Tasty Marry Me Shrimp Pasta – Delicious & Easy!

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Have you ever encountered a meal so exquisite, so deeply flavourful, and so wonderfully comforting that it could genuinely prompt a proposal? It might sound like a kitchen fairytale, but this is the very legend that surrounds the “Marry Me” family of recipes. Today, we’re exploring what we consider the crowning glory of this romantic culinary collection: the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. This is far more than a simple midweek dinner; it’s a full-blown culinary event. We’re talking about a rich, creamy, and zesty pasta dish, brimming with tender prawns and intense sun-dried tomatoes that unite in a true symphony of taste. Whether you have romantic intentions or simply wish to treat your loved ones to a truly memorable meal, we assure you, this recipe is a keeper.

What Makes This Dish So Irresistible?

The true genius of this recipe is its flawless harmony of flavours and textures. The sauce is, without a doubt, the star of the show—a decadent fusion of double cream, piquant Parmesan cheese, fragrant garlic, and chicken broth, lifted by the sweet and tangy notes of sun-dried tomatoes. This magnificent sauce coats every piece of pasta and lovingly envelops each tender, juicy prawn.

Unlike other cream-based sauces that can sometimes feel a bit flat, this one boasts remarkable depth. The oil from the sun-dried tomatoes imparts a uniquely savoury character to the entire dish, while a scattering of fresh basil provides a final, aromatic touch. It’s a sophisticated yet surprisingly easy shrimp pasta that tastes as though it’s been crafted in a top-tier Italian eatery, and we’re here to show you how to recreate that magic in your own home.

Essential Ingredients for Our Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Assembling the finest components is the foundational step towards achieving culinary perfection. For this dish, we depend on a select group of quality ingredients to build that iconic flavour profile. Here is everything you will need to get started.

Pasta: 350g of a long pasta variety such as linguine, fettuccine, or tagliatelle. Their shape is ideal for clinging to the creamy sauce.
Prawns: 450g of large raw prawns, which have been peeled and deveined. For a touch of elegance, feel free to leave the tails on.
Garlic: 4-5 cloves, minced very finely. We encourage a generous amount, as it forms a crucial part of the flavour base.
Shallot: 1 large shallot, chopped finely. It offers a subtler and sweeter taste compared to a standard onion.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 100g of sun-dried tomatoes preserved in oil. Drain them, but do reserve the oil, and then give them a rough chop.
Reserved Tomato Oil: 2 tablespoons from the sun-dried tomato jar. This oil is a flavour-packed treasure!
Chicken Broth: 120ml of high-quality chicken or vegetable broth.
Double Cream: 240ml of double cream. This is non-negotiable for achieving that wonderfully rich and creamy consistency.
Parmesan Cheese: 60g of Parmesan, grated fresh from the block, with more for serving. For the smoothest melt and best taste, we strongly advise against using pre-grated varieties.
Herbs: 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped basil, and a little fresh parsley to use as a garnish.
Seasoning: Salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’d like a little bit of warmth.
Olive Oil & Butter: 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to cook the prawns in.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make the Perfect Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

With our ingredients at the ready, it’s time to begin cooking. We have broken down the entire method into straightforward, manageable steps. Just follow our lead, and you will have an impressive meal on the table in around 30 minutes.

Cook the Pasta: Get a large pot of salted water to a vigorous, rolling boil. Tip in your pasta and cook it as per the instructions on the packet until it is al dente (which means firm to the bite). Before draining, carefully save about 240ml (one mug) of the starchy cooking water. This liquid is a secret weapon for creating a silky sauce. Drain the pasta and leave it to one side.
Prepare and Cook the Prawns: As the pasta cooks, use a paper towel to pat your prawns completely dry, then season them well with salt and pepper. In a large, deep frying pan or skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over a medium-high heat. Place the prawns in a single layer and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan; it’s better to cook them in two batches if you need to. Take the cooked prawns out of the pan and set aside.
Build the Flavour Base: Turn the heat down to medium. In the same pan, pour in the 2 tablespoons of reserved oil from your sun-dried tomatoes. Add the finely chopped shallot and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it has softened. Next, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them) and continue to cook for one more minute until beautifully fragrant. Be watchful to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour the chicken broth into the pan to deglaze it, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. Allow it to simmer for a minute or two so it can reduce a little. Lower the heat, then stir in the double cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and freshly grated Parmesan. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. It’s important not to let the sauce boil after adding the cream.
Bring It All Together: Return the cooked prawns to the pan, reintroducing them to the sauce. Add the drained pasta and the chopped fresh basil. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the pasta and prawns are thoroughly coated in the delectable sauce. If your sauce appears a bit too thick, add a small splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your preferred consistency. This is the key to a flawless creamy shrimp pasta.
Serve and Garnish: Have a taste of the pasta and add a little more salt and pepper if you think it needs it. Share the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta out into warm bowls, garnish with some fresh parsley, and serve right away with an extra-generous grating of Parmesan cheese on top.

