Name: Marry Me Pasta: The Creamy, Flavorful Dish You’ll Fall in Love With
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne); 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or more to taste); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp butter; Salt and pepper, to taste

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If you’ve ever had a dish that makes you say “I could eat this every day,” then Marry Me Pasta is that dish. The creamy, garlicky sauce, combined with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a little kick of red pepper flakes, creates a flavor profile that’s impossible to resist. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a special date night or treating yourself to something indulgent, this pasta is everything you’ve been craving. It’s comforting, delicious, and guaranteed to leave you feeling like you’re on cloud nine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Let me tell you—this pasta is truly something special. It’s creamy but not overly heavy, flavorful without being overwhelming, and it has just the right amount of spice to keep things exciting. Plus, the sun-dried tomatoes add a lovely burst of sweetness that balances the rich sauce perfectly. Whether you’re a pasta lover or just looking for an easy but fancy meal, this dish will not disappoint. It’s the kind of meal you’ll make once and then crave forever!

Ingredients

Here’s a preview of the key ingredients (full list below):

Pasta (your choice, but I love using fettuccine or penne)
Heavy cream (for that rich, dreamy sauce)
Sun-dried tomatoes (adds a touch of sweetness and depth)
Garlic (because garlic makes everything better)
Fresh basil (for a burst of freshness)
Parmesan cheese (adds that cheesy, salty goodness)
Red pepper flakes (for just a hint of heat)
Olive oil and butter (for sautéing and extra richness)

These ingredients come together to create the most luxurious, comforting pasta that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions. I usually go for al dente, but you can cook it to your preferred texture. Once the pasta is done, reserve a cup of pasta water (you’ll need it later), then drain the rest and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

While your pasta is cooking, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until it’s fragrant and golden. Then, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes. This will help release their sweet, tangy flavor into the oil and butter, creating the perfect base for the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, and give everything a good stir. Let the cream simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. You’ll want to see the sauce start to coat the back of a spoon. Add the Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is nice and smooth. If it’s too thick, add some of that reserved pasta water to thin it out and create a silky consistency.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Once the sauce is creamy and well-seasoned, add your cooked pasta to the pan. Toss it in the sauce, making sure every piece is coated. If the sauce needs a little more liquid, just add more pasta water until you’re happy with the texture.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped basil, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and an extra dash of red pepper flakes if you like a little more heat. Serve immediately and watch everyone fall in love with this dish!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Don’t overcook the pasta: Make sure to cook your pasta just to al dente to ensure it doesn’t become too soft when tossed in the sauce.
Add extra veggies: If you want to sneak in some extra nutrients, throw in some spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini. They’ll blend perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Make it spicy: If you love heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce. It’ll really elevate the flavors.
Leftovers: This pasta makes great leftovers, but it’s best enjoyed the day it’s made. If reheating, add a little splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s smooth texture.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Vegan option: To make this dish vegan, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a plant-based cream. Use vegan butter and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative to complete the dish.
Chicken or shrimp: If you want to add some protein, grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp would be perfect additions to this pasta. Simply cook the protein separately and toss it in with the pasta before serving.
Different pasta shapes: While I recommend fettuccine or penne, any pasta shape will work here. Use spaghetti, rigatoni, or even bowties—whatever you have on hand!

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

While Marry Me Pasta is absolutely delicious on its own, here are a few ideas to round out the meal:

Garlic bread: You can’t go wrong with a warm, crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up all that creamy sauce.
Side salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette will help balance the richness of the pasta.
Wine pairing: A glass of crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with this creamy pasta. If you prefer red wine, a light Pinot Noir will complement the flavors without overpowering the dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, adding a little liquid to keep it moist.

4 FAQs

1. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes! Half-and-half will work fine if you want a slightly lighter version, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. You can even use milk, but the texture will be thinner.

2. Is this dish good for meal prep?
It’s a great option for meal prep, but the sauce may thicken in the fridge. When reheating, just add a bit of pasta water or cream to bring it back to its creamy consistency.

3. Can I make this dish without sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, you can omit them or substitute them with roasted red peppers or even olives for a different flavor profile.

4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the creamy sauce ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and then toss it with the cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve. Just add a little extra cream or pasta water when reheating to get the right consistency.

Conclusion

Marry Me Pasta is the ultimate pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re looking to impress a date, indulge in a comforting dinner, or just enjoy a creamy, garlicky pasta for yourself. The creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan make this dish irresistible, while the red pepper flakes add just the right amount of spice. It’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to make everyone fall in love with it (and you, too!). So, what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and make this pasta tonight—you won’t regret it!

Marry Me Pasta: The Creamy, Flavorful Dish You’ll Fall in Love With

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A creamy, garlicky pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of red pepper flakes. This indulgent yet simple dish will quickly become a favorite. Perfect for special occasions or comforting weeknight dinners!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, thickening slightly. Add Parmesan, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. If it gets too thick, add reserved pasta water.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to coat. Adjust sauce consistency with more pasta water if needed.
Serve and Garnish: Serve immediately, garnishing with chopped fresh basil, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired.