Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Creamy pasta tossed with succulent shrimp, garlic, and a hint of lemon, creating a delightful dish perfect for romantic evenings or special occasions. Quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 pound extra large shrimp, peeled/deveined
• ½ tablespoon smoked paprika
• ¾ tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil from the sun-dried tomato jar
• 2 ½ tablespoon Cento tomato paste
• ½ cup Cento sun-dried tomatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ⅓ teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon dried basil
• 2 tablespoon gluten free 1:1 flour
• 2 cups diced spinach
• 2 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoon minced onion
• 2 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
• 12 oz gluten free penne

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
   Begin by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Once it's bubbling, toss in the gluten-free penne and cook it to al dente, following the package instructions. This should take around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent any sticking. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm.

2. Step 2: Season the Shrimp
   In a medium-sized bowl, combine your shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every shrimp is well-coated with the spices. This is your moment to get hands-on; gently massage the seasoning into the shrimp to ensure an even distribution.

3. Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
   In a large skillet, warm up the sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for about two minutes on each side until they turn pink and form a satisfying C-shape. Remove them from the skillet and let them rest on a plate.

4. Step 4: Create the Flavor Base
   In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced onion and garlic, followed by the sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sweet smoked paprika, salt, and dried basil. Stir everything together and let it cook for about two minutes until the mixture is fragrant and the onions are translucent.

5. Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
   Sprinkle the gluten-free flour over the aromatic mixture, stirring constantly until it's well incorporated. This step is key to achieving a rich, velvety sauce, so ensure there are no lumps.

6. Step 6: Simmer the Sauce
   Gradually pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream, stirring as you go. Toss in the diced spinach, allowing it to wilt and blend into the sauce. Continue cooking for about five minutes, letting the sauce thicken beautifully.

7. Step 7: Add the Cheese
   Stir in the parmesan cheese until it melts completely, enhancing the sauce's creaminess. Make sure everything is well mixed and taste to adjust any seasonings if needed.

8. Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce
   Gently fold the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. Take your time here, mixing thoroughly but carefully to avoid breaking the pasta.

9. Step 9: Add the Shrimp
   Carefully incorporate the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, giving everything a gentle stir to mix the flavors. The shrimp should be nestled in the sauce and pasta.

10. Step 10: Garnish and Serve
    Top off your dish with freshly chopped basil for a burst of color and freshness. Serve it piping hot, and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors. Share with loved ones or savor it all to yourself—it's bound to be a hit!

Notes

While whipping up this shrimp pasta delight, a few bumps might appear on the culinary road. One common hiccup? Overcooking the shrimp. Just a couple of minutes per side is enough. Trust me, nobody wants rubbery shrimp.

Another sneaky misstep is forgetting to reserve some pasta water. It’s like the secret elixir that helps adjust the sauce’s consistency. Keep a bit aside just in case your sauce needs a little loosening.

Lastly, a heavy hand with the salt can overpower the dish, as both sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan add their salty notes. Taste as you go to keep flavors balanced.

Relax and enjoy the process; it’s all part of the fun in the kitchen.