If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, let me introduce you to Easy Marry Me Shrimp. This delightful recipe combines succulent shrimp bathed in a luscious, creamy sauce dotted with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh baby spinach, all seasoned perfectly to create a flavor explosion that’s both simple and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or just indulging yourself, Easy Marry Me Shrimp is a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to whip up on any night of the week.

Easy Marry Me Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering fresh, straightforward ingredients is key to pulling off this recipe with flair and ease. Each component plays a vital role — from the buttery richness to the tangy sun-dried tomatoes and vibrant spinach, these ingredients work together to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color.

1½ lbs shrimp: Peeled, deveined, and rinsed for a clean, tender bite.
1/2 tsp salt, paprika, Italian herb blend: Simple seasonings that infuse the shrimp with a warm, aromatic kick.
1 tbsp butter: Adds creamy richness that enhances the sauce’s silky texture.
1 tbsp olive oil: Helps to sauté shrimp and veggies to perfection without overpowering flavors.
1 small onion, diced: Brings subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
5 cloves garlic, minced: For that unmistakable fragrant punch that lifts every bite.
1/2 cup white wine: Adds brightness and a touch of acidity to balance the creaminess.
5 oz sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced: Their concentrated flavor adds a beautiful, tangy contrast.
1⅓ cups half and half: Creates the base for the luscious, velvety sauce.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together just right.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a savory, nutty depth that rounds out the sauce perfectly.
1 large handful baby spinach: Adds freshness, color, and a nutritious boost to the dish.

How to Make Easy Marry Me Shrimp

Step 1: Season and Sear the Shrimp

Start by patting the shrimp dry to ensure they sear nicely instead of steaming. Then generously season them all over with salt, paprika, and your Italian herb blend for that beautiful color and flavor. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high, and once shimmering, add the shrimp. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully pink and just cooked through. Remove them from the pan to preserve their perfect texture, setting them aside on a plate.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In that same skillet, now infused with shrimp flavor, add your diced onion. Sauté gently over medium heat until the onion softens, about 3-4 minutes. A quick drizzle of oil might be needed if the pan looks dry. Toss in minced garlic just to soften and release its aroma — this only takes about 30 seconds. Pour in the white wine, then stir in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Let it all soften together for a minute, and you’ll notice the sauce starting to take shape already.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce and Combine

Time for the star of the sauce — half and half. Add it to the pan with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and the Parmesan cheese. Stir everything gently but thoroughly as the sauce heats up and thickens into a luscious, creamy dream. Once it’s just simmering, remove the pan from heat and toss in your baby spinach along with the cooked shrimp. Stir everything gently so the spinach wilts just right and the shrimp get coated in all that flavorful goodness.

How to Serve Easy Marry Me Shrimp

Garnishes

To really elevate your Easy Marry Me Shrimp, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top before serving. These herbs add a pop of color and a fresh, bright note to complement the richness of the dish. A little extra grated Parmesan never hurts either, for that final burst of cheesy comfort.

Side Dishes

This dish shines best alongside simple, complementary sides. Think fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes that soak up every drop of that decadent sauce. Garlic butter pasta or crusty bread are also perfect for mopping up the last flavorful bites, making each mouthful even more special.

Creative Ways to Present

For a beautiful presentation, serve the Easy Marry Me Shrimp over a bed of risotto or creamy polenta, letting that sauce mingle with the starch for extra indulgence. Another fun idea is to spoon it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb option that still feels decadent. A rustic cast iron skillet brought right to the table is sure to impress guests as well.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Marry Me Shrimp is just as tasty the next day. Store the shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to keep the flavors fresh and prevent sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but because of the cream, the texture might change slightly. For best results, freeze only the cooked shrimp and sauce separately in airtight freezer-safe containers, and consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat your Easy Marry Me Shrimp slowly on the stove over low heat to prevent the sauce from breaking. Stir frequently, and if the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of half and half or water to bring back that lovely creamy texture. Microwaving is possible but do it in short intervals and stir often for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Easy Marry Me Shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat it dry before seasoning and cooking. This helps achieve that perfect sear without excess moisture.

What can I substitute for half and half?

If you don’t have half and half, a mix of equal parts milk and cream works beautifully. For a lighter version, whole milk with a tablespoon of cornstarch can help thicken the sauce.

Is white wine necessary in this recipe?

While the white wine adds brightness and acidity that balance the creaminess, you can substitute it with chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice if you prefer to omit alcohol.

How spicy is Easy Marry Me Shrimp?

This dish is mild and flavorful rather than spicy, making it perfect for a wide range of palates. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want to turn up the heat.

Can I prepare this dish for a larger group?

Yes, the recipe scales well. Just multiply the ingredients accordingly and cook the shrimp in batches to maintain their perfect texture without overcrowding the pan.

Final Thoughts

Easy Marry Me Shrimp is one of those magical recipes that feels fancy but truly couldn’t be simpler. The creamy, bright flavors combined with tender shrimp make it a perfect meal to impress yourself or anyone at your table. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover why it’s become such a beloved favorite in my kitchen. Once you do, it’ll surely become one of your go-to dishes for both weeknight dinners and special occasions!

Easy Marry Me Shrimp Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 19 reviews

Author: Elara
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Marry Me Shrimp recipe features succulent shrimp cooked in a creamy, garlicky sun-dried tomato sauce with spinach and parmesan. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines rich flavors and simple ingredients to deliver an impressive yet effortless meal.

Instructions

Season the shrimp: Pat dry the shrimp thoroughly with paper towels. Season all over with salt, paprika, and Italian herb blend to enhance the shrimp’s flavor and create a nice crust when cooked.
Cook the shrimp: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until pink and just cooked through. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside to prevent overcooking.
Sauté the aromatics: In the same pan, add the diced onion and sauté over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened. If the pan is dry, add a small drizzle of oil. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Build the sauce: Pour in the white wine and add the sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 1 minute to reduce the wine slightly and deepen flavors. Stir in half and half, season with salt and pepper, and add grated parmesan. Mix well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Thicken the sauce and combine: Simmer the sauce while stirring for a few minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency. Remove from heat and add the baby spinach and cooked shrimp. Stir gently to coat the shrimp and wilt the spinach in the residual heat.

Notes

Use fresh shrimp for the best texture but frozen shrimp can be used if thawed and patted dry.
White wine adds depth; if you prefer non-alcoholic, substitute with chicken broth or white grape juice.
Half and half can be substituted with heavy cream for a richer sauce or milk for a lighter version.
Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Adjust seasoning at the end to your taste, especially the salt since parmesan adds saltiness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian-American