Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Shrimp Pasta Recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender shrimp with a creamy tomato and spinach sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want something impressive yet easy to prepare.

Ingredients
- 1 pound extra large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 3/4 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil (from the sun-dried tomato jar)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (diced)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/3 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 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 ounces gluten free penne
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil the pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 3: Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the shrimp for about two minutes on each side until pink, opaque, and slightly curled into a C shape. Avoid overcooking; if shrimp curl into an O shape, they are overdone.
- Step 4: Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to cool.
- Step 5: In the same pan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic, minced onion, diced sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sweet smoked paprika, salt, and dried basil. Cook for about two minutes until the mixture is fragrant.
- Step 6: Stir in the gluten free flour and cook briefly to incorporate. Slowly add vegetable broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly.
- Step 7: Add diced spinach and cook until the sauce thickens and the spinach wilts, about five minutes.
- Step 8: Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Step 9: Gently mix the cooked pasta into the sauce. Add the cooked shrimp and stir until combined.
- Step 10: Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh shrimp if possible for the best texture and flavor; frozen shrimp can be used but thaw completely before cooking.
- Swap spinach with kale or arugula for a different green and flavor profile.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
- To make the dish dairy-free, substitute the butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives and omit the parmesan or use a vegan cheese substitute.
- Try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce for added depth before adding broth and cream.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten free penne?
Yes, you can use your favorite regular pasta if gluten is not a concern. Just cook according to package instructions for al dente.
How do I know when the shrimp is perfectly cooked?
Cooked shrimp will turn pink and opaque and curl into a C shape. Avoid overcooking until they form an O shape, which makes them tough and rubbery.
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Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Shrimp Pasta Recipe combines tender, seasoned shrimp with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce tossed with gluten-free penne pasta. Bursting with flavors from smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil, this dish is a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for seafood lovers looking for a gluten-free option.
Ingredients
Shrimp Seasoning
- 1 pound extra large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 3/4 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 tsp salt
Shrimp Cooking
- 1 1/2 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil (from the sun-dried tomato jar)
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 1/2 tbsp Cento tomato paste
- 1/2 cup Cento sun-dried tomatoes (diced)
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/3 tsp sweet smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp dried basil
- 2 tbsp Gluten free 1:1 flour
- 2 cups diced spinach
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp minced onion
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
Other
- Fresh basil (chopped for garnish)
- 12 oz gluten free penne
Instructions
- Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gluten-free penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until they are fully coated with the spices.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, until the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and form a C shape. Avoid overcooking which will make them curl into an O shape. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside to cool.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic, onion, diced sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sweet smoked paprika, salt, and dried basil. Cook for approximately 2 minutes until fragrant and the mixture is well incorporated.
- Make the sauce: Sprinkle in the gluten-free flour and stir well to combine with the aromatics. Gradually pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream while stirring continuously. Add the diced spinach and cook the sauce for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the spinach wilts. Then stir in the parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Mix pasta and shrimp: Gently fold the cooked pasta into the sauce until fully coated. Add the cooked shrimp and carefully stir to combine everything evenly without breaking the shrimp.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top, then serve the dish warm and enjoy your flavorful shrimp pasta.
Notes
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience and best flavor absorption.
- Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Gluten-free 1:1 flour ensures the sauce thickens properly without gluten.
- Sun-dried tomato oil adds a rich, tangy depth to the shrimp and sauce.
- This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner but elegant enough for guests.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and paprika, for personalized flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: shrimp pasta, gluten free pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, sun-dried tomato sauce, Italian shrimp recipe, seafood pasta dish