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- 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cups fresh spinach - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil for garnish Gathering fresh and quality ingredients is key to this dish. The fettuccine pasta gives a nice base. Use large shrimp for the best texture. Olive oil adds a rich flavor while garlic boosts the aroma. Red pepper flakes add a hint of spice, but you can adjust this to your taste. Cherry tomatoes lend sweetness and color. Heavy cream makes the sauce smooth and creamy. Parmesan cheese adds depth, while fresh spinach gives a pop of color and nutrition. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. Finally, fresh basil adds a lovely touch when serving. Enjoy the process of choosing each ingredient; it sets the stage for a great meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook the pasta, start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Use enough water to allow the pasta to move freely. Once the water boils, add 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta. Follow the package instructions and cook until it is al dente, which means it should be tender but still have a slight bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve one cup of pasta water. This water is full of starch and great for adjusting sauce thickness. After reserving the water, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, we focus on the shrimp. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add 1 pound of large shrimp that is peeled and deveined. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. This means they are perfectly cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Then, sauté 4 cloves of minced garlic for about 30 seconds. This will bring out its lovely flavor. Next, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Then, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes, until they soften and release their juices. This creates a flavorful base for your sauce. Now, let’s make it creamy. Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes. This will thicken the sauce slightly. After that, mix in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. This creamy base is what makes it special. Now it’s time to bring it all together. Add the cooked pasta, sautéed shrimp, and 2 cups of fresh spinach to the skillet. Toss everything together well. The heat will wilt the spinach nicely. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Finally, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Once it’s just right, remove it from the heat. Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor before serving. Enjoy your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta; it’s sure to impress! When cooking shrimp, timing is key. For large shrimp, cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. If you use smaller shrimp, reduce the time to about 2 minutes per side. Overcooking shrimp makes them tough and rubbery. To avoid this, watch them closely. As soon as they change color, take them off the heat. To boost the flavor of your dish, think about adding some herbs and spices. Fresh basil works well here, along with parsley or dill. For a kick, consider adding more red pepper flakes. Seasoning in layers is important. Start with salt and pepper while cooking the shrimp. Then, add garlic and spices to the sauce. This builds up rich flavors. To round out your meal, pair the pasta with a fresh salad. A simple green salad or a Caprese salad complements the dish well. For sides, garlic bread or roasted veggies are great options. When it comes to drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs nicely. If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, try sparkling water with lemon. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh shrimp and seasonal vegetables for the best flavor and texture in your dish. Adjusting Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely. Perfectly Creamy Sauce: For a rich sauce, let the cream cook down slowly and stir continuously to avoid curdling. Garnish Wisely: Fresh basil not only adds color but also enhances the aroma and flavor of the dish, so don’t skip it! {{image_2}} You can switch up the proteins in this dish. Chicken works great in place of shrimp. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces and cook until golden brown. You can also try other seafood like scallops or crab. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based shrimp or even chickpeas. Both will give you a nice texture and flavor. If you need a gluten-free meal, many brands offer gluten-free pasta. Look for options made from rice or lentils. They cook a bit differently, so check the package for timing. Make sure to taste as it cooks to get the right texture. Adding fresh veggies can boost flavor and nutrition. Spinach is a great choice, but try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli too. Seasonal veggies can give you the freshest taste. In summer, use ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs. In winter, try roasted root vegetables for a cozy twist. - Let the pasta cool before storing. - Use an airtight container for best results. - Keep the pasta in the fridge for up to three days. - If you notice any off smells, it’s best to discard it. - Use a skillet to reheat for the best texture. - Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. - Heat on low to avoid overcooking the shrimp. - Make sure the shrimp reaches a safe temperature of 145°F (63°C). The name "Marry Me Shrimp Pasta" comes from its delicious taste. Many say it is so good you might want to propose! This dish combines tender shrimp, creamy sauce, and fresh spinach. Each bite is full of flavor, making it perfect for a loved one or any special occasion. Yes! You can prep this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and shrimp but keep the sauce separate. Store each part in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply warm the sauce and mix everything together. This way, you save time on busy nights. If you want a lighter option, try substituting heavy cream with: - Half-and-half - Coconut milk - Greek yogurt (thin with a bit of water) These options still create a creamy texture but with fewer calories. Freezing this dish is not ideal. The shrimp can become tough, and cream sauces may separate. If you must freeze it, store the pasta and sauce separately. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently. This pasta pairs well with: - Garlic bread - A fresh garden salad - Steamed broccoli These sides add freshness and balance to the meal, making it even more enjoyable. This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta recipe is simple and delicious. You learned about the ingredients, cooking steps, and handy tips. Use fresh shrimp, creamy sauce, and vibrant veggies for great taste. Feel free to explore variations by swapping proteins or adding different vegetables. Remember to store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. This dish can bring smiles at any meal. Dive into cooking, and impress yourself or someone special with a great meal. Enjoy the flavors and share your results!

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

A delicious and creamy shrimp pasta dish that is sure to impress.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the red pepper flakes and cherry tomatoes, cooking until the tomatoes are softened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
  • Add in the cooked pasta, shrimp, and fresh spinach to the skillet. Toss well to combine, allowing the spinach to wilt slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes for desired heat level.
Keyword creamy, dinner, pasta, shrimp