Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my creamy marry me shrimp pasta! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate. Seriously, it’s perfect for those special occasions where you want to impress someone—maybe a date night or an anniversary dinner. The rich, creamy sauce envelops the perfectly cooked shrimp and fettuccine, making every bite feel indulgent. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of garlic sizzling in the pan was enough to get anyone’s attention! And when you add that sprinkle of fresh parsley and a touch of Parmesan, it just elevates the whole experience. Trust me, it’s a dish that’ll have your loved ones asking for seconds—and maybe even a proposal!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta: This long, flat noodle is perfect for holding onto that creamy sauce.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh shrimp adds that sweet, briny flavor that pairs beautifully with the cream.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: A splash of this liquid gold helps sauté the shrimp and garlic to perfection.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Trust me, this garlic will infuse your dish with an irresistible aroma.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce rich, luscious, and oh-so-creamy!
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For that nutty, salty flavor that brings everything together.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all those fabulous flavors.
How to Prepare Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, let’s get that fettuccine cooked to perfection! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—trust me, this helps season the pasta as it cooks. Once boiling, add in your 8 ounces of fettuccine. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. You want it to have a little bite so it holds up in the sauce! Once it’s done, drain the pasta but save a cup of that starchy pasta water—this will come in handy later!
Sautéing the Shrimp
Now, let’s get our shrimp sizzling! In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—don’t let it burn! Next, add in your 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook these beauties for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn a lovely pink and opaque. Make sure to give them a little stir to cook evenly. Ooh, that smell is heavenly!
Creating the Creamy Sauce
Alright, it’s time to make the magic happen! Lower the heat and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream along with 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it all together and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes. You want the sauce to thicken a bit, so just keep an eye on it. If it gets too thick, don’t be afraid to add a splash of that reserved pasta water to reach your desired creaminess. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon!
Combining Ingredients
Now comes the fun part—bringing everything together! Add your cooked fettuccine into the skillet with the creamy sauce and shrimp. Toss everything gently, so the pasta is beautifully coated in that rich sauce. If it seems a little dry, a little more pasta water can work wonders. Finally, sprinkle in your chopped fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a final toss, and voila! You’re ready to serve this dreamy creamy marry me shrimp pasta!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute date nights.
- Rich, creamy flavor that feels indulgent without taking hours in the kitchen.
- Fresh shrimp adds a delightful sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Elegant enough for special occasions like anniversaries or romantic dinners.
- Customizable with your favorite pasta or additional veggies for a personal touch.
- Minimal clean-up required, making it a stress-free cooking experience.
- Guaranteed to impress your family and friends, leaving them wanting more!
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh shrimp and high-quality cream. It makes a world of difference in flavor!
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Keep an eye on those shrimp; they only need a few minutes to cook. Overcooking can make them tough—no one wants that!
- Reserve Pasta Water: Remember to save some of that starchy pasta water before draining. It’s your secret weapon for adjusting the sauce’s consistency!
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Everyone has different preferences, so don’t hesitate to add more salt or pepper to suit your taste.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to toss in some spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick. Make it your own!
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. The creamy sauce can thicken as it cools, so serve it right away for that perfect texture.
- Pair with a Side: Consider a light salad or garlic bread to complement your meal. It rounds out the experience and makes it feel special!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutrition for my creamy marry me shrimp pasta! Each serving is packed with flavor and gives you a satisfying meal. Just a heads up, the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so it’s always a good idea to check your labels if you’re keeping an eye on things.
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Enjoy your meal and remember, balance is key! Pair this dish with some veggies or a light salad for a well-rounded dining experience.
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is my go-to for this creamy marry me shrimp pasta, you can substitute it with any pasta you have on hand. Penne, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta work beautifully!
What if I can’t find fresh shrimp?
No problem at all! Frozen shrimp is a great alternative. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking, and you’ll still get that delicious flavor in your dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this creamy pasta is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before tossing it with the cooked pasta and shrimp!
How do I store leftovers?
Place any leftover creamy marry me shrimp pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This pasta is perfect for meal prep. Just keep the sauce and pasta separate until you’re ready to eat to keep everything creamy and delicious!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this dreamy creamy marry me shrimp pasta and have some leftovers? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! To store your delicious creation, simply let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be sure to seal it tight to keep all that creamy goodness in!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the stovetop for the best results. Just add a splash of cream or a bit of reserved pasta water to the skillet when you heat it up—this will help loosen the sauce and bring back that creamy texture. Heat it over medium-low, stirring gently until it’s warmed through. You want to avoid the microwave if you can, as that can make the shrimp tough and the sauce clumpy. But if you’re in a pinch, microwaving it in short bursts, stirring in between, can work too. Enjoy your leftovers just as much as the first time around!
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Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: 7 Steps to Romantic Bliss
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious creamy pasta dish with shrimp that is perfect for a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add cooked fettuccine and parsley. Toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor.
- Can substitute fettuccine with other pasta types.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: creamy marry me shrimp pasta
