I’ll never forget the first time I made these Marry Me Shrimps – creamy garlic shrimp to fall in love with! It was one of those chaotic weeknights when I needed something fast but special. Twenty minutes later, with my kitchen smelling like a fancy Italian restaurant, I knew I’d struck gold. The way the garlicky cream sauce clings to those plump shrimp? Absolute magic.
This dish became our go-to for date nights at home (hence the playful name!), but honestly? I make it just as often when I’m craving something indulgent for myself. The best part? It looks and tastes like you spent hours cooking, but that rich, velvety sauce comes together faster than you can set the table. Trust me – one bite and you’ll understand why this recipe gets its romantic nickname!
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Shrimps Recipe
Let me count the ways this dish will steal your heart (and probably someone else’s too!):
- Speed demon: Ready in 20 minutes flat – faster than ordering takeout
- Foolproof: Even my most kitchen-challenged friends nail this recipe
- Flavor bomb: That garlic-parmesan cream sauce? Pure edible velvet
- Dressed to impress: Looks restaurant-worthy with zero fuss
Perfect for Any Occasion
I’ve served these shrimps in every scenario imaginable – Tuesday night Netflix binges (don’t judge), last-minute dinner parties where I needed to look like I’d planned for weeks, and yes, actual romantic dinners that earned me some serious brownie points. The magic? It adapts effortlessly. Fancy it up with wine pairings for date night, or keep it casual with garlic bread for family supper. Either way, those creamy, garlicky shrimp never fail to delight.
Ingredients for Marry Me Shrimps
Okay, let’s gather our love potion ingredients! Every single one matters here – from the plump shrimp to that glorious garlic. I’m obsessive about these measurements because, trust me, the magic happens when everything balances perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound large shrimp – peeled and deveined (leave tails on if you’re feeling fancy, but I usually take them off for easier eating)
- 3 tablespoons butter – real butter only, please! That margarine stuff just won’t give you the same rich flavor
- 4 cloves garlic – freshly minced (I know, it’s extra work, but jarred garlic just doesn’t compare here)
- 1 cup heavy cream – full-fat for that luscious texture (in a pinch, half-and-half works but won’t be quite as dreamy)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan – packed! Use the good stuff from the refrigerated section, not the shelf-stable powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – my little secret weapon (if you don’t have it, mix 1/2 tsp each dried oregano and basil)
- Salt and pepper – to taste, but don’t be shy – shrimp need seasoning!
- Fresh parsley – for that final pop of color and freshness (optional but highly recommended)
See? Nothing too crazy, right? Just a handful of simple ingredients that, when combined with love (and garlic), create absolute magic. Now let’s get cooking!
How to Make Marry Me Shrimps
Alright, let’s turn these simple ingredients into the most swoon-worthy dish you’ve ever made! I’ll walk you through each step – it’s easier than you think, but there are a few tricks that make all the difference. Just follow along, and you’ll have restaurant-quality shrimp in no time!
Cooking the Shrimp
First things first – grab those paper towels! Drying your shrimp thoroughly is the secret to getting that perfect sear instead of a sad, watery steam. Trust me, I learned this the hard way after many soggy shrimp disasters.
Melt your butter in a large skillet over medium heat – we want it nice and hot but not smoking. When it’s shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer (no stacking! they’ll steam instead of sear). Cook for just 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. They cook FAST, so don’t wander off to check your phone! Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery, and we want these babies tender and juicy.
Once they’re done, immediately transfer them to a plate. They’ll finish cooking a bit more when we add them back to the sauce later – that’s our insurance against rubbery shrimp!
Preparing the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Now for the magic! In that same buttery skillet (don’t wash it – all that flavor stays right there!), add your minced garlic. Stir constantly for just 30 seconds – you want it fragrant but not browned, or it’ll taste bitter.
Here comes the good stuff: pour in the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle simmer. Not a rolling boil – we’re being gentle with our sauce! Stir in the parmesan gradually, letting each addition melt completely before adding more. This prevents clumping and gives us that silky smooth texture.
Let the sauce bubble 2-3 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon – that’s when you know it’s perfectly thickened. Too thin? Give it another minute. Too thick? Add a splash of cream or pasta water if you’re serving this with noodles.
Now the grand finale! Return those beautiful shrimp to the skillet, gently tossing to coat them in that luscious sauce. Let everything warm through for about a minute – just long enough to make sure the shrimp are heated but not long enough to overcook them.
Grab your prettiest serving dish (or eat straight from the pan – no judgment here!), sprinkle with fresh parsley, and prepare to fall head over heels for these Marry Me Shrimps!
Tips for the Best Marry Me Shrimps
Here are my hard-earned secrets for shrimp that’ll make anyone propose:
- Garlic is gold: Freshly minced makes all the difference – that pre-chopped stuff just doesn’t pack the same punch
- Season in layers: A pinch of salt on the shrimp, another in the sauce – it builds flavor beautifully
- Parsley power: Don’t skip the fresh herb finish! That pop of green makes it look restaurant-worthy
- Taste as you go: Sauce too thick? Splash in some pasta water. Too mild? Another garlic clove never hurt anyone
Remember – overcooking is the only real crime here. Keep things quick and gentle for shrimp that melt in your mouth!
Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Shrimps
Now that you’ve made this dreamy dish, let’s talk about how to serve it! I’ve tried every possible combination over the years, and here are my absolute favorite ways to enjoy these creamy garlic shrimp:
Pasta perfection: Toss these shrimps with linguine or fettuccine for the ultimate romantic meal. The sauce clings to every strand beautifully – just add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen it up. My husband still talks about the first time I served it this way!
