Name: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
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; Fresh basil (chopped for garnish); 12 oz gluten free penne pasta

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 83 reviews

If you’re searching for a dish that’s both irresistibly creamy and packed with bold, vibrant flavors, the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe will steal your heart. This dish brings together tender shrimp infused with smoky paprika and Italian herbs, bathed in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, then tossed with perfectly al dente gluten-free penne. Every bite offers a harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and fresh notes that make it feel truly special—worthy of any occasion where you want to impress or simply indulge yourself with a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white marbled surface holds various cooking ingredients arranged neatly. At the top left is a clear glass bowl filled with raw peeled shrimp showing their light gray and translucent texture. Below it, a glass measuring cup contains a golden orange liquid. To its left, a small clear bowl contains finely minced light yellow garlic. Near the center bottom, a white package of gluten-free penne pasta sits unopened. Toward the right, a large clear bowl filled with fresh green spinach leaves is visible. Around these main items, smaller clear bowls hold a mix of spices including salt, black and green herbs, bright red tomato paste, dried sun-dried tomato pieces, light yellow onion flakes, and a small glass cup of golden oil. A white bowl with finely shredded white cheese and a small portion of butter add creamy, pale tones. A striped white and gray cloth is seen in the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe is straightforward and brings immense flavor payoff. Each item plays a vital role—from the extra large shrimp lending succulence, to the sun-dried tomato oil adding a rich depth, and the blend of spices perfectly seasoning the dish for that unforgettable finish.

1 pound extra large shrimp (peeled/deveined): The star protein that cooks quickly to tender perfection.
1/2 tbsp smoked paprika: Adds a warm, smoky flavor that elevates the shrimp beautifully.
3/4 tbsp Italian seasoning: A classic herby blend that infuses the dish with Mediterranean charm.
1/4 tsp black pepper: For a subtle kick that balances the creamy sauce.
3/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
1 1/2 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil (from the jar): Brings a rich tomato essence and silky texture to the sauce.
2 1/2 tbsp Cento tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor to deepen the sauce’s taste.
1/2 cup Cento sun-dried tomatoes (diced): Adds bursts of tangy sweetness and a chewy texture.
1 tbsp Italian seasoning: Reinforces the herbal notes for complexity.
1/3 tsp sweet smoked paprika: Offers a mild sweetness paired with smokiness.
1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sauce components perfectly.
3/4 tsp dried basil: Adds an aromatic freshness quintessential to Italian flavors.
2 tbsp Gluten free 1:1 flour: Helps thicken the sauce while keeping the recipe gluten-free.
2 cups diced spinach: Brings beautiful color and a pop of nutrients to brighten the dish.
2 tbsp butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce base.
2 tbsp minced onion: Provides sweetness and depth when sautéed.
2 tbsp minced garlic: Imparts a savory punch that wakes up every other ingredient.
2 cups vegetable broth: Builds the sauce’s body with a light, earthy flavor.
1 cup heavy cream: The creamy backbone that makes this pasta truly indulgent.
1 cup parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty richness and helps thicken the sauce.
Fresh basil (chopped for garnish): Finishes the dish with a fragrant burst and vibrant green color.
12 oz gluten free penne: The perfect pasta shape to catch all the sauce elegantly.

How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your gluten free penne according to the package directions until it reaches a perfect al dente texture, which means it’s tender but still has a bit of bite. This creates the ideal foundation that won’t get mushy when combined later with the creamy sauce and shrimp.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until they are evenly coated. This seasoning blend ensures the shrimp have layers of smoky, herby flavors that are the heart of the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe experience.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about two minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque, curling into a gentle C-shape. Be careful not to overcook them as an O-shape indicates they are too done and can become rubbery.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce Base

Remove the shrimp and set aside. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic, onion, diced sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and dried basil. Sauté for about two minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant and aromatic, laying the flavorful groundwork for the sauce.

Step 5: Thicken and Enrich the Sauce

Sprinkle the gluten free flour over the sautéed ingredients and stir well to incorporate. Then, slowly pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream while stirring continuously. Add the diced spinach and cook for about five minutes until the sauce thickens and the spinach wilts. Finally, stir in parmesan cheese until melted for a rich and creamy finish.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Gently fold the cooked penne pasta into the sauce, making sure each piece is coated in that luscious tomato cream. Then, add the shrimp back to the skillet and stir carefully to combine without breaking up the tender pieces. Your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe is ready to delight!

How to Serve Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with creamy pasta made of penne noodles mixed with a light orange sauce. The dish has several cooked shrimp scattered on top, each shrimp showing a light brown grilled texture. There are bright green small spinach leaves mixed evenly through the pasta. The creamy sauce coats the noodles and shrimp, giving the dish a thick and smooth look. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some fresh spinach leaves placed around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the plated pasta for a fresh, herbaceous lift that complements the creamy sauce and adds a beautiful pop of vibrant green. A little extra parmesan cheese on top can also give a savory punch.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness, or simple roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, which provide texture and a slight bitterness to contrast the creamy pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, serve the pasta nestled in shallow bowls with the shrimp arranged neatly on top. Drizzle extra sun-dried tomato oil around the edges for a glossy touch and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you like a little heat to awaken the flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Marry Me Shrimp Pasta cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy this delicious meal again with minimal effort.

Freezing

While freezing this dish is possible, cream-based sauces can sometimes separate after thawing. To freeze, keep pasta and shrimp separately when possible, and store in airtight freezer-safe containers for up to two months for best quality.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the pasta gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to help restore the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid high heat to prevent the shrimp from overcooking and becoming tough.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten free?

Absolutely! The recipe works beautifully with any pasta you prefer. Gluten free options ensure it’s accessible to more people, but traditional pasta like penne, linguine, or fettuccine will taste just as delicious.

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

If you don’t have sun-dried tomato oil, olive oil is a fine substitute. However, sun-dried tomato oil adds an extra depth of flavor that complements the shrimp and sauce in a unique way, so consider picking some up for this recipe.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative, use coconut cream or cashew cream in place of heavy cream, and choose a dairy-free parmesan-style topping. It won’t sacrifice flavor but will accommodate dietary restrictions.

How spicy is this pasta?

This recipe has a gentle smoky warmth from the paprika and herbs but is not spicy hot. You can always add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne if you want to kick up the heat.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure they sear nicely and don’t release excess water into the pan.

Final Thoughts

If you want to create a show-stopper meal with deep, comforting flavors that feels like a big warm hug, give the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe a try. Its perfect balance of creamy, herby, and smoky elements alongside tender shrimp and vibrant spinach makes it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. I promise, it’s as delightful to eat as it is to share with those you love.