Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
This irresistible Marry Me Shrimp Pasta features tender, seasoned shrimp and gluten-free penne tossed in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Infused with Italian herbs, parmesan, and spinach, this dish is comforting, elegant, and perfect for date night or family dinner. It’s so good, it just might earn you a proposal!
Servings: 6
Calories: 321kcal
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound extra large shrimp peeled and deveined
- ½ tablespoon smoked paprika
- ¾ tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1½ tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil from jar
For the Sauce
- 2½ tablespoons tomato paste Cento recommended
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes diced (Cento recommended)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ⅓ teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ 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 grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil chopped (for garnish)
For the Pasta
- 12 oz gluten-free penne
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the Shrimp: In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt until evenly coated.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and C-shaped. Do not overcook. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Make the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add garlic, onion, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and dried basil. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in gluten-free flour and mix well. Slowly add vegetable broth, heavy cream, and spinach. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens and spinach wilts.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in parmesan cheese and mix until melted and smooth.
- Combine: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and stir to combine.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped basil and serve immediately.
Notes
Shrimp is perfectly cooked when it's C-shaped; O-shaped shrimp is overcooked.
This dish also works well with chicken, steak, scallops, crab, or lobster—just sear and add at the end.