Easy Marry Me Shrimp Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s quick, creamy, and bursting with flavor, you’re going to adore this Easy Marry Me Shrimp Recipe. I absolutely love how it combines tender shrimp with a rich, garlicky sauce and just the right hint of sun-dried tomatoes – trust me, it’s one of those recipes that will have you saying “yes!” to every bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

All these ingredients come together beautifully to create a dish that’s both comforting and elegant at the same time. Plus, I always recommend using fresh shrimp and good-quality parmesan for that extra touch of yum.

• Shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp are key – they cook fast and absorb all those wonderful flavors.
• Salt, Paprika, and Italian Herb Blend: These seasonings give the shrimp a subtle, savory kick.
• Butter and Olive Oil: A combo that helps you get a nice sear on the shrimp while creating a rich sauce base.
• Onion: Diced onion adds a sweet, aromatic depth to the sauce.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic amps up the flavor – please don’t skip it!
• White Wine: Adds acidity and brightness; choose a dry white for best results.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These bring a slightly tangy, chewy texture that contrasts perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• Half and Half: For creamy richness without being too heavy – you can substitute with all heavy cream if you like it extra indulgent.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, balance all those flavors just right.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is ideal for melting beautifully into the sauce.
• Baby Spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a mild earthiness; it wilts super fast right in the sauce.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on what’s in the fridge or my mood, and I encourage you to do the same! It’s one of those dishes that really invites creativity without complicating things.

• Add Heat: Sometimes I toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick – it wakes up the whole dish.
• Swap the Spinach: If you don’t have spinach on hand, kale or arugula works lovely, just adjust cooking time so it doesn’t get too mushy.
• Use Different Proteins: I’ve made this with scallops or even chicken breast slices when shrimp is out – still delicious!
• Dairy-Free Option: Try coconut milk or a cashew cream substitute if you’re avoiding dairy, though the flavor changes a bit.

How to Make Easy Marry Me Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Season Your Shrimp to Perfection

Start by patting your shrimp completely dry with paper towels—this step is crucial because it helps the shrimp sear nicely without steaming. Then, sprinkle the salt, paprika, and Italian herb blend evenly over the shrimp so every bite has a balanced flavor. I always find that taking a little time here makes a big difference later.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Heat a large skillet over medium-high and melt the butter with olive oil. Once hot and shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for about 1-2 minutes on each side until pink and slightly golden—but don’t overcook! They’ll finish cooking in the sauce later. Remove the shrimp to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same pan, toss in the diced onion and sauté over medium heat until translucent and soft, around 3-4 minutes. If the pan looks dry, a little extra olive oil helps everything cook evenly. Stir in the minced garlic just for about 30 seconds — fresh garlic sautéed just right gives the sauce that incredible aroma.

Next, pour in the white wine and toss in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Let everything simmer together for a minute to combine those flavors. Then add the half and half, followed by a good pinch of salt and pepper, and stir in the parmesan cheese. Lower the heat to gentle simmer and let the sauce thicken for a few minutes—this step is what makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.

Step 4: Finish With Greens and Shrimp

Once your sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the pan from heat. Immediately stir in the baby spinach and the cooked shrimp, coating everything evenly. The residual heat will wilt the spinach perfectly without turning it lifeless. Give it just a minute of gentle stirring, and then it’s ready to serve!

How to Serve Easy Marry Me Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A tiny drizzle of lemon juice right before serving also brightens everything up wonderfully—try it, you’ll see the difference it makes!

Side Dishes

This shrimp pairs beautifully with simple sides like fluffy rice, a small pasta such as orzo, or even creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter meal, steamed veggies like green beans or asparagus round it out perfectly without competing with the sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite ways to serve Easy Marry Me Shrimp Recipe on special occasions is over a bed of garlic butter toasted baguette slices—the sauce soaks in and it’s pure magic. You can also stuff the shrimp mixture into hollowed-out roasted peppers or serve atop creamy polenta for a comforting fancy twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying dinner, I usually let any leftovers cool before transferring them into an airtight container in the fridge. This dish keeps well for up to 2 days, and I find it tastes great warmed up without losing that creamy texture.

Freezing

I don’t often freeze this recipe because shrimp texture can get a bit rubbery, but if you want to, freeze it in a shallow container without the spinach (add fresh spinach when reheating). Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring gently to avoid breaking up the shrimp. If the sauce looks a little thick, splash in a bit of milk or water to loosen it. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp tough.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Easy Marry Me Shrimp Recipe, I was wowed by how such simple ingredients could create such depth of flavor. It’s become one of my go-to dishes when I want something quick yet impressive. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or even a special date night, I’m confident you’ll enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite. Give it a try—I promise it’ll become a staple in your kitchen just like it did in mine.

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