Marry Me Shrimp Pesto Pasta-A Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home
This recipe is a fun take on the viral marry me chicken. It combines succulent shrimp, al dente pasta, and a creamy pesto sauce. Comforting yet fancy, this marry me shrimp pesto pasta recipe makes for a great weeknight dinner that feels extra special, any time of year.
A Delightful Marry Me Shrimp Pesto Pasta Recipe
You might be wondering about the name—marry me shrimp pesto pasta. Legend has it that dishes like this are so irresistibly delicious, they could prompt a marriage proposal. While I can’t guarantee a proposal, I can promise that this meal will win the hearts of those around your dinner table. The combination of tender shrimp, creamy sauce, and the hearty flavors of cheese and basil create a symphony of tastes that’s hard to resist.
Why This Marry Me Shrimp Pesto Pasta Works
What makes this marry me shrimp pesto pasta stand out is its balance of flavors and textures. Season the shrimp with garlic, paprika, and a touch of olive oil, then quickly sauté them to perfection. This makes them juicy and extra flavorful. The sauce, made in the same pan, absorbs all those wonderful flavors , creating a dish that’s bursting with rich, savory depth.
The pesto adds a vibrant, herbaceous note that compliments the richness of the cream cheese and Parmesan. And fresh spinach and basil for great flavor, color and texture.
You can serve this pesto shrimp pasta with a simple side salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up the sauce. Add a glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to elevate the entire experience.
Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the beauties of this pesto shrimp pasta is its versatility. It’s easy to make on a busy weeknight. It is also fancy enough for a dinner party or a romantic meal at home. The comforting, creamy sauce paired with the bright flavors of pesto and fresh herbs makes it suitable for any season or occasion.
For a warm meal on a cold night or a light dish for a summer get-together, marry me shrimp pasta is perfect. The bright basil and tangy lemon keeps it light, making it a favorite dish all year round.
This marry me pasta recipe also works well as a make-ahead meal—just prepare the sauce in advance, then cook the pasta and shrimp fresh when you’re ready to eat. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this dish makes every meal feel special.
Tips for Success
- Pasta Timing: Cooking the dried pasta two minutes less than the package instructions ensures it remains al dente. This technique prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and helps it hold up well in the creamy sauce.
- Reserve That Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save about two cups of the pasta cooking water before draining. It helps thin the sauce to the right consistency.
- Immersion Blender Magic: Using an immersion blender to blend the sauce ingredients creates a smooth, velvety texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, a regular blender or food processor will work just fine. Just be cautious with hot liquids to avoid any accidents.
- Finishing Touches: Add more cheese, lemon zest, chili flakes, and black pepper after plating your marry me shrimp pesto pasta to enhance the flavors.
Variations to Explore
Here are some easy ways to make this recipe your own.
- Protein Swap: If shrimp isn’t your thing, this recipe works wonderfully with chicken or even scallops. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure you cook your protein through.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the shrimp and add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or even sun dried tomatoes. You can also add a splash of heavy cream for extra decadence.
- Spice Level: If you like some heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or spicy pesto to the sauce.
Final Thoughts On This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
As far as pasta dishes go, this one is a standout. The blend of creamy, comforting, fresh flavors makes it a dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or someone special, this recipe will make any occasion memorable.
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Ingredients:
For the Shrimp
- 500 grams elicoidali or penne pasta
- 30 shrimp, thawed and peeled
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
For the Sauce
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp pesto
- 3 handfuls spinach
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1/4 cup light cream cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- Olive oil for sautéing
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: additional Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, chili flakes, freshly ground black pepper.
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than the package instructions indicate, ensuring it remains al dente. Before draining, reserve 2 cups of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine the shrimp with 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Toss until the shrimp are evenly coated.
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent. Add the remaining 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute. Stir in the pesto, spinach, and fresh basil. Allow the greens to wilt slightly.
- Pour in the chicken stock and add the light cream cheese. Use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender or food processor, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pan.
- Bring the blended sauce to a gentle simmer and let it reduce for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, along with ½ to 1 cup of the reserved pasta water, stirring to combine. The starches in the pasta water will help the sauce adhere to the pasta. Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss to combine.
- Divide the pasta among serving plates. Top with additional Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, chili flakes, and freshly ground black pepper, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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