Top Tips for a Proposal-Worthy Pasta

To help you take your dish from merely delicious to truly unforgettable, we recommend keeping these expert tips in your back pocket.

Don’t Overcook the Prawns

The cardinal rule when cooking prawns is to avoid overcooking them, as they cook in a flash. They are perfectly done once they turn pink and form a gentle “C” shape. If they curl up into a tight “O,” they’ve gone too far and will have a rubbery texture. The ideal method is to sear them for a minute or so per side before allowing them to finish cooking gently in the warm sauce.

The Secret is in the Sauce

For the most velvety-smooth sauce, you must use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts seamlessly into the sauce, while pre-grated cheeses often contain anti-caking powders that can result in a grainy texture. Additionally, don’t forget to add the reserved pasta water a little at a time. The starches in the water help to emulsify the sauce, creating a cohesive, silky finish that clings beautifully to the pasta.

Choosing the Right Pasta

Although any pasta will be delicious with this sauce, some shapes are simply better suited. We are partial to long, flat pasta like fettuccine, linguine, or pappardelle, as they offer a greater surface area for the sauce to grip onto. This ensures that every single mouthful is bursting with flavour. A high-quality sun-dried tomato pasta deserves an equally worthy noodle!

Customisations and Variations

One of the most wonderful aspects of this marry me pasta recipe is just how adaptable it is. We encourage you to put your own spin on it with these tasty ideas:

- Make it Spicy: For those who enjoy a bit of fire, consider doubling the red pepper flakes or adding a finely chopped fresh red chilli at the same time as the garlic.
- Add Some Greens: Stir through a couple of large handfuls of fresh spinach or kale right at the end to wilt into the sauce for an extra dose of colour and nutrients.
- Try a Different Protein: This sauce is equally sensational with chicken. You can simply dice a chicken breast, season it well, and cook it all the way through before you start on the sauce.

– A Touch of Tang: To introduce a brighter note, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice stirred in just before serving can cut through the richness of the cream perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is it called “Marry Me” pasta?: The name originates from a popular food blog legend which suggests the dish (originally made with chicken) is so exceptionally tasty that serving it to a partner could lead to an impromptu marriage proposal! It’s really a nod to its universally adored, luxurious character.
Can I use frozen prawns?: Of course! Frozen raw prawns are a fantastic and convenient choice. You just need to ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. The ideal way to do this is to let them thaw in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can place them in a colander and run cold water over them.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?: You can keep any leftovers in the fridge for up to two days in an airtight container. To reheat, we recommend gently warming the pasta in a saucepan on a low heat. It’s likely the sauce will have thickened, so you may need to add a splash of milk, cream, or broth to loosen it up again. We’d advise against using a microwave, as it tends to make the prawns tough.
What can I substitute for double cream?: While double cream provides the most decadent result, you could use single cream or a tin of evaporated milk for a lighter take. Bear in mind that this will result in a thinner sauce. For a dairy-free alternative, full-fat tinned coconut milk is a good substitute, though it will add a delicate coconut taste.
Are prawns and shrimp the same thing?: Within the food world, particularly here in the UK, the terms are often used interchangeably. Although biological distinctions exist, the large, succulent shellfish we use for shrimp and pasta recipes like this are typically referred to as prawns. For further reading on choosing the best ones, this guide from BBC Good Food is a brilliant resource.

From Dinner to Dessert

Following a main course this impressive, you’ll want a dessert that is both comforting and straightforward to make. Why not complete your special meal with a beloved classic? A warm piece of our tried-and-true Banana Bread offers the perfect, cosy conclusion. Alternatively, for an even more decadent treat that carries on the ‘wow’ factor, our rich and fudgy Banana Bread Brownies are certain to leave a lasting impression.

A Dish Worthy of Your “I Do”

Our Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is so much more than a simple set of instructions; it’s a declaration. It serves as proof that you don’t need to be a professional chef or spend hours in the kitchen to produce a meal that feels truly special. It is luxurious, elegant, and packed with flavours that are destined to win over anyone who tries it.

We truly hope you’ll make this dish for a celebration, a cosy date night at home, or even just on a regular evening when you feel you deserve a little indulgence. It is a comforting hug in a pasta bowl, and we’re confident it will become a cherished part of your recipe repertoire.

Have you given our Marry Me Shrimp Pasta a go? We would be delighted to hear how you got on! Please leave a comment below to let us know about your experience or to ask any questions you may have. Happy cooking!

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