
This hearty marry me shrimp recipe has become my date night secret weapon, featuring tender shrimp in a luscious creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. The name says it all—it's so delicious it might just prompt a proposal!
I first made this recipe when trying to impress my partner on our anniversary. The kitchen filled with the most amazing aromas, and now it's requested at least twice a month in our home. The combination of creamy sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp never disappoints.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds shrimp: peeled deveined and rinsed look for large or jumbo size for the best texture
- 1/2 teaspoon each of salt, paprika and Italian herb blend: these create the perfect seasoning base
- 1 tablespoon butter: adds richness to the sauce foundation
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: helps prevent butter from burning at higher temperatures
- 1 small onion, diced: provides sweetness and depth to the sauce
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: fresh garlic is essential for authentic flavor
- 1/2 cup white wine: deglazes the pan and adds complexity use a dry variety you would drink
- 5 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced: brings concentrated tangy sweetness
- 1⅓ cups half and half: creates the silky sauce without being too heavy
- Salt and pepper: to taste for final seasoning adjustments
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: freshly grated melts better than pre-packaged
- 1 large handful baby spinach: adds color nutrients and slight earthy flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep The Shrimp:
- Pat your shrimp completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season them generously all over with the salt, paprika and Italian herb blend, making sure each piece is evenly coated. This seasoning creates the flavor foundation for the entire dish.
- Sear The Shrimp:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter alongside the olive oil until the mixture begins to bubble slightly. Once the pan is properly hot, carefully add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for exactly 1-2 minutes per side until they just turn pink and opaque. They should have a slight sear but not be fully cooked through. Transfer to a clean plate and set aside. They will finish cooking later in the sauce.
- Build The Sauce Base:
- Using the same pan with all those delicious shrimp drippings, add the diced onion and reduce heat to medium. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and slightly golden at the edges. If the pan seems dry, add just a small drizzle of olive oil. Next, add the minced garlic and stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned as garlic can quickly become bitter when overcooked.
- Create The Creamy Sauce:
- Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for one minute to infuse their flavor into the liquid. Pour in the half and half, season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle in the parmesan cheese. Stir continuously while bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Finish The Dish:
- Remove the pan from heat completely. Immediately add the baby spinach and the reserved shrimp with any accumulated juices. Gently fold everything together until the spinach wilts from the residual heat and the shrimp are fully coated in the sauce. The shrimp will finish cooking in the hot sauce without becoming rubbery.

My absolute favorite component of this dish is the sun-dried tomatoes. I discovered their magic in this recipe when I was out of fresh tomatoes one night. Their intense sweet-tart flavor concentrates during the sauce-making process, creating little bursts of flavor that elevate this dish from simple to spectacular. My husband claims it was this exact recipe that sealed the deal in our relationship.
Make-Ahead Options
This marry me shrimp reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Prepare the entire dish up to two days ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to restore the sauce's creamy consistency. Heat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until just warmed through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp during reheating, as they can become tough. For best results, you can also prepare just the sauce ahead of time and cook fresh shrimp right before serving.
Perfect Pairings
This luxurious shrimp dish deserves thoughtful accompaniments. For starches, serve over al dente orzo pasta, fluffy white rice, or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the incredible sauce. For a lighter meal, try it over zucchini noodles or alongside roasted asparagus. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc makes an excellent beverage pairing, echoing the wine used in cooking. For a complete dinner experience, start with a light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to prepare the palate for the rich main course.
Common Substitutions
This recipe offers plenty of flexibility based on what you have on hand. If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with chicken broth plus a squeeze of lemon juice. For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk instead of half and half for a tropical twist. The parmesan can be replaced with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly option. Frozen shrimp work perfectly well just ensure they're fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. If sun-dried tomatoes aren't available, roasted red peppers make a delicious alternative with a similar sweet intensity.

Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of shrimp should I use?
Use peeled, deveined shrimp for ease of preparation. Both fresh or frozen shrimp work well, but ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.
- → Can I substitute the white wine?
Yes, you can replace white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option. It will still add depth to the sauce.
- → How can I thicken the sauce?
Allow the sauce to simmer gently to thicken naturally, or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water if needed.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
This shrimp dish pairs wonderfully with rice, small pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
- → Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the half-and-half and parmesan cheese with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.