it decadently smooth and rich.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Shrimp

Gently mix the cooked penne into the sauce, coating every piece with that gorgeous creamy tomato goodness. Finally, fold in the cooked shrimp to bring everything together beautifully.

How to Serve Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Garnishes

Don’t overlook the final touch: sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top. It adds a fragrant brightness and a burst of green that makes the whole plate pop visually and elevate the flavor.

Side Dishes

This pasta is hearty enough to stand alone but pairs wonderfully with a crisp salad featuring lemon vinaigrette or some lightly roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini. A crusty gluten-free bread option also makes for sopping up every last bit of that amazing sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special meal, arrange the pasta as a nest on your plate and lay the shrimp artfully on top. Drizzle a little extra sun-dried tomato oil and scatter some parmesan shavings and basil leaves around for an elegant finish. Serve in individual bowls or a deep rustic serving dish for a cozy, communal feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. The shrimp and creamy sauce hold up nicely, giving you delicious next-day meals that heat up quickly.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, it’s best to freeze just the sauce without the shrimp to retain optimal texture. Store the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and adding fresh-cooked shrimp.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or cream as needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwave reheating if possible to keep the shrimp tender and the sauce luscious.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten-free?

Absolutely! Regular pasta works beautifully in this recipe and may provide a slightly different texture, but feel free to use whichever you prefer or have on hand.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomato oil?

You can substitute with a good quality olive oil, but sun-dried tomato oil adds an extra layer of rich tomato flavor that’s hard to beat. If you have sun-dried tomatoes, you can infuse your own oil by gently warming olive oil with the tomatoes for 10–15 minutes.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s mildly seasoned and leans more toward smoky and savory flavors rather than spicy heat, making it approachable for most palates. You can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little kick.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?

Fresh tomatoes won’t give you quite the same concentrated flavor, but you can certainly experiment. If you do, roast and drain them first for a thicker, more intense taste.

How do I know when the shrimp is perfectly cooked?

Look for shrimp that curl into a loose C shape, become pink and opaque. If they curl tightly into an O shape, they are likely overcooked and could be rubbery.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’re armed with this fantastic recipe, I hope you’ll make this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta your next weeknight showstopper or romantic dinner idea. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy without being complicated, bursting with fresh flavors and that cozy creamy sauce we all crave. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it lives up to its charming name.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 21 reviews

Author: Sarah
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a rich, creamy, and flavorful gluten-free dish featuring extra-large shrimp cooked in a sumptuous sun-dried tomato sauce with spinach, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasonings. This dish is perfect for a romantic dinner or any occasion where you want to impress with a delicious, comforting pasta bowl that’s both gluten-free and packed with savory flavors.

Instructions

Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gluten-free penne according to package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside once cooked.
Season Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with smoked paprika, 3/4 tbsp Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Cook Shrimp: Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about two minutes on each side until they turn pink, opaque, and form a C shape (avoid overcooking so they don’t become O-shaped).
Set Shrimp Aside: Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside to cool slightly.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic, minced onion, diced sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, sweet smoked paprika, salt, and dried basil. Cook for about two minutes until fragrant and the mixture is well combined.
Make Sauce: Sprinkle gluten-free flour over the sautéed aromatics and stir well to combine. Slowly add vegetable broth and heavy cream while stirring continually. Add the diced spinach and cook the sauce for about 5 minutes, until it thickens and the spinach wilts.
Add Cheese: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked gluten-free penne to the sauce and carefully mix to coat all the pasta evenly. Gently stir the cooked shrimp back into the pan to warm through.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped basil and serve immediately for a delicious, creamy, and hearty pasta dinner.

Notes

Ensure not to overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy — they should be C-shaped when done.
You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option with richer flavor.
This dish is naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free penne and 1:1 gluten-free flour; double-check labels to be sure.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but pasta may absorb sauce and thicken.
For a dairy-free adaptation, substitute heavy cream and butter with coconut cream and dairy-free margarine, and omit Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Sautéing and boiling
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 520 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 750 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 210 mg

Keywords: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, gluten free pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, Italian shrimp pasta