I created a delightful seafood twist on the viral “Marry Me” pasta by swapping in shrimp. It’s a rich, creamy sauce bursting with sun-dried tomato flavor, perfectly seasoned shrimp, and gluten-free penne all in one satisfying dish.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe combines simple yet bold ingredients—sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and heavy cream—to deliver a luxuriously rich and creamy sauce. It comes together quickly in one pan with minimal fuss, which is perfect for busy evenings. And best of all, it serves 6, making it ideal for sharing.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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

For The Sauce

2½ tablespoons tomato paste
½ cup diced sun-dried tomatoes
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

Directions

For The Shrimp

Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the penne for al dente per package instructions.
Toss the shrimp with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink, opaque, and C-shaped. Overcooked shrimp will appear O-shaped.
Set shrimp aside to cool.

For The Sauce & Assembly

In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and basil. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in gluten-free flour, then add vegetable broth, heavy cream, and spinach. Cook until sauce thickens and spinach wilts, about 5 minutes.
Stir in parmesan until the sauce becomes creamy.
Gently fold in the cooked pasta and then the shrimp. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

I enjoy swapping things up now and then:

Use shrimp alternatives like prawns, scallops, crab, or even lobster for a different seafood twist.
Make it dairy-free by using plant-based butter and cream.
Substitute the penne with any short textured pasta—rigatoni, fusilli, even orzo.
For extra heat, I sprinkle in red pepper flakes.
Replace vegetable broth with seafood or fish stock for an even deeper flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a large deep-sided skillet over medium-low heat until heated through. Freezing is not recommended due to the cream content.

FAQs

1. How Do I Choose Fresh Shrimp?

I look for shrimp that are bright pink or gray, slightly transparent, and smell clean like saltwater. If they’re dull, pale, or smell fishy or like ammonia, I skip them.

2. How Do I Know When Shrimp Are Done?

I check that they’re pink, opaque, and form a C-shape. If they curl into an O-shape, they’re overcooked. Using a thermometer, I aim for an internal temperature of 165 °F.

3. How Can I Avoid Mushy Pasta In The Sauce?

I drain the pasta 1–2 minutes before the al dente time on the box. It finishes cooking in the sauce, and I stir gently to prevent it from breaking.

4. Can I Make This Dish With A Non-Shrimp Protein?

Absolutely! I’ve used chicken, steak, scallops, crab, or lobster. I just sear the protein and add it in at the end—same creamy sauce magic.

5. Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes—and I love that! All ingredients are gluten-free, from the pasta to the flour. I always keep it that way to cater to those like me with gluten sensitivities.

Conclusion

I’m in love with this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta—it’s indulgent yet surprisingly accessible, with simple ingredients and one-pan ease. The creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp are pure comfort. Whether for a family dinner or an impressive weeknight meal, I’m sure this will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen, too.