Rice romance: Spoon them over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up every last drop of that luscious sauce. Jasmine rice works wonders here, but even simple steamed rice becomes something special with these shrimp on top.
Bread bliss: Keep it simple with crusty bread for dipping. I like to toast thick slices of baguette – the crunch against the creamy shrimp is pure magic. Bonus points if you rub the toast with garlic first!
For sides, I usually go with:
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness
- Roasted asparagus or green beans for something fresh and simple
- Garlic bread (because can you ever have too much garlic?)
The beauty of this dish? It dresses up or down effortlessly. Fancy dinner party? Serve with wine and candlelight. Cozy night in? Paper plates and Netflix are totally acceptable. Either way, those creamy garlic shrimp will steal the show!
Storing and Reheating Marry Me Shrimps
Okay, let’s be real – leftovers hardly ever happen with this dish in my house. But when they do (miracle of miracles!), here’s how to keep them tasting just as dreamy as when you first made them:
Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The sauce might thicken up a bit – that’s totally normal! Just stir in a teaspoon of cream or water when reheating to bring it back to life.
The gentle art of reheating: This creamy garlic sauce can be a bit delicate, so we need to treat it with love! My foolproof method? Transfer the shrimp and sauce to a skillet over low heat. Stir frequently and add tiny splashes of cream or water as needed to maintain that silky texture. Microwave works in a pinch, but use 50% power and stir every 30 seconds to prevent that awful separation.
A word of caution: Don’t freeze this dish. I learned this the hard way when my beautiful sauce turned grainy and watery after thawing. Cream-based sauces and shrimp just don’t play nice in the freezer. Trust me – it’s better to enjoy every last bite fresh!
Pro tip: If you must make ahead, prep the ingredients separately – cook the shrimp and make the sauce, then combine when ready to serve. The cooked shrimp keep well refrigerated for a day, and the sauce reheats beautifully on its own!
Nutritional Information for Marry Me Shrimps
Let’s talk numbers – because even though this dish tastes indulgent, it’s actually pretty balanced! Now, full disclosure: these are estimates based on my standard ingredients. Your exact numbers might dance around a bit depending on your shrimp size, cheese brand, or how heavy-handed you are with that glorious butter (no judgment here!).
For one serving (about 1/4 of the recipe), you’re looking at:
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 28g (hello, shrimp power!)
- Carbs: Just 4g (mostly from that splash of cream)
- Fat: 28g (the delicious kind that makes the sauce so dreamy)
Not too shabby for something that tastes like pure luxury, right? The shrimp pack serious protein, and that parmesan gives you a calcium boost too. Pro tip: If you’re watching calories, you can swap half the cream for whole milk – but I’ll be honest, the texture won’t be quite as velvety.
Remember, food is about joy as much as nutrition – and this dish delivers both in spades. Now go enjoy every garlicky, creamy bite guilt-free!
FAQs About Marry Me Shrimps
I get asked about these creamy garlic shrimp ALL the time – so let’s tackle those burning questions! Here are the answers to everything you might wonder before making (or devouring) this dish:
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just thaw them completely first – I like to pop them in the fridge overnight or soak in cold water for 30 minutes. Pat them extra dry though, as frozen shrimp tend to release more moisture. And heads up – they might cook slightly faster than fresh, so keep an eye on them!
How can I make this dish less rich?
I’ve got you! Try swapping half the heavy cream for whole milk or even chicken broth (it’ll be thinner but still tasty). You can also reduce the butter to 2 tablespoons and use a lighter hand with the parmesan. But fair warning – it won’t be quite as swoon-worthy!
What’s the best pasta to serve with this?
My heart belongs to linguine – those flat noodles cradle every drop of sauce perfectly! But really, any pasta works. Just reserve a cup of starchy pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Pro tip: Toss the pasta directly in the skillet with the shrimp for maximum flavor coating!
Can I make this ahead for a dinner party?
Sort of! The sauce reheats beautifully, but shrimp are best cooked fresh. My trick? Make the sauce ahead (it keeps 2 days refrigerated), then quickly sauté the shrimp right before serving and combine. Your guests will think you’re a kitchen wizard!
Help! My sauce separated – how do I fix it?
Don’t panic! Remove from heat immediately and whisk in 1-2 teaspoons of cold butter or cream. If it’s really stubborn, blend it briefly with an immersion blender. And remember – even if it looks a little grainy, it’ll still taste amazing over pasta!
Ready to Try Marry Me Shrimps?
I can practically hear your skillet sizzling from here! Now that you’ve got all my best tips and tricks, I’m dying to know – will this be your next romantic dinner, quick weeknight hero, or “treat yourself” moment? (Personally, I vote for all three!)
When you make these creamy garlic shrimps – and trust me, you WILL want to make them – snap a photo of that glorious sauce clinging to your shrimp. Tag me or leave a comment below telling me how it turned out! Did your family go nuts for it? Did someone actually propose? (Okay, maybe don’t blame me for any sudden engagements!) Every time someone tries this recipe, I do a little happy dance – it’s like sharing a piece of my kitchen with you.
And hey, if you tweaked it to make it your own? Even better! Cooking’s all about making recipes work for YOU. Just promise me one thing – don’t skip the garlic. Never skip the garlic.
Happy cooking, friends! May your shrimp always be plump, your sauce always creamy, and your dinners always filled with love (and maybe a little bit of butter). Now go forth and cook up some magic!
Print
20-Minute Marry Me Shrimps: Irresistible Garlic Cream Delight
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Creamy garlic shrimp you will love. This dish is quick to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink. Remove shrimp from the skillet.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp to keep them tender.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 250mg
Keywords: creamy garlic shrimp, easy shrimp recipe, quick dinner, seafood







