Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta recipe is a show-stopping dish that combines tender shrimp, creamy tomato sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and gluten-free penne for a deliciously rich and flavorful meal. The creamy sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and vegetable broth is infused with Italian seasoning, sweet smoked paprika, and basil, making every bite irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free pasta recipe or a savory shrimp dish, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a romantic dinner or a weeknight family meal. The sun-dried tomatoes and spinach add depth of flavor, while the shrimp brings a succulent touch to the dish.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 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 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil (from the sun-dried tomato jar)

For the Sauce:

• 2 ½ tablespoons 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 tablespoons gluten-free 1:1 flour
• 2 cups diced spinach
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons minced onion
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
• 12 oz gluten-free penne

Instructions

For the Shrimp:

1. Boil the gluten-free penne according to the package instructions until al dente while you prepare the shrimp.
2. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well-coated.
3. Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, until they are pink, opaque, and C-shaped (avoid overcooking until they become O-shaped).
4. Set the cooked shrimp aside to cool.

For the Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic, onion, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sweet smoked paprika, salt, and dried basil. Cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Stir in the gluten-free flour and cook for another minute to combine the ingredients.
3. Add the vegetable broth, heavy cream, and diced spinach. Stir well and cook until the sauce thickens and the spinach begins to wilt, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.

Combine:

1. Add the cooked penne to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Gently stir in the cooked shrimp.
2. Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving. Enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a delectable dish that combines the richness of a creamy tomato sauce with the delightful flavors of shrimp and sun-dried tomatoes. The gluten-free penne pairs perfectly with the creamy, savory sauce, and the shrimp adds a succulent touch that will make anyone fall in love with this meal. The addition of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil rounds out the flavors, making this a go-to recipe for pasta lovers.

Tips

• Cook Shrimp Perfectly: Be sure not to overcook the shrimp; they should be pink, opaque, and curled into a C-shape. Overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery, so keep an eye on them!
• Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce becomes too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding a bit more vegetable broth or cream to reach your desired texture.
• Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts quickly, so make sure to stir it in right before the sauce thickens. It will cook down and add a lovely color to the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

• Pasta Alternatives: You can substitute the gluten-free penne with other types of gluten-free pasta like spaghetti, fettuccine, or farfalle.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the shrimp and add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a vegetarian version of this dish.
• Dairy-Free Option: To make this dish dairy-free, use a dairy-free butter alternative and substitute the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese with non-dairy alternatives like coconut cream and vegan cheese.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking to ensure they cook evenly.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time? You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop and add the shrimp and pasta just before serving.

Is this recipe spicy? This recipe has a mild level of spice from the smoked paprika, but it’s not overly hot. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Serving

Serve Marry Me Shrimp Pasta with a side of garlic bread and a fresh, crisp salad for a complete meal. The creamy, savory sauce pairs beautifully with a light vegetable side or some roasted asparagus.

Suggestions

For extra flavor, you can sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving or add a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty kick. Pair this dish with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the richness of the sauce.