Mediterranean Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
This luxurious Mediterranean Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is creamy, savory, and bursting with bold flavors—from sun-dried tomatoes and garlic to juicy shrimp and a touch of heat. Inspired by the viral “Marry Me” sauce, this version brings in Mediterranean flair with olive oil, herbs, and a light cream sauce that coats every bite of pasta. It’s elegant enough for date night yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Time Estimate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
8 oz (225g) fettuccine or spaghetti
2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
3/4 cup heavy cream (or half & half)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Optional Garnish:
Chopped fresh basil or parsley
Extra Parmesan for topping
Cracked black pepper
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add shrimp, season with paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
Cook 1–2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Make the Mediterranean Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp olive oil or butter.
Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning.
Stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes, letting it reduce slightly.
Stir in cream and Parmesan, whisking until smooth and creamy.
Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to balance richness.
Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and reserved shrimp to the skillet.
Toss gently until everything is coated in the sauce.
Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.
Garnish & Serve
Top with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges or crusty bread.
Tips
Use Fresh Shrimp When Possible:
Fresh, wild-caught shrimp will give the best flavor. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Reserve Pasta Water:
This starchy water helps emulsify and loosen the sauce without watering it down. Add a splash if the sauce is too thick when combining.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:
Shrimp cook fast—just 1–2 minutes per side. Overcooking will make them rubbery, so pull them off the heat as soon as they’re pink and firm.
Balance the Creaminess:
A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the sauce and prevents it from feeling too heavy.
Grate Cheese Freshly:
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and avoids clumping in the sauce compared to pre-shredded varieties.
Make it a One-Pan Meal:
You can cook the pasta first, drain it, and use the same pan for the sauce and shrimp to minimize cleanup.
Variations
Make It Spicy:
Add more red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili for a bold Mediterranean kick.
Add Veggies:
Toss in spinach, kale, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts during the sauce phase for extra nutrition and color.
Swap the Protein:
Try this with grilled chicken, scallops, or salmon for a different twist—just follow the same seasoning and searing method.
Use a Dairy-Free Cream:
For a lighter or dairy-free version, use coconut cream or cashew cream and a vegan Parmesan alternative.
Try Whole-Grain or Gluten-Free Pasta:
Substitute with whole-wheat, legume-based, or gluten-free pasta to suit your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Add Olives or Capers:
For a briny touch that complements the sun-dried tomatoes beautifully, stir in sliced Kalamata olives or capers.
Garnish with Pine Nuts or Toasted Breadcrumbs:
Add crunch with a Mediterranean flair by topping with toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of herbed breadcrumbs.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry completely before cooking. This helps them sear better and prevents a watery sauce.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce and shrimp separately, then reheat and combine with pasta when ready to serve.
Q: How can I make it lighter?
A: Use half & half instead of heavy cream, or swap in Greek yogurt or a plant-based cream for a lighter version.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely. Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your broth and Parmesan are also certified gluten-free.
Q: What’s a good side dish for this pasta?
A: A fresh arugula salad, roasted vegetables, or warm crusty bread pairs beautifully with this dish.
Q: Can I double the recipe for guests?
A: Yes, just double the ingredients. Be sure to use a large enough skillet or pot so everything tosses together evenly.
Nutrition Facts
(Per Serving – serves 4)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~480 kcal |
| Protein | ~32g |
| Carbohydrates | ~40g |
| Fat | ~22g |
| Saturated Fat | ~9g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sugar | ~4g |
| Sodium | ~680mg |
| Cholesterol | ~180mg |
| Calcium | ~150mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Final Conclusion
Mediterranean Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a restaurant-quality dish made in the comfort of your kitchen. Creamy, savory, and spiced just right, this pasta brings together juicy shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and Mediterranean herbs in a decadent garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen—a perfect choice for date night, guests, or treating yourself. One bite and… well, you just might hear wedding bells.