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To make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, gather these ingredients: - 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or adjust to taste) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cups fresh baby spinach - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Zest of 1 lemon Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a creamy, flavorful dish. The shrimp adds a sweet, briny taste, while the cream creates a rich sauce. Garlic brings depth, and tomatoes add freshness. When buying shrimp, look for these signs of quality: - Freshness: Choose shrimp that smells like the ocean, not fishy. - Size: Large shrimp (16-20 per pound) work best in this dish. - Color: Look for shrimp that is translucent and not dull or discolored. - Shell: The shells should be shiny and intact, without any black spots. Buying from a reputable market ensures you get the best shrimp for your pasta. If you have dietary needs, here are some easy substitutions: - Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta if needed. - Cream: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream for a dairy-free option. - Shrimp: Substitute shrimp with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian dish. - Spinach: Kale or arugula can replace spinach for a different flavor. These swaps keep the dish delicious while meeting your dietary choices. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add salt to the water. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, carefully add the fettuccine pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. You want it to be al dente. Before draining, reserve half a cup of the cooking water. This water helps make the sauce creamy. After that, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. This shows it's hot enough. Add the shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and place them aside. In the same skillet, add two more tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it until warm. Then, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic fragrant but not burnt. After that, pour in the heavy cream. Stir it well with the garlic. Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Let this mix simmer for 3-4 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken. Now, it’s time to combine everything. Add the cooked fettuccine, sautéed shrimp, and fresh baby spinach to the skillet. Toss everything together until well mixed. If the sauce is too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water. This helps reach the perfect consistency. Finally, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and blends into the sauce. Remove the skillet from heat and add the lemon zest. Taste the sauce and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the pasta in bowls, ensuring even portions of shrimp and sauce. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch. Enjoy your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta! To make your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta shine, use fresh herbs. Fresh basil leaves add a lovely aroma. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper to brighten flavors. Red pepper flakes give the dish a nice kick. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste. A touch of lemon zest at the end brings out the flavors too. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh. Place it in the fridge and eat within three days. When you reheat, add a splash of cream or pasta water. This helps restore the sauce's creaminess. Avoid the microwave if you can; it can make the shrimp tough. To cook this dish easily, have the right tools on hand. A large pot for boiling pasta is essential. A non-stick skillet works well for sautéing shrimp. Use a sharp knife for chopping garlic and tomatoes. Tongs are great for serving the pasta. Lastly, keep a measuring cup handy for the cream and pasta water. These tools make cooking smooth and fun! Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Always cook your pasta al dente for the best texture. It will continue cooking slightly when combined with the sauce. Shrimp Cooking Time: Avoid overcooking the shrimp; they only need about 2-3 minutes per side. They should be pink and opaque when done. Adjusting Sauce Consistency: Reserve some pasta water to adjust the thickness of your sauce. This starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh spinach and high-quality Parmesan for the best flavor. Fresh herbs like basil also elevate the dish significantly. {{image_4}} For a creamy tomato basil option, start with the base recipe. Add a can of diced tomatoes to the sauce. This adds a rich flavor. You can also stir in some fresh basil leaves. This twist gives a nice herbal taste. You will love the bright color and fresh aroma. It makes the dish even more special. If you like heat, try the spicy shrimp pasta twist. Add more red pepper flakes to the shrimp while cooking. You can also use a dash of hot sauce in the cream. This will give the dish a fiery kick. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste. This variation will surely impress those who enjoy bold flavors. For a vegetarian-friendly version, replace the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms. Use a mix of portobello and button mushrooms for depth. The mushrooms will absorb the sauce well. You can also add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. This keeps the dish colorful and tasty. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors without seafood. To keep your Marry Me Shrimp Pasta fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. For the best taste, eat it within this time. Make sure to keep the pasta and sauce together to maintain flavor. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even heating. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat it on low until warmed through. This method helps keep the shrimp tender. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Pack the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it as mentioned above. Keep in mind, the shrimp may lose some texture, but the flavor will still be delicious. Marry Me Shrimp Pasta shines during romantic dinners. It combines rich flavors and a touch of elegance. The creamy sauce wraps around the fettuccine, creating a warm, inviting dish. The bright cherry tomatoes add color and sweetness, making it eye-catching. Shrimp brings a hint of luxury, perfect for special nights. Each bite feels like a cozy hug, making it memorable. Serve it in nice bowls to elevate the experience. A sprinkle of fresh basil adds a lovely touch and aroma. This dish sets the mood for intimacy and connection. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon and taste as you go. You can also mix in some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper for extra kick. For a different flavor, try adding a splash of hot sauce. This gives a nice tang and spice. Just remember to keep a balance with the creaminess of the sauce. Adjusting spice levels can make the pasta more exciting without overpowering the other flavors. Yes, you can prepare parts of this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and shrimp, then store them separately in the fridge. You can make the sauce ahead too, but keep it separate. When you're ready to eat, reheat the sauce, then add the shrimp and pasta. Toss it all together until warm. This way, you save time on your special night. Just be cautious not to overcook the shrimp during reheating. Following these steps helps keep the dish fresh and delicious. This blog post covered all the steps to make a delicious shrimp pasta. You learned about choosing shrimp and selecting quality ingredients. I shared tips for cooking fettuccine and sautéing shrimp perfectly. We explored flavor enhancements, storage tips, and different tasty variations. After trying this dish, you’ll impress everyone with your cooking. Enjoy sharing it with friends or family for a special night!

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

A romantic and creamy shrimp pasta dish that is sure to impress.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 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, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves
  • 1 zest of lemon

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  • Sauté the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the shrimp. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Carefully remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  • Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once heated, add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be cautious not to let the garlic burn, as it can spoil the flavor.
  • Add the Cream: Carefully pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, then allow the mixture to simmer for roughly 3-4 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
  • Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked fettuccine, sautéed shrimp, and fresh baby spinach to the skillet, tossing everything to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, slowly stir in the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired sauce consistency. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
  • Finish with Zest: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon zest. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.
  • Serve: Use a pair of tongs or a large serving spoon to plate the shrimp pasta, aiming for even distribution of shrimp, fettuccine, and sauce in each dish. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish and a vibrant color contrast.

Notes

For an elegant presentation, serve in light-colored bowls or plates that enhance the vibrant colors of the dish.
Keyword creamy, pasta, romantic, shrimp