Marry Me Shrimp in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe

If you’re hunting for a recipe that’ll have everyone at the dinner table begging for more, you’ve just stumbled upon a gem. This Marry Me Shrimp in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that just *works*—it’s rich, comforting, and packed with bright, savory flavors that complement shrimp perfectly. I absolutely love how this sauce comes together with sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan, creating something effortlessly elegant but totally doable on a busy weeknight. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients mesh beautifully to build that signature creamy, tangy sauce while keeping things fresh and light with spinach and shrimp. Whenever I pick sun-dried tomatoes, I always opt for the ones packed in oil for extra depth, but drained well—makes a huge difference!

• Shrimp: Peeled and deveined is best; you don’t want to be fiddling mid-cook!
• Salt, Paprika, Italian Herb Blend: I love this combo for seasoning shrimp because it adds subtle smoky and herby notes.
• Butter and Olive Oil: The butter adds richness while olive oil keeps it from burning.
• Small Onion: Diced finely to melt into the sauce smoothly.
• Garlic: Fresh, minced—don’t even think of using powder here.
• White Wine: Adds brightness and depth—if you don’t have wine, chicken broth works in a pinch.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These bring a chewier texture and a punch of concentrated tomato flavor.
• Half and Half: Half milk, half cream blend keeps it creamy but light; I sometimes swap for all heavy cream when craving extra indulgence.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, but don’t skimp on seasoning—it makes all the difference.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Essential for that salty, nutty finish in the sauce.
• Baby Spinach: Adds freshness and pops of green that balance the creaminess.

Variations

I love how versatile the Marry Me Shrimp in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe is—it’s the kind of dish you can tweak effortlessly based on mood or pantry. Over time, I’ve made a few changes that made this recipe uniquely mine, and I encourage you to try your own twist.

• Spice It Up: Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick; my husband totally loves the heat.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap the half and half for coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan; I wasn’t sure at first but it actually works beautifully.
• Veggie Boost: Adding mushrooms or roasted red peppers makes it heartier when I want more veggies.
• Different Greens: I’ve replaced spinach with kale or arugula depending on what’s in the fridge—both warm nicely in the sauce.

How to Make Marry Me Shrimp in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Shrimp

First things first, pat your shrimp dry with paper towels—that helps them sear properly instead of steaming. Then toss them in salt, paprika, and Italian herb blend so every bite is flavorful. Heat your skillet over medium-high and melt butter with olive oil until shimmering. Place the shrimp in a single layer and cook about 1-2 minutes per side—no crowding! They should turn pink and curl up slightly. Then remove to a plate and set aside so they don’t overcook later.

Step 2: Build That Creamy Sauce

Using the same skillet (don’t clean it out, all those shrimp bits add flavor!), toss in your diced onion and sauté over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until translucent and soft. If the pan looks dry, a little splash of olive oil helps. Next, stir in the minced garlic for just 30 seconds—don’t let it brown or it’ll turn bitter. Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Toss in your sliced sun-dried tomatoes and let them soften with everything for a minute.

Step 3: Simmer and Thicken Your Sauce

Pour in the half and half, then sprinkle in your salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring every minute or so—you’ll notice the sauce slowly thickening, becoming silky and indulgent. Once it looks luscious and coats the back of your spoon, remove the pan from heat.

Step 4: Finish with Greens and Shrimp

Toss in the baby spinach and the cooked shrimp, stirring gently to coat the shrimp and help the spinach wilt just from residual heat. This keeps the greens vibrant and fresh without overcooking. That’s it! You’re ready to dig in.

How to Serve Marry Me Shrimp in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil—it adds a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma that balances the richness. A little extra parmesan on top never hurts, either!

Side Dishes

This creamy shrimp pairs wonderfully with a simple bed of fluffy rice or small pasta shapes like orzo that soak up the sauce beautifully. I’ve even served it over creamy mashed potatoes when I wanted some extra comfort on the plate. Steamed green veggies like asparagus or broccoli add a fresh crunch on the side, which my family appreciates.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I love plating the shrimp on individual bowls of cauliflower rice, drizzling extra sauce artistically around, and garnishing with microgreens. It instantly upgrades the dish and impresses guests without extra effort. Another fun idea? Serve as a pasta topping in little mason jars for a casual gathering—the layers look so pretty through the glass.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, ideally eating within 2-3 days. The sauce thickens up, so I usually add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to bring back that creamy texture. It reheats beautifully on the stove or microwave as long as you stir gently and don’t overcook the shrimp.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish once or twice, but if you do, I recommend freezing the sauce and shrimp separately to keep the shrimp from getting rubbery. When thawing, gently warm the sauce and add freshly cooked shrimp for better texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring often and adding a bit of liquid to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick. If using a microwave, go low power in short bursts to avoid overcooking the shrimp. This way, you keep your sauce silky and shrimp tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Shrimp in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason. It’s a dish that’s elegant enough to impress yet simple enough for a weeknight win. Sharing it with friends and family always brings great smiles and full plates. I encourage you to try it, experiment with what you have on hand, and make it your own—you’ll quickly see why it’s such a beloved classic in my recipe box.

Print