Marry Me Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that can win over even the toughest critics, Marry Me Pasta is your secret weapon. This creamy, flavor-packed pasta brings together luscious cream, bold sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and a shower of parmesan to create comfort food its most swoon-worthy. Whether you’re cooking for date night, a family dinner, or simply craving something extraordinary, Marry Me Pasta never disappoints. Trust me, after just one bite, you’ll understand why this recipe has captured so many hearts!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the big flavor; Marry Me Pasta uses simple, accessible ingredients, each one playing a starring role. The creamy sauce, the tang of sun-dried tomatoes, and the fresh basil all work together to create magic in every bite.

• Butter: Adds a rich, silky base to the sauce that lets every other ingredient shine.
• Fresh garlic: Grated garlic perfumes the kitchen and infuses the sauce with irresistible, aromatic flavor.
• Light cream: Offers creamy decadence while keeping things from feeling too heavy.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully for the perfect salty, nutty finish.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Sweet, tangy bursts that give the sauce its signature complexity and gorgeous color.
• Sun-dried tomato oil: Adds extra tomato flavor and a hint of richness—don’t skip it!
• Fresh basil: Bright, herbaceous freshness that uplifts every forkful.
• Chicken bouillon powder: Deepens the savory undertones, bringing restaurant-level flavor to your kitchen.
• Dried thyme: Earthy notes complement the creamy sauce and aromatic garlic perfectly.
• Garlic powder: For another subtle layer of garlicky goodness.
• Salt: A touch sharpens all of the other flavors.
• Pepper: Just enough to balance and add a hint of warmth.
• Crushed red pepper: Sprinkle in more if you love a spicy kick!
• Thin linguini (or other noodle): Long noodles hold the sauce beautifully, but you can substitute your favorite pasta shape.
• Reserved pasta water: The secret to achieving a sauce that clings lovingly to every bite.

How to Make Marry Me Pasta

Step 1: Make the Sun-Dried Tomato Paste

Begin by chopping your sun-dried tomatoes as finely as possible. Add them to a blender or mini food processor with a tablespoon of the oil from the jar. Pulse a few times, scraping the sides as needed, until you have a chunky, flavorful paste. This step ensures every bite of Marry Me Pasta gets a pop of sweet-tart tomato goodness.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your linguini (or noodle of choice) and cook until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve about 1/4 cup of the hot, starchy pasta water before draining—this will help you achieve the perfect sauce consistency later.

Step 3: Start the Sauce

While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the grated garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, dried thyme, and chicken bouillon powder. Give everything a good stir and let it cook just long enough (about a minute) for the aromatics to become fragrant—you’ll know when it’s ready!

Step 4: Create the Creamy Base

Pour in the light cream and let the sauce gently simmer over medium to medium-low heat. You want the mixture just on the verge of bubbling, never a rolling boil. This patience rewards you with the silkiest, richest sauce for your Marry Me Pasta.

Step 5: Stir in the Flavor Builders

Now it’s time for the good stuff! Add the grated Parmesan, sun-dried tomato paste, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and fresh basil to the pan. Stir well and simmer for another 5 to 7 minutes. Use that reserved pasta water—just a bit at a time—to thin the sauce so it’s perfectly luscious and coats the back of a spoon. If you notice some oil pooling on top, you can spoon a little off, but honestly, it just adds character.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Add the drained noodles straight into the sauce and toss until every strand is covered in creaminess. Turn off the heat and serve immediately, with extra Parmesan and fresh basil on top, if you like. At this moment, Marry Me Pasta comes to life—get ready for those heart eyes!

How to Serve Marry Me Pasta

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Marry Me Pasta generously with extra Parmesan for even more cheesy depth. A handful of fresh basil ribbons or a light scatter of red pepper flakes make the plate pop with color and aroma. For a touch of luxury, you might even drizzle a hint more sun-dried tomato oil right before serving.

Side Dishes

Lively, crusty bread is almost non-negotiable—the perfect tool for swiping up every drop of sauce. A crisp green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette balances out the richness. And if you want to lean into the Italian vibes, serve with roasted asparagus or sautéed broccolini on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve Marry Me Pasta twirled high with tongs for dramatic impact, or spooned into shallow bowls for cozy, family-style dining. If you’re feeling fancy, try serving in a large skillet at the table for that wow-factor reveal, letting everyone inhale the aroma before digging in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Marry Me Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors only deepen with time, making it a fabulous next-day lunch or dinner. Just know the sauce will thicken as it chills—don’t worry, that’s fixable!

Freezing

Freezing Marry Me Pasta is absolutely doable. Let the pasta cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers. For best quality, eat within two months. The texture of the sauce may change a touch, but a good stir while reheating helps bring it back to creamy perfection.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your pasta in a pan over medium-low with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until everything’s warmed through and silky again. The microwave works in a pinch, too—just add a little liquid and cover to avoid drying out your precious noodles.

FAQs

Can I use heavy cream instead of light cream?

Absolutely! Heavy cream will make your Marry Me Pasta even richer and more decadent, so use it if you really want to indulge. Just expect an even silkier, thicker sauce.

What’s the best pasta shape for Marry Me Pasta?

While thin linguini is a classic choice because it grabs onto the sauce, any long noodle like spaghetti works beautifully. If you prefer short shapes, go with penne or rigatoni so the sauce can tuck into every nook and cranny!

Can I make Marry Me Pasta vegetarian?

Yes, just swap the chicken bouillon powder for a vegetable version. You’ll still get loads of flavor, and it keeps the dish completely meat-free and just as delicious.

Is there a way to make Marry Me Pasta gluten-free?

So easy—just use your favorite gluten-free pasta instead of wheat-based noodles. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so no other changes needed!

Can I add protein like chicken or shrimp?

Absolutely! Try tossing in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even some crispy bacon. Marry Me Pasta is endlessly adaptable and extra protein makes it an even heartier meal.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give Marry Me Pasta a try soon—it truly lives up to the hype and then some. Every bowlful feels like a gesture of love, whether you’re sharing it or treating yourself. Enjoy every creamy, savory bite!

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