Marry Me Pasta

why make this recipe

Marry Me Pasta is a dish that brings comfort and romance to your table. Its creamy texture, combined with the richness of sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, creates a delightful flavor that’s hard not to love. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner at home or a romantic evening with someone special, this pasta dish can set the mood. Plus, it’s simple to make and feels fancy without needing too much effort!

how to make Marry Me Pasta

Ingredients:

• 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!)
• 3/4 box of thin linguini or another long noodle of your choice! If using short noodles, use about 3 cups of dry noodles
• Reserved pasta water

Directions:

1. To make the sun-dried tomato paste, measure out the 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes and chop them as finely as possible. Add the tomatoes and 1 tablespoon of the oil from the jar to a blender. Pulse a few times, scraping the sides until you get a coarse paste.

2. Bring salted water to a boil and cook the noodles. Carefully reserve about 1/4 cup of the water for later. After the noodles are cooked, strain them and set aside.

3. While the pasta is cooking, start making the sauce. Melt the butter in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add grated garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, dried thyme, and chicken bouillon powder. Cook for 1 minute.

4. Pour in the light cream and heat for 5 minutes, adjusting between medium and medium-low heat. A light simmer is fine, but do not let it boil.

5. Add fresh grated Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomato paste, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and fresh basil. Stir to combine and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce as needed. You can spoon out any excess oil that pools on the top if you want.

6. Add the cooked noodles and stir to coat. Turn off the heat and serve. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese.

how to serve Marry Me Pasta

Serve Marry Me Pasta warm, garnished with more grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil if desired. It goes great with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. Pair it with a nice glass of white wine for an added touch of romance!

how to store Marry Me Pasta

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

tips to make Marry Me Pasta

1. Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh grated Parmesan and quality sun-dried tomatoes can elevate the flavor of this dish.
2. Adjust Spiciness: You can control the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of crushed red pepper.
3. Add Protein: Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.

variation

You can change this recipe by using different types of pasta, such as fettuccine or penne. For a vegetarian option, you can leave out the chicken bouillon or replace it with vegetable bouillon.

FAQs

1. Can I use heavy cream instead of light cream?
Yes, you can use heavy cream for a richer sauce, but it will be higher in calories.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and add the pasta when you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to store the sauce separately.

3. What can I serve with Marry Me Pasta?
This dish pairs well with salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A glass of white wine can also enhance the meal.