Marry Me Pasta
Marry Me Pasta is one of those unforgettable dishes that can sweep you off your feet with just one bite. This creamy concoction blends the flavors of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil with pasta—perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special date night in. The name alone suggests a romantic allure that’s hard to resist. If you’re looking to impress or simply want to indulge in a delicious meal, this recipe is your ticket to culinary love.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
What sets Marry Me Pasta apart from countless other pasta dishes? Simply put, it is a divine combination of flavors that comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a rich, creamy dish that satisfies without heavy prep work, making it a great choice for both novice cooks and seasoned pros. Plus, it has a delightful balance of indulgence and freshness that appeals to everyone at the table.
“Made this last night and my partner couldn’t get enough! He said it was better than any restaurant pasta we’ve had. Definitely adding it to our weeknight rotation!” – A passionate home cook.
Preparing Marry Me Pasta
Making this dish is as straightforward as it is delectable. It revolves around a creamy sauce enriched with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan, served over your choice of pasta. Just gather, cook, and savor. What could be easier?
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delightful dish:
- 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 (adjust for spice level)
- 3/4 box of thin linguini or other long noodle (about 3 cups of dry if using short noodles)
- Reserved pasta water
Feel free to get creative! You can swap the fresh basil for other herbs or even try a different type of cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Make the Sun-Dried Tomato Paste: Start by finely chopping 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes. Combine them with 1 tablespoon of the jar’s oil in a blender. Pulse until you have a coarse paste, pausing to scrape down the sides as needed.
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Prepare the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Don’t forget to reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining!
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Cook the Sauce: In a large non-stick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the grated garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, dried thyme, and chicken bouillon powder. Sauté for about 1 minute to release the flavors.
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Combine: Pour in the light cream and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil! Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, the sun-dried tomato paste, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and fresh basil. Stir everything, allowing the sauce to thicken for 5-7 minutes. Adjust with reserved pasta water as needed.
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Final Touch: Add the cooked noodles to the sauce and toss well to coat. Turn off the heat and garnish with extra Parmesan before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Marry Me Pasta is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the experience with thoughtful pairings. Consider serving it with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for brightness or some crusty garlic bread to soak up that creamy sauce. A glass of white wine, like Pinot Grigio, perfectly complements the flavors of the pasta.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? No problem! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to bring back the creamy texture. If you want, this dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just make sure to separate portions in freezer-safe containers.
Helpful Cooking Tips
To ensure this dish turns out perfectly every time, consider the following tips:
- Use fresh garlic for a more robust flavor.
- Don’t skip the reserved pasta water! It helps in achieving the desired sauce consistency.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more crushed red pepper if you like it hot.
- Always use freshly grated Parmesan; it melts better and enhances flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
Creative Twists
Feel like experimenting? Here are a few ideas to switch it up:
- Veggie Delight: Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Protein Boost: Toss in grilled chicken or shrimp to make it more filling.
- Different Sauces: Swap the light cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative or experiment with a pesto sauce to give it a twist.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare Marry Me Pasta?
This recipe can typically be completed in about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and satisfying meal option.
Can I substitute the light cream?
Absolutely! You can use half-and-half or even cashew cream for a dairy-free version. Just bear in mind that it might alter the final texture slightly.
Is Marry Me Pasta suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat carefully when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Delve into this delicious Marry Me Pasta that promises to impress, whether for a romantic dinner or a joyful family gathering. Don’t just take my word for it—try making it tonight!
Marry Me Pasta
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 1.5 tablespoons butter For sautéing
- 4 cloves garlic, grated Fresh garlic enhances flavor
- 2 cups light cream Can substitute with half-and-half or cashew cream
- 1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated melts better and enhances flavor
- 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes Plus 1 tablespoon oil from the jar
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped Can swap with other herbs
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper Adjust for spice level
- 3/4 box thin linguini or other long noodle About 3 cups of dry if using short noodles
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water To adjust sauce consistency
Instructions
Preparation
- Finely chop 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes. Combine them with 1 tablespoon of the jar's oil in a blender. Pulse until you have a coarse paste.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
Cooking
- In a large non-stick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the grated garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, dried thyme, and chicken bouillon powder. Sauté for about 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Pour in the light cream and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, being careful not to boil.
- Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, the sun-dried tomato paste, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and fresh basil. Stir everything and allow the sauce to thicken for 5-7 minutes, adjusting with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Add the cooked noodles to the sauce and toss well to coat. Turn off the heat and garnish with extra Parmesan before serving.
