When I first discovered this Marry Me Pasta recipe, it was like uncovering a hidden gem. The name alone had me intrigued—could this pasta be as captivating as some say? One romantic evening, I whipped it up, and let’s just say it left a lasting impression. There’s something magical about creamy pasta, infused with garlic and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, that feels downright charming. It effortlessly creates a cozy atmosphere, perfect for a spontaneous dinner with friends or a special date night.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Let’s dive into what makes this recipe an absolute treasure to add to your culinary repertoire. First off, the creamy, dreamy sauce enveloping the pasta like a warm hug is a hug all by itself. The burst of flavor from the sun-dried tomatoes, combined with the richness of Parmesan and delicate spatters of fresh basil, brings a diverse array of tastes to your palate. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that invites you to slow down and savor each bite.
You might also appreciate how simple the ingredients are! It’s dinner without the fuss—perfect for both novice cooks who want to wow their loved ones and seasoned chefs who crave a satisfying dish with minimal prep. Plus, it’s versatile! Switch up the noodles, tinker with the spice level—how exciting is that? You get to craft it just the way you (or your loved ones) like it, which makes the end result all the more rewarding.
Gather these ingredients
You’ll need to rally the following key players for this dish:
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Butter (1 and 1/2 tablespoons): This is your golden ticket to a luscious cream sauce. The butter browns slightly, adding a depth of flavor.
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Garlic (4 cloves, grated): The heart of the sauce! Fresh garlic will tell your taste buds to perk up with excitement.
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Light cream (2 cups): A lighter base for the sauce means it won’t weigh you down after dinner. It adds a delicate richness that beautifully marries with the cheese.
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Fresh grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): You’ll definitely want to use fresh here. It melts beautifully and gives that nutty, umami hit that we all adore.
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Sun-dried tomatoes (1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon oil from the jar): These beauties bring a sweet tang that elevates the dish. Don’t skimp on the oil!
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Fresh basil (1 tablespoon, finely chopped): It’s the fresh note that balances the creaminess, almost like a breath of fresh air.
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Chicken bouillon powder (2 teaspoons): This will add an extra layer of savory goodness—but feel free to skip it for a vegetarian option.
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Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): A subtle earthy note that complements the richness of the dish.
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Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Extra garlic doesn’t hurt anyone!
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Salt (1/4 teaspoon) & Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Essential! Adjust these to your preference.
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Crushed red pepper (1/4 teaspoon, or more if you love spice): Optional heat—bring it on if that’s your style!
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Thin linguini (3/4 box) or any long noodle you fancy: If you prefer short pasta, that works too—about 3 cups of dry!
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Reserved pasta water: Keep about 1/4 cup for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later.
How this recipe comes together
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Make the sun-dried tomato paste: Chop the sun-dried tomatoes as finely as possible. Toss them in a blender with 1 tablespoon of the oil from the jar. Pulse just a few times until you have a coarse paste—scrape the sides as you go!
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Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguini and cook until al dente. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining.
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Prepare the sauce: In a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the grated garlic, crushed red pepper, dried thyme, and chicken bouillon. Let it cook for about a minute; this is where the magic begins.
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Pour the cream: Into the skillet, add the light cream. Let that simmer gently for about 5 minutes, alternating the heat between medium and medium-low. No rolling boil here—just a gentle bubble to warm everything through.
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Add the rich flavors: Stir in the fresh grated Parmesan, sun-dried tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chopped basil. Mix thoroughly and let it bubble away for another 5-7 minutes. If the sauce seems too thick, use your reserved pasta water to loosen it up, little by little.
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Toss in the noodles: Add in the cooked linguini, stirring to coat all those glorious strands in the creamy sauce.
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Final touches: Turn off the heat and garnish with additional Parmesan. Maybe a few more sprinklings of basil? It’s all about those finishing touches!
Best way to enjoy it
Now that you’ve created a dreamy plate of Marry Me Pasta, let’s talk about how to serve it. The best way to present this dish? Serve it warm, right out of the pan, twirling the pasta onto plates with a big ol’ spoon. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top never hurts—neither does a few fresh basil leaves.
Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with olive oil and vinegar—the contrast really elevates the meal. And a crusty garlic bread on the side for soaking up any remaining sauce? Yes, please! You might even consider a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon to cleanse the palate beautifully.
Keeping leftovers fresh
So, you’ve made a generous batch and now have some leftovers. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to bring that creaminess back.
If you’d like to freeze it, consider that the texture of the cream sauce might be slightly altered after thawing, but it’ll still taste delicious! Use a freezer-safe container and it should keep for about a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Pro chef tips
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Be generous with the garlic. If you love it, don’t hold back—using a bit more adds to the aroma.
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Toast those spices! When you add them to the butter, let them sizzle a bit to wake up all their flavors.
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Always reserve that pasta water! It’s liquid gold when you’re trying to achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
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If you want more spice, feel free to amp up the crushed red pepper. Just remember, it’s easier to add heat than to take it away!
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations to make this Marry Me Pasta your own:
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Add protein: Consider tossing in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for added heartiness.
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Veggie goodness: Test out extras like spinach or sautéed zucchini for a colorful pop.
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Switch the cheese: For a different spin, try goat cheese or feta crumbled on top right before serving.
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Herbs galore: Swap fresh basil for arugula or parsley, or even a bit of thyme. Fresh herbs are like nature’s garnishes, so sprinkle away!
Your questions answered
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
Try using fresh cherry tomatoes or even roasted red peppers for a twist on flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the chicken bouillon and ensure your Parmesan is vegetarian-friendly.
What’s the prep time?
From start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 minutes!
How spicy is it?
The level of heat can be easily adjusted based on how much crushed red pepper you use—go wild if you’re a spice lover!
Can I make it ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead and simply cook the noodles right before serving.
There’s something beautifully comforting about making and sharing a bowl of piping hot Marry Me Pasta. As you twirl the noodles around your fork, feeling the richness coat every strand, and savor the burst of flavors, you’ll understand why it earns its romantic name.
Experiment with the flavors, get creative with variations, and don’t forget to share your own twist in the comments! Cooking is all about experimentation and joy—let’s spread that delicious energy! So gather your ingredients, roll up those sleeves, and let the pasta magic begin!
Marry Me Pasta
Description
Marry Me Pasta is a delightfully creamy and flavorful dish that combines garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil to create a warm and inviting meal perfect for any occasion. It's simple enough for novice cooks and delicious enough to impress everyone!Main Ingredients
For the Pasta
Cooking Instructions
Prepare the Dish
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Make the sun-dried tomato paste
Chop the sun-dried tomatoes finely and blend with 1 tablespoon of oil to form a coarse paste. -
Cook the noodles
Boil salted water, add the linguini, and cook until al dente, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water before draining. -
Prepare the sauce
Melt butter in a skillet, then add garlic, red pepper, thyme, and bouillon. Cook for a minute. -
Add the cream
Pour in the light cream and simmer for about 5 minutes over medium-low heat. -
Incorporate flavors
Stir in Parmesan, sun-dried tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and basil. Let mix for another 5-7 minutes. -
Combine with noodles
Add the cooked linguini and stir to coat evenly in sauce. -
Serve
Garnish with additional Parmesan and basil. Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 500kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 33g51%
- Saturated Fat 21g105%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 80mg27%
- Sodium 400mg17%
- Potassium 500mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 40g14%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 15g30%
- Vitamin A 800 IU
- Vitamin C 6 mg
- Calcium 400 mg
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
