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–+ servings

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

This creamy Marry Me shrimp pasta is rich, comforting, and packed with bold flavors from garlic, parmesan, and spices. A restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home and perfect for an impressive high-protein meal.
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Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 580
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
 
 

For the Pasta:
  • 160 g dry pasta spaghetti, bucatini, or linguine
For the Shrimp & Sauce:
  • 140 g guanciale or 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 16 –20 medium shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic salt
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 medium onion finely diced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve some pasta water, then drain.
  2. Prepare the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry and season with smoked paprika and garlic salt. Set aside.
  3. Cook the Guanciale: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add guanciale and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the rendered fat. If using olive oil instead, heat it in the pan.
  4. Sauté the Aromatics: Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Build the Sauce: Add smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, and cayenne. Stir briefly, then pour in heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and stir in Parmesan until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Cook the Shrimp: Add shrimp to the sauce and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Return guanciale to the pan.
  7. Combine with Pasta: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  8. Serve: Divide into plates and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 580kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 33gFat: 26g

Notes

  • Store shrimp and pasta separately to avoid overcooking
  • Reheat gently to prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery
  • Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version
  • Swap guanciale for turkey bacon for lower fat
  • Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients

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