The aroma of sizzling shrimp, garlic, and a hint of lemon wafting through the kitchen can make anyone’s mouth water. Imagine tender shrimp coated in a creamy, dreamy sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This is not just any shrimp dish; it’s the kind that makes you want to shout “Marry me!” as soon as you take that first bite.
I fondly remember the first time I made this dish for my friends. They were skeptical at first, but after one taste, it turned into a lively debate about who would propose! It’s perfect for special occasions, date nights, or just when you want to impress yourself with some culinary magic. Trust me; you’ll be counting down the minutes until it’s ready!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The marry me shrimp recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights
- Its rich flavor profile combines savory garlic, succulent shrimp, and a creamy sauce that everyone adores
- Visually stunning, this dish turns any dinner table into an Instagram-worthy feast
- Perfect for romantic dinners or family gatherings, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your favorite flavors
Sharing this dish with my family during our last get-together was unforgettable; their delighted reactions spoke louder than words.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Shrimp: Large, fresh shrimp work best here; they soak up flavors beautifully and create a satisfying bite.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they provide an aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.
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Heavy Cream: Rich and creamy, it forms the base of our decadent sauce that makes every bite indulgent.
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the cream perfectly.
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Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan enhances flavor and gives a delightful cheesy finish to the sauce.
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Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch adds just enough heat without overwhelming the other flavors.
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Parsley: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also brightens up every bite with its herby flavor.
For the Sauce:
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Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth for depth while controlling salt levels in your dish.
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Olive Oil: High-quality olive oil enhances flavor and helps sauté ingredients without sticking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Shrimp: Start by rinsing your shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This ensures they sauté perfectly without steaming.
Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic until fragrant—about 30 seconds—then toss in shrimp. Cook until pink and opaque.
Create the Sauce: Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, pour in chicken broth followed by heavy cream. Stir well and let simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese into the sauce along with lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until cheese melts completely; you’ll smell that heavenly aroma!
Toss It All Together: Return cooked shrimp to the skillet along with chopped parsley. Mix everything well so each shrimp gets lovingly coated in that luscious sauce.
Serve Hot!: Plate your marry me shrimp over pasta or rice for an extra touch. Garnish with more parsley and serve immediately to enjoy all those amazing flavors while they’re fresh!
You Must Know
- Marry me shrimp is not just a dish; it’s a flavor explosion that can brighten any meal
- The combination of garlic, butter, and shrimp creates an irresistible aroma that will make your kitchen smell like a five-star restaurant
- Perfect for date nights or impressing friends!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing garlic in butter until fragrant, then add shrimp until pink and cooked through for perfect results.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different herbs or add a splash of white wine for extra depth.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove to maintain texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Using fresh shrimp makes all the difference; frozen ones can be convenient but lack flavor
- Avoid overcooking as this leads to rubbery shrimp
- A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens the dish beautifully
Cooking marry me shrimp is always a hit at my dinner parties, with friends raving about it long after the meal ends.

FAQ
What type of shrimp should I use for marry me shrimp?
Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor; frozen will work but may lack freshness.
Can I make marry me shrimp ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce ahead but cook the shrimp just before serving for best results.
What sides pair well with marry me shrimp?
Serve it with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal experience.
Marry Me Shrimp
Indulge in the rich flavors of Marry Me Shrimp, a dish that combines succulent shrimp, aromatic garlic, and a creamy lemon-infused sauce. This delightful entrée not only pleases the palate but also dazzles the eyes, making it perfect for romantic dinners or special gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a dish that’s sure to impress anyone at your table!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes until cheese melts.
- Return shrimp to the skillet with chopped parsley; toss to coat in the sauce.
- Serve immediately over pasta or rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 438
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 648mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 288mg





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