Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe Blush Tomato Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

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I’ve perfected the art of creating memorable meals on busy nights, and this marry me shrimp pasta recipe is truly a showstopper. Its blush tomato sauce, infused with garlic and basil, cradles tender shrimp and pasta, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will captivate your senses. This elegant yet simple Blush Tomato Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is ideal for a quick family dinner or an impressive date night, consistently delivering restaurant-quality taste in under 40 minutes.

marry me shrimp pasta recipe Blush Tomato Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Ingredient Profile & Healthy Substitutes

Crafting a truly exceptional Blush Tomato Marry Me Shrimp Pasta starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with smart choices for healthy eating and dietary needs, ensuring your marry me shrimp pasta is both delicious and adaptable:

Pasta: 1 pound (450g) linguine or fettuccine (I often opt for whole wheat for extra fiber).
Shrimp: 1.5 pounds (680g) raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails on or off (choose wild-caught for superior flavor and texture).
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin (for sautéing aromatics).
Onion: 1 small (about 1/2 cup diced) yellow onion, diced fine (adds a sweet base).
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced (essential for aromatic depth).
Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce / 794g) can crushed tomatoes (seek out organic for richer, less acidic flavor).
Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream (or use half-and-half for a lighter sauce if that’s what’s in the fridge).
Pasta Water: 1/2 cup (120ml) reserved from cooking (the starchy liquid helps emulsify the sauce).
Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated, plus more for serving (grate it yourself for best melt and flavor).
Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup, chopped (adds brightness and an aromatic finish).
Seasoning: Salt and black pepper to taste.

For trending diets, consider these smart substitutions: for a low-fat Blush Tomato Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, use evaporated milk or light coconut milk instead of heavy cream. If gluten-free, choose your preferred gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, oat or cashew cream work well with nutritional yeast for a cheesy note. To make it vegan, omit shrimp and add roasted bell peppers or chickpeas for satisfying bulk.

Ingredient Notes: Both fresh and frozen shrimp work beautifully; just ensure frozen shrimp are fully thawed. Quality canned tomatoes significantly impact sauce depth. Store fresh basil by placing stems in a glass of water, covering with a plastic bag, and refrigerating to keep it vibrant.

Step-by-Step Cooking Method

Follow these precise steps to create your perfect marry me shrimp pasta recipe:

Prep Ingredients: Peel and devein your shrimp. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. This mise en place ensures a smooth cooking process.
Cook Pasta (10-12 minutes): Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until it’s perfectly al dente, offering a slight bite. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup (120ml) of the starchy pasta water; it’s crucial for sauce texture.
Sauté Aromatics (5 minutes): In a large 10-inch skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell wonderful! Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown, which can make it bitter.
Build Blush Sauce (10 minutes): Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll see the sauce begin to thicken slightly and its vibrant color deepen as the flavors meld.
Add Cream and Shrimp (5 minutes): Stir in the heavy cream (or your chosen substitute) until fully incorporated and the sauce turns a beautiful blush hue. Add the raw shrimp directly to the simmering sauce. Cook, stirring gently, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, typically 2-3 minutes. If the sauce seems too thick at this stage, a splash of reserved pasta water can loosen it. Avoid overcooking the shrimp; they become rubbery quickly if left on the heat too long.
Combine and Serve: Add the drained pasta and the reserved pasta water to the skillet with the sauce and shrimp. Toss everything together vigorously until the pasta is thoroughly coated and the sauce achieves a luscious, creamy consistency. Stir in most of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the chopped fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, perhaps a touch more salt or pepper. This marry me shrimp pasta is now ready to enjoy.

Optional Variations & Pro Tips: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. Another test kitchen trick I use for extra depth is to add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the aromatics and cook it down for a minute before adding the crushed tomatoes, which deepens the umami and natural sweetness.

Best Occasions & Creative Serving Ideas

This ‘marry me shrimp pasta recipe’ is wonderfully versatile, perfect for various occasions while delivering on taste and convenience.

When to use:

Speedy Weeknight Dinners: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a dream for busy evenings.
Date Night at Home: Impressive yet effortless, allowing more time together.
Family Meal: A universally loved dish that satisfies everyone from toddlers to adults.
Potlucks/Gatherings: Easy to scale up for a crowd, making it a reliable choice for sharing.

Pairings:

Sides: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, crusty garlic bread, or roasted asparagus.
Sauces/Toppings: Extra grated Parmesan, a drizzle of good quality olive oil, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley or red pepper flakes.
Beverages: Sparkling water with lemon, unsweetened iced tea, or a light lemonade.

Storage and reheating guidance:

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth, milk, or water to loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy texture. I find that stirring in a tablespoon of fresh broth when reheating truly revives the sauce’s texture.

Health & Everyday Benefits of Blush Tomato Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Beyond its delicious taste, this ‘marry me shrimp pasta recipe’ offers several advantages for a healthy, family-friendly lifestyle.

