This Easy Marry Me Shrimp recipe is a delightful dish that combines succulent shrimp with a creamy sauce enriched by sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic. Perfect for date nights or special gatherings, this meal is sure to impress without requiring hours in the kitchen. The light yet flavorful sauce makes it an excellent choice for both casual lunches and elegant dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this gourmet dish on busy weeknights.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and creamy sauce creates a rich flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over pasta, rice, or enjoy it on its own for a satisfying low-carb meal.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from shrimp and nutrients from spinach, this dish is as healthy as it is delicious.
- Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors and creamy texture make this dish visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into cooking, gather all your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: This is essential for cooking the shrimp evenly and allowing the flavors to meld together in the sauce.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure that your sauce has the right consistency and flavor balance.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: These help in stirring without scratching your cookware and are perfect for mixing ingredients thoroughly.

Ingredients
This marry me shrimp recipe is a light and creamy sauce filled with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic!
For the Shrimp
- 1½ lbs shrimp, (peeled, deveined + rinsed)
- 1/2 tsp salt, paprika + Italian herb blend
For the Sauce
- 1 tbs butter
- 1 tbs olive oil
- 1 small onion, (diced)
- 5 cloves garlic, (minced)
- 1/2 cup white apple vinegar
- 5 oz sun-dried tomatoes, (drained + sliced)
- 1⅓ cups half + half ()
- salt + pepper, (to taste)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large handful baby spinach
How to Make Easy Marry Me Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- Pat dry your shrimp with paper towels.
- Season them all over with the salt, paprika, and Italian herb blend.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and olive oil.
- Once the pan is hot, add in the seasoned shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side.
- Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- To the same pan, add in the onion and sauté on medium heat for 3-4 minutes.
- If you need some oil in the pan, add in a drizzle.
- Next stir in the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add in the cooking apple vinegar along with sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 1 minute.
- Mix in half + half, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese; bring to a simmer.
- Stir continuously for a few minutes until thickened.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Remove pan from heat once thickened.
- Add in baby spinach and cooked shrimp; stir gently to coat everything well and wilt the greens.
Now you’re ready to savor your delicious Easy Marry Me Shrimp! Enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Marry Me Shrimp
Serving Easy Marry Me Shrimp can enhance your dining experience. This dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes that complement its flavors and textures.
With Pasta
- Pasta of Choice: Serve over your favorite pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti to soak up the creamy sauce.
On a Bed of Rice
- White or Brown Rice: A simple rice base can absorb the sauce’s richness and add a delightful contrast in texture.
With Crusty Bread
- Garlic Bread: Offer warm garlic bread for dipping into the sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor.
In Tacos
- Shrimp Tacos: Use tortillas to create delicious shrimp tacos topped with fresh avocado and slaw for a fun twist.
With a Salad
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a fresh counterbalance to the creamy shrimp dish.
How to Perfect Easy Marry Me Shrimp
To achieve the best results with Easy Marry Me Shrimp, consider these helpful tips. They will help you elevate the flavor and texture of your dish.
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp offers better flavor and texture compared to frozen. If you must use frozen, ensure they are fully thawed.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to modify the salt, pepper, and spice blend according to your taste preferences for a personalized touch.
- Simmer Gently: When adding the cream, keep the heat medium-low to prevent curdling while allowing it to thicken properly.
- Incorporate Lemon Zest: Adding lemon zest just before serving enhances freshness and brightness in flavor.
- Don’t Overcook Spinach: Add spinach at the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant color and nutrients without overcooking it.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Marry Me Shrimp
Pairing side dishes with Easy Marry Me Shrimp can create a balanced meal. Here are some options that work wonderfully together.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort alongside this dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds color and nutrition.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers and cherry tomatoes brings extra nutrients and texture.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, serve zucchini noodles tossed lightly in olive oil as an alternative base.
- Cauliflower Rice: This healthy substitute is perfect for soaking up all that creamy sauce while keeping the meal lighter.
- Steamed Asparagus: Simply steamed asparagus adds a touch of elegance and pairs nicely with shrimp’s rich flavors.
- Couscous Pilaf: Fluffy couscous mixed with herbs makes for an easy yet flavorful companion to your shrimp.
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: A refreshing salad featuring chickpeas, olives, and feta complements the dish well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking shrimp can be tricky, especially if you’re aiming for the perfect flavor and texture. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when preparing Easy Marry Me Shrimp.
- Bold seasoning: Not seasoning the shrimp adequately can lead to blandness. Always season your shrimp before cooking to enhance their natural flavor.
- Bold overcooking: Overcooking shrimp makes them rubbery. Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, about 1-2 minutes per side.
- Bold incorrect heat: Using too high or too low a heat can affect the cooking process. Medium-high heat is ideal for achieving a nice sear without overcooking.
- Bold neglecting the sauce: Skipping the simmering step with the sauce can result in a watery dish. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes so it thickens properly.
- Bold skipping fresh ingredients: Using dried herbs instead of fresh can reduce flavor. Fresh garlic and spinach provide better taste and texture, enhancing your dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Easy Marry Me Shrimp can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Easy Marry Me Shrimp
- Place cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- It will last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating Easy Marry Me Shrimp
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place shrimp in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over low heat, warm gently, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Easy Marry Me Shrimp:
What type of shrimp is best for Easy Marry Me Shrimp?
Fresh or frozen large shrimp work best as they hold up well during cooking and absorb flavors nicely.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute half-and-half with a non-dairy cream alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version of Easy Marry Me Shrimp.
How spicy is Easy Marry Me Shrimp?
The spice level is mild but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you prefer a kick!
Can I add vegetables to Easy Marry Me Shrimp?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
Final Thoughts
Easy Marry Me Shrimp is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting the spices to fit your taste. This creamy dish is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings. Give it a try, and enjoy its rich flavors!
Easy Marry Me Shrimp
Easy Marry Me Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp in a creamy sauce enriched with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and garlic. This delightful recipe is perfect for date nights or casual gatherings, allowing you to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The vibrant colors and rich flavors make it a standout meal that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or even on its own for a light, satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs shrimp (peeled, deveined)
- 1 tbs butter
- 1 tbs olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup white apple vinegar
- 5 oz sun-dried tomatoes (sliced)
- 1⅓ cups half-and-half
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large handful baby spinach
- Seasoning: salt, pepper, paprika, Italian herb blend
Instructions
- Pat dry the shrimp and season with salt, paprika, and Italian herbs.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and olive oil. Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion for 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in apple vinegar and sun-dried tomatoes; cook for another minute.
- Mix in half-and-half, seasonings, and parmesan cheese; bring to a simmer until thickened.
- Remove from heat; add cooked shrimp and spinach, stirring gently to combine.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 220mg




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