### Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

#### Description
Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, featuring succulent shrimp, al dente pasta, and a rich sauce made with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress!

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### Ingredients
– **1 pound** large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– **8 ounces** fettuccine or linguine pasta
– **2 tablespoons** olive oil
– **4 cloves** garlic, minced
– **1 teaspoon** red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– **1 cup** cherry tomatoes, halved
– **1 cup** heavy cream
– **1 cup** grated Parmesan cheese
– **1 tablespoon** lemon juice
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste
– **Fresh basil leaves**, for garnish
– **Optional**: 1/4 cup white wine (for added flavor)

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### Instructions

#### Preparing the Pasta
1. **Boil Water**: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. **Cook Pasta**: Add the fettuccine or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3. **Reserve Water**: Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.

#### Cooking the Shrimp
4. **Heat Oil**: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
5. **Sauté Garlic**: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
6. **Cook Shrimp**: Add the shrimp in a single layer, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until pink and opaque. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. If using white wine, pour it in now and let it simmer for a minute to reduce slightly.

#### Creating the Sauce
7. **Add Tomatoes**: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until they start to soften.
8. **Add Cream**: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
9. **Incorporate Cheese**: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and creamy. If too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
10. **Season**: Stir in the lemon juice and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

#### Combining the Pasta and Sauce
11. **Mix Pasta**: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta well.
12. **Adjust Consistency**: If the pasta seems dry, add more reserved pasta water until creamy.

#### Serving the Dish
13. **Garnish**: Remove the skillet from heat and serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
14. **Extra Touch**: For an extra touch, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

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### Notes
– **Shrimp Selection**: Use large shrimp for the best texture. Fresh shrimp is ideal.
– **Pasta Choice**: Any pasta can be used; adjust cooking time as needed.
– **Adjusting Spice Levels**: Modify red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
– **Cream Alternatives**: Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may not be as rich.
– **Make it Ahead**: Cook shrimp and sauce in advance; reheat gently before adding pasta.

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### Prep Time
15 minutes

### Cook Time
20 minutes

### Total Time
35 minutes

### Yield
Serves 4

Enjoy your delicious Marry Me Shrimp Pasta!