Marry Me Pasta

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s bound to impress, you’ve come to the right place! This Marry Me Pasta is creamy, dreamy, and bursting with flavor. It has become a beloved staple in my home, perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Just imagine twirling those long noodles around your fork, every bite coated in a rich sauce that makes your taste buds dance.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or that special someone, this dish is sure to bring everyone together at the dinner table. Plus, it’s simple enough that even novice cooks can whip it up without breaking a sweat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe comes together quickly.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves pasta! This creamy goodness appeals to both kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the sauce in advance and simply toss in the cooked noodles when you’re ready to eat.
• Flavorful comfort food: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil creates a deliciously rich sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Marry Me Pasta features simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need to create this creamy delight!

For the Pasta

• 3/4 box of thin linguini (or other long noodle of your choice; if using short noodles, use about 3 cups of dry noodles)

For the Sauce

• 1 and 1/2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves of garlic, grated
• 2 cups light cream
• 1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes + 1 tablespoon oil from the jar
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil
• 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (more if you want it to be spicy!)

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into some fun variations!

Variations

One of the best things about Marry Me Pasta is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these tasty variations:

• Add protein: Toss in cooked chicken or shrimp for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
• Make it veggie-packed: Add sautéed spinach or roasted bell peppers to brighten up the dish and add more nutrients.
• Change up the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or mozzarella for varied flavors.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick!

How to Make Marry Me Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Sun-Dried Tomato Paste

Start by making a flavorful sun-dried tomato paste. Chop your sun-dried tomatoes as finely as you can. Then blend them with a tablespoon of oil from the jar until you achieve a coarse paste. This step is important because it concentrates their sweet-tart flavor in every bite!

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Bring salted water to a boil and cook your noodles according to package instructions. Remember to reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining! This starchy water will help adjust the sauce’s consistency later.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

While waiting for your pasta to cook, melt butter in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add grated garlic along with crushed red pepper flakes, dried thyme, and chicken bouillon powder. Cooking these aromatics for just one minute brings out their flavors beautifully.

Step 4: Add Creamy Goodness

Pour in light cream and let it heat through for about five minutes—alternating between medium and medium-low heat. You want it at a light simmer; boiling could alter that lovely creamy texture we’re after.

Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Tomato Paste

Next, add fresh grated Parmesan cheese along with your sun-dried tomato paste, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and fresh basil. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes. If needed, use reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce until it’s just right.

Step 6: Combine with Noodles

Finally, toss in those cooked noodles and stir gently until they’re well coated with all that luxurious sauce. Turn off the heat and serve immediately! A sprinkle of additional Parmesan on top never hurts either.

And there you have it—your very own Marry Me Pasta ready to impress! Enjoy every savory mouthful!

Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Pasta

This creamy, dreamy pasta dish is sure to impress, and with these tips, you’ll make it even better!

• Prep Ahead: Having your ingredients prepped and ready to go will streamline the cooking process. This ensures you can focus on creating a delicious meal without feeling rushed.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and basil elevate the flavors significantly. They add a vibrant taste that dried versions simply can’t match, making your dish more aromatic and delightful.
• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to increase the crushed red pepper flakes. This allows you to customize the heat level to suit your taste buds perfectly!
• Reserve Pasta Water: Always set aside some pasta water before draining. It’s starchy and can help you adjust the sauce’s consistency, ensuring it clings beautifully to your noodles.
• Don’t Rush the Sauce: Allowing the sauce to simmer gives all those lovely flavors time to meld together. Patience here pays off with a richer, more satisfying taste.

How to Serve Marry Me Pasta

Presentation can elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary! Here are some fun ideas for serving up your Marry Me Pasta.

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil Leaves: A few whole leaves not only look beautiful but also enhance the fresh basil flavor in your dish.
• Extra Parmesan Cheese: A light sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top just before serving adds that extra creaminess and makes everything look gourmet.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted garlic bread is an excellent accompaniment that adds crunch and complements the creamy pasta beautifully.
• Caesar Salad: A light Caesar salad with crisp romaine and a tangy dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Steamed Broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition while its mild flavor balances out the richness of the dish.
• Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted with a drizzle of olive oil bring a slightly earthy flavor that pairs well with your creamy pasta.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set for a delightful dinner experience! Enjoy every bite of your Marry Me Pasta!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Marry Me Pasta is a fantastic option for meal prep. You can easily whip up a batch in advance and enjoy it throughout the week, making your busy evenings a little easier and more delicious!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
• Consume within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the pasta cool completely.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
• For microwave reheating, cover loosely with a lid and heat in short increments, stirring in between until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Marry Me Pasta that can help enhance your cooking experience!

Can I make Marry Me Pasta without cream?

Yes! You can substitute light cream with a plant-based heavy cream alternative or a mixture of cashew cream and vegetable broth for a dairy-free version.

What makes this dish called Marry Me Pasta?

The creamy sauce combined with sun-dried tomatoes creates an irresistible flavor that might just make someone fall in love with you! It’s perfect for impressing dinner guests or loved ones.

How can I make this Marry Me Pasta spicier?

To amp up the heat, simply add more crushed red pepper flakes or even toss in some sliced jalapeños during cooking. Adjust according to your spice tolerance!

Can I use another type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While linguini is recommended, you can use any long noodle like fettuccine or spaghetti. For short noodles, about 3 cups of dry pasta will work perfectly!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this delightful Marry Me Pasta! It’s not just about delicious flavors; it’s about creating memories around the dinner table. Whether you’re preparing it for yourself or sharing it with someone special, this dish is sure to warm hearts. Enjoy every creamy bite!