Creamy Shrimp with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach
If you’ve ever had someone fall in love with your cooking, this Easy Marry Me Shrimp might be the reason why. Tender shrimp are simmered in a creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, and parmesan, creating a restaurant-quality dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes.
The first time I made it, I served it over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes, and everyone at the table went silent at the first bite. It’s elegant enough for date night yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
Each bite bursts with rich, savory flavor, balanced by a touch of freshness from spinach and herbs.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 20 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | American, Italian-inspired |
| Best Season | All year |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Restaurant flavor at home: Creamy, garlicky, and rich with parmesan cheese.
• Quick and easy: Ready in 20 minutes with minimal prep and simple steps.
• Elegant presentation: Perfect for romantic dinners or family meals.
• Versatile: Delicious over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
• Healthy indulgence: Packed with protein and vibrant greens for a balanced meal.
Easy Marry Me Shrimp
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Easy Marry Me Shrimp is a creamy, flavorful shrimp recipe made with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and parmesan in a light, rich sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
1½ lbs shrimp, peeled, deveined, and rinsed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon Italian herb blend
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup white wine
5 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced
1⅓ cups half-and-half (or heavy cream for a richer sauce)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 large handful baby spinach
Instructions
1. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season all over with salt, paprika, and Italian herbs.
2. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until lightly golden. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Pour in white wine and add sun-dried tomatoes. Stir for 1 minute to blend flavors.
5. Add half-and-half, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce.
6. Add spinach and cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Stir until shrimp are coated and spinach is wilted.
7. Serve hot over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp and sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer longer before adding spinach. You can replace white wine with chicken broth. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently on the stove.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 473
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 596mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 320mg
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs shrimp, peeled, deveined, rinsed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian herb blend
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup white wine
- 5 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced
- 1⅓ cups half-and-half (or use heavy cream for a richer sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large handful baby spinach
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Shrimp | Pat dry before seasoning for a perfect sear. |
| White Wine | Use a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc for depth of flavor. |
| Sun-Dried Tomatoes | Choose ones packed in oil for the best texture and taste. |
| Half-and-Half | Combines milk and cream for a balanced sauce. |
| Parmesan | Freshly grated cheese melts best into the sauce. |
| Spinach | Add at the end so it stays bright and tender. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season all over with salt, paprika, and Italian herbs.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add diced onion to the same skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Deglaze and Build the Sauce: Pour in white wine, add sun-dried tomatoes, and stir for 1 minute to combine flavors.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in half-and-half, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Combine Everything: Add spinach and cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Stir until the shrimp are coated and the spinach has wilted.
- Serve: Spoon over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Helpful Tips
• Pat the shrimp dry before cooking for a crisp sear.
• Don’t overcook shrimp; they turn rubbery quickly once done.
• Deglaze the pan with wine to lift the flavorful browned bits.
• For a thicker sauce, simmer a few extra minutes before adding spinach.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
• Use fresh shrimp: They have the best texture and absorb flavors beautifully.
• Add the spinach last: This keeps it tender and vibrant.
• Avoid curdling: Lower the heat before adding cream or half-and-half.
• Layer flavor: Finish with extra parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Recipe Variations
• Spicy Marry Me Shrimp: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
• Marry Me Chicken Twist: Use the same sauce with boneless chicken breasts or thighs.
• Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half with whole milk for fewer calories.
• Seafood Mix: Add scallops or crab meat for a rich seafood variation.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
This dish tastes best fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the creamy texture. Avoid boiling, which can separate the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy shrimp over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce. Add a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Pairing Ideas
Pair this dish with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with lemon or iced tea with fresh mint.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat slowly over low heat, stirring constantly until warmed through. Add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce thickens too much.
If you love flavorful, quick dinners like this Marry Me Shrimp, you’ll also enjoy my Southwest Chicken Wraps Recipe. These wraps are loaded with juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and bold Southwest spices, making them an easy go-to meal for busy nights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
2. What can I use instead of white wine?
Chicken broth works well for a non-alcoholic option.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, cook the sauce and shrimp separately, then combine before serving.
4. Can I use all heavy cream instead of half-and-half?
Yes, it makes the sauce extra rich and indulgent.
5. How do I know when shrimp are cooked?
They turn pink and opaque with a slight curl – usually within 2 minutes per side.
6. Can I make it spicy?
Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.
7. What side dishes go best with this recipe?
Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp Caesar salad all pair beautifully.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 473 |
| Protein | 43g |
| Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Sodium | 596mg |
| Cholesterol | 320mg |
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This Easy Marry Me Shrimp combines creamy sauce, juicy shrimp, and vibrant flavors for a dish that’s sure to impress. Quick, simple, and delicious, it’s perfect for any night you want to cook something special without the stress.