3-5 bullet benefits:

Lean Protein Powerhouse: Shrimp provides a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and promoting satiety.
Antioxidant-Rich: Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known for its health benefits.
Balanced Meal: Offers a good mix of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats for sustained energy throughout your day.
Kid-Friendly: The creamy, slightly sweet blush sauce and tender shrimp are often a hit, even with picky eaters.
Quick Weight Loss Meals: Easily adaptable for lighter eating by using whole wheat pasta and less cream.

Fit with lifestyle diets:

Heart-healthy: Made with olive oil and lean protein; it can be adjusted to be lower in sodium and saturated fat.
High-protein foods: Naturally rich in protein, making it an excellent choice for those focusing on protein intake.
Plant-based meals: Simple to convert to a delicious vegetarian or vegan dish by omitting shrimp and swapping dairy.

Budget, Prep & Time Value

This recipe shines in its efficiency, offering a high-value meal that saves both time and money, making it ideal for busy families seeking easy dinner ideas.

Time breakdown:

Category	Duration
Prep Time	10-15 minutes
Cook Time	20-25 minutes
Total Time	30-40 minutes

Cost per serving and cost-saving tips:

This ‘marry me shrimp pasta recipe’ is generally more affordable than takeout, costing around $4-6 per serving depending on shrimp prices. Buying frozen shrimp when on sale is often more cost-effective. Utilize canned tomatoes when fresh are out of season or expensive.

Meal prep suggestions:

The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 1-2 days. Add freshly cooked pasta and shrimp just before serving for the best results. Cook extra pasta to repurpose for quick lunches during the week.

Ingredient Shopping & Trendy Picks

Sourcing quality ingredients for this dish is straightforward and can be adapted to your preferences, whether you prioritize organic ingredients or convenience.

Best sources:

Supermarkets: Your local grocery store for most ingredients.
Fish Market: For the freshest shrimp, if available.
Online Grocery Delivery: Convenient for busy schedules via services like Instacart or Amazon Fresh.

When to buy organic vs conventional:

For tomatoes, consider organic if possible, as they can retain pesticides. For shrimp, focus on sustainably sourced options, whether conventional or organic, to support responsible fishing practices.

Mentions:

Explore meal kits for similar convenient recipes and easy dinner ideas. Check out subscription boxes for specialty ingredients or fresh seafood delivery to elevate your cooking.

Expert Adjustments & Pro Hacks

Elevate your ‘marry me shrimp pasta recipe’ with these test-kitchen-approved tweaks, focusing on flavor, texture, and dietary needs.

Flavor upgrades:

Deglaze the pan with a splash of vegetable broth after sautéing garlic for added complexity.
Add a pinch of sugar to the tomato sauce to balance acidity.
Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten all the flavors.
Use fresh herbs like parsley or dill in addition to basil.

Adjustments for texture:

For a richer, thicker sauce, reduce the tomato sauce longer before adding cream.
For perfectly tender shrimp, don’t walk away; cook just until opaque and pink. They become rubbery if overcooked.

Allergy and dietary modifications:

Nut-free: Ensure any plant-based creams are nut-free if needed for dietary restrictions.
Egg-free: Use an egg-free pasta if required for specific dietary needs.

FAQs

Is marry me shrimp pasta recipe good for weight loss diets?

Yes, by opting for whole wheat pasta, using lighter cream alternatives (like evaporated milk or light coconut milk), and increasing vegetable content, this dish can fit into a weight loss plan, offering satisfying flavors without excess calories.

Can I make marry me shrimp pasta ahead of time?

The sauce can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. However, it’s best to cook the pasta and shrimp fresh just before serving to maintain optimal texture and flavor, especially for the shrimp.

Where can I buy fresh shrimp online?

Several online seafood markets, like Fulton Fish Market or Vital Choice, deliver fresh or flash-frozen shrimp directly to your door, offering convenience and often higher quality options for this ‘marry me shrimp pasta recipe’.

What’s the best substitute for shrimp in this marry me pasta recipe?

Cooked chicken breast, scallops, firm white fish, or even sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas are great alternatives. For a specific swap, I’ve found 1.5 lbs of sliced chicken breast works wonderfully.

How do I prevent my shrimp from getting rubbery?

Cook shrimp quickly over medium-high heat until they just turn pink and opaque, typically 2-3 minutes total. Remove them from the heat immediately. This brief cooking time is crucial for tender results.

What kind of pasta works best for this marry me shrimp pasta?

Long, flat pasta like linguine, fettuccine, or tagliatelle is ideal as it beautifully catches the creamy blush sauce. These shapes ensure every bite of your ‘marry me shrimp pasta’ is perfectly coated.

Can I add vegetables to this marry me shrimp pasta recipe?

Absolutely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini noodles are excellent additions for extra nutrition and color. I often toss in a few handfuls of fresh spinach at the very end to wilt into the sauce.

Conclusion

This ‘marry me shrimp pasta recipe’ isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Offering incredible flavor, satisfying heartiness, and surprising ease, it truly lives up to its name, making it one of those easy dinner ideas you’ll want on repeat. Go ahead, give it a try tonight and save this fantastic recipe to your Pinterest for quick, family-friendly meals!