Description
This creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta features tender linguine tossed in a luscious sauce made with heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, complemented by succulent sautéed shrimp and vibrant baby spinach. Finished with fresh basil and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes, this deliciously rich and flavorful meal is perfect for a special dinner or cozy night in.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) linguine or spaghetti
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add shrimp, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until shrimp are pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In the same skillet, add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Tomatoes and Cheese: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking and stirring until the cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate the Spinach: Add the baby spinach to the skillet, stirring gently until it wilts and blends into the sauce.
- Combine Shrimp with Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat them evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if necessary.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with fresh chopped basil before serving to add a fresh, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor, but frozen shrimp can be used if thawed beforehand.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it slightly lighter.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your spice preference or omit if you prefer no heat.
- For a dairy-free option, replace heavy cream and Parmesan with coconut cream and nutritional yeast, respectively.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
