If there’s one dish that can make everyone at the table fall a little bit more in love, it’s this Air Fryer Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. Creamy, garlicky, lightly spicy, and packed with tender shrimp, this recipe is the kind of meal that makes people pause mid-bite and say, “Wow… this is really good.”
I first made this on a chilly evening when my husband was craving something cozy and comforting, and I wanted something a little special without spending all night in the kitchen. The shrimp came out perfectly juicy in the air fryer, and when I folded them into that creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, even my grandkids came wandering in asking what smelled so good. It’s been on regular rotation ever since.
This is one of those recipes that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly simple, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights, date nights at home, or when you want to impress without the stress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Trendy and high-traffic “Marry Me” flavor profile
- Creamy, cozy, and comforting without being heavy
- Air fryer shrimp stay juicy and flavorful
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Family-friendly with an easy spice level to adjust
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the pasta and sauce
- 10 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
To finish
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway, until pink and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute, stirring gently.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine, then simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water, tossing gently to coat everything in the sauce.
- Fold in the air-fried shrimp and warm through for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan before serving.
Kitchen Notes From My Experience
The key to this dish is not overcooking the shrimp. The air fryer makes it easy, but I always check them at 6 minutes first. They should be just pink and slightly firm, not rubbery.
I also learned that freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded, and it gives the sauce that silky, luxurious texture that makes this recipe feel special.
When my grandkids are eating with us, I skip the red pepper flakes and let everyone add a pinch at the table. That way it stays kid-friendly but still exciting for the adults.
For more seafood cooking tips, don’t miss my Ultimate Air Fryer Seafood Recipes Guide.
Flavor Variations
- Add baby spinach for extra greens
- Use salmon instead of shrimp for a Marry Me Salmon Pasta
- Stir in a spoon of cream cheese for an even richer sauce
- Add mushrooms for extra depth and comfort
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or air fryer breadsticks
- Pair with a simple green salad
- Perfect for date night, family dinners, or entertaining friends
- Lovely with a glass of sparkling water or a light white wine
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth
- Avoid microwaving the shrimp too long to keep them tender
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, make the sauce and pasta ahead, then air fry the shrimp fresh before serving for best texture.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely. Thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.
Is this spicy?
Only mildly. The red pepper flakes are optional and easy to adjust.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary evening into something memorable. It’s cozy, creamy, and full of flavor, yet simple enough to make on a busy weeknight.
Every time I make it, someone asks for the recipe, and that always makes me smile. It’s comforting, a little fancy, and full of heart, just the way I like my cooking to be.
If you’re looking for a trendy, high-traffic recipe that feels truly special and family-approved, this one is a keeper. 🍤🍝💛
