Name: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined; ½ tablespoon smoked paprika; ¾ tablespoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¾ teaspoon salt; 1 ½ tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil (from the sun-dried tomato jar); 2 ½ tablespoon Cento tomato paste; ½ cup Cento sun-dried tomatoes, diced; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; ⅓ teaspoon sweet smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ teaspoon dried basil; 2 tablespoon gluten free 1:1 flour; 2 cups diced spinach; 2 tablespoon butter; 2 tablespoon minced onion; 2 tablespoon 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· 4.2 from 48 reviews

If you've ever dreamed of a dish so irresistibly delicious that it practically begs for a proposal, then the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table tonight. This decadent pasta blends tender, perfectly seasoned shrimp with a luxuriously creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and al dente penne pasta, creating a flavor explosion that feels both comforting and elegant. Every bite bursts with bold Italian flavors elevated by the rich creaminess and vibrant color of sun-dried tomatoes. Whether it's a special date night or just a dinner you want to remember, this recipe is guaranteed to steal the spotlight and maybe even hearts.

Ingredients You'll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with raw shrimp coated in reddish-brown spices scattered unevenly over each piece, showing a mix of light gray and pink tones on the shrimp with visible seasoning bits that add texture. The shrimp are shiny and wet, arranged randomly in one layer inside the bowl, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully curated ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from the smoky paprika seasoning on the shrimp to the silky, cheesy tomato cream sauce, contributing layers of flavor, perfect texture, and that stunning deep red hue that brightens the plate.

1 pound extra large shrimp peeled/deveined: Tender, juicy shrimp create the star protein that complements the creamy sauce.
½ tablespoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth to the shrimp's flavor.
¾ tablespoon Italian seasoning: Blending herbs perfectly to enhance the overall Italian-inspired taste.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: A little kick that balances the creaminess.
¾ teaspoon salt: Essential to bring out all the rich flavors.
1 ½ tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil: Infuses the shrimp with intense tomato flavor and richness.
2 ½ tablespoon Cento tomato paste: Concentrated tomato goodness forms the base of the sauce.
½ cup Cento sun-dried tomatoes diced: Give bursts of tangy sweetness and texture to the sauce.
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: Keeps the sauce vibrant with balanced herbs.
⅓ teaspoon sweet smoked paprika: Adds additional smoky warmth to the sauce.
½ teaspoon salt: Perfect seasoning for sauce’s depth.
¾ teaspoon dried basil: Offers a sweet and slightly peppery herbaceous note.
2 tablespoon gluten free 1:1 flour: Helps thicken the sauce for that perfect creamy texture.
2 cups diced spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and a hint of earthiness.
2 tablespoon butter: Enriches the sauce with silky smoothness.
2 tablespoon minced onion: Provides a subtle sweetness when sautéed.
2 tablespoon minced garlic: Boosts aroma and flavor with its classic Italian punch.
2 cups vegetable broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base for the sauce.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates that indulgent, luscious creaminess.
1 cup parmesan cheese: Gives the sauce its sharp, nutty, and melty finish.
Fresh basil chopped for garnish: Adds a fresh herbaceous burst and beautiful color contrast.
12 oz gluten free penne: Al dente pasta to carry every heavenly bite of sauce and shrimp.

How to Make Marry Me Shrimp Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by boiling the penne pasta until it’s perfectly al dente—firm to the bite but tender—while you focus on the shrimp. Toss your shrimp in the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring every piece is evenly flavored. Then heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the shrimp for about two minutes per side. Watch carefully — shrimp are done when they curl into a C shape, juicy and opaque. Set them gently aside to cool while you make that dreamy sauce.

Step 2: Create the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat to capture all those lovely browned bits left by the shrimp. Add minced garlic, onion, diced sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir in the Italian seasoning, sweet smoked paprika, salt, and dried basil, stirring and cooking until the mixture is beautifully fragrant and slightly thickened. Sprinkle in the gluten-free flour to build your sauce’s body, then slowly whisk in vegetable broth and heavy cream. Keep stirring until it thickens and the diced spinach wilts down into the luscious sauce. Finally, fold in parmesan cheese until just melted, creating a silky, rich sauce that's utterly addictive.

Step 3: Combine and Finish

Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked pasta directly to the creamy sauce, ensuring every piece is coated luxuriously. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp, so they warm through without overcooking. Let the mixture sit for a minute to marry those incredible flavors. Top with freshly chopped basil to brighten up the dish visually and add a fresh herbaceous note that cuts through the richness beautifully.

How to Serve Marry Me Shrimp Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

A white pot filled with three layers: the bottom layer is creamy orange sauce with green leafy herbs mixed in, the middle layer is light yellow penne pasta coated thickly in the sauce, and the top layer is golden brown grilled shrimp scattered evenly, garnished with chopped green herbs. The pot sits on a white marbled surface, next to a small white bowl of fresh green spinach leaves and a black and red kitchen tool. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil is a stunning and essential garnish, lending a burst of color and a peppery freshness that complements the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. A light sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan just before serving amps up the cheesy goodness and adds a delicate texture contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair this decadent pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness on the plate. Garlic bread or warm focaccia works beautifully to soak up any leftover sauce, making it a feast for both plate and palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a romantic touch or special occasion, serve the pasta in large shallow bowls with whole basil leaves scattered on top. Drizzle a little sun-dried tomato oil over the finished dish to heighten that tangy tomato aroma. If you want to impress your guests, garnish plates individually with microgreens or edible flowers to add a pop of delicate elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Marry Me Shrimp Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to cool it before sealing, and when reheating, do so gently to maintain the creamy texture without curdling.

Freezing

This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the cream-based sauce, which can separate and become grainy when thawed. For best results, enjoy fresh or refrigerated leftovers within a few days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on low heat in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally. To restore creaminess, add a splash of vegetable broth or cream while warming. Avoid overheating shrimp as they can turn rubbery quickly.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta here?

Absolutely! While penne is recommended for its sturdy shape that holds the sauce well, feel free to swap in rigatoni, farfalle, or even gluten-free spaghetti depending on your preference or dietary needs.

Can I substitute chicken for shrimp?

Yes, chicken breast or thighs work wonderfully with this sauce. Simply sear the chicken pieces until cooked through before incorporating them into the sauce, ensuring they remain juicy and tender.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

To make it dairy-free, try using coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free parmesan alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still rich and satisfying.

How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

The telltale sign is their shape—they should curl into a C shape, which means they are just done. If they curl into a tight O, they are overcooked and may be tough. Cook them quickly to keep them tender.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?

You can prepare the sauce and shrimp separately in advance and combine them just before serving to keep flavors fresh and textures perfect. This makes the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe an excellent option for entertaining.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe that makes it more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The blend of creamy tomato richness, perfectly spiced shrimp, and vibrant herbs never fails to impress, making it the ideal dish to share with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and discover just how magical this pasta can be.