Marry Me Pasta

Marry Me Pasta is an irresistible creamy dish that will surely win hearts at any dinner table. This recipe brings together rich flavors and a delightful texture, making it perfect for date nights, family gatherings, or simply a cozy night in. With its unique combination of sun-dried tomatoes and a luscious cream sauce, this pasta is both satisfying and elegant. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it solo, Marry Me Pasta will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up this dish quickly.
• Creamy Goodness: The light cream and Parmesan create a rich sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
• Versatile Flavors: Customize the spice level by adjusting the crushed red pepper to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a family meal, this pasta fits the bill.
• Leftover Friendly: Enjoy the deliciousness again with leftovers that reheat wonderfully.

Tools and Preparation

To make Marry Me Pasta successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick pan
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Blender or food processor

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick pan: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleaning up easier after cooking.
• Pot for boiling pasta: A good pot is essential for cooking pasta evenly without clumping.
• Blender or food processor: Perfect for creating a smooth sun-dried tomato paste that enhances the sauce’s flavor.

Ingredients

A meatless creamy pasta recipe inspired by the popular marry me chicken!

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 other long noodle of your choice! If using short noodles use about 3 cups of dry noodles
– Reserved pasta water

How to Make Marry Me Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Sun-Dried Tomato Paste

To make the sun-dried tomato paste, measure out the 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes. Chop them as finely as you can, then add to a blending device with 1 tablespoon of the oil from the jar. Pulse a few times, scraping the sides of the container between pulses until you get a coarse paste.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Bring your salted water to boil and cook the noodles. Carefully reserve about 1/4 cup of the water to use later if you need to thin out the creamy sauce. After the noodles are cooked, strain them then set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

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

Step 4: Add Cream

Pour in the light cream and heat for approximately five minutes while alternating between medium and medium-low heat. Aim for a light simmer but avoid boiling.

Step 5: Mix in Cheese and Seasonings

Add fresh grated Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomato paste, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and fresh basil into the sauce. Stir to combine everything well and let simmer for another five to seven minutes. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce thickness as needed.

Step 6: Combine with Noodles

Add in your cooked noodles into the sauce and stir gently to coat them thoroughly. Turn off heat once mixed well and serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese on top as garnish.

How to Serve Marry Me Pasta

Serving Marry Me Pasta can elevate any meal. This creamy dish pairs beautifully with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors and textures.

With a Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed lightly with vinaigrette.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and a creamy dressing (omit anchovies for a vegetarian option).

As a Main Dish

• Garnished with Extra Parmesan: Top your pasta with additional grated cheese for extra richness.
• With Grilled Chicken or Turkey: Serve alongside grilled chicken or turkey slices for added protein.

Accompanied by Bread

• Garlic Bread: Toasted bread infused with garlic butter complements the creamy sauce.
• Focaccia: A soft, herby bread that’s perfect for mopping up the sauce.

How to Perfect Marry Me Pasta

Perfecting Marry Me Pasta involves a few simple techniques that enhance its creaminess and flavor.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh basil and good-quality Parmesan for the best taste.
• Control the Heat: Keep your cream sauce at a light simmer to prevent curdling.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Save some cooking water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste and tweak the seasoning to match your preference, especially salt and spice levels.

Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Pasta

Pairing side dishes with Marry Me Pasta can make your meal more complete. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal vegetables in olive oil and roast until tender.
2. Steamed Broccoli: A simple side rich in nutrients; just steam until bright green.
3. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.
4. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil for a fresh bite.
5. Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles offer a low-carb alternative while complementing the pasta.
6. Spinach Artichoke Dip: A creamy dip served warm with pita chips or bread; perfect for sharing!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Marry Me Pasta, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a perfect dish.

• Using the wrong pasta type: Choosing the wrong noodle can affect the sauce’s cling. Stick to thin linguini or long noodles for best results.
• Overcooking the noodles: Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and doesn’t hold sauce well. Aim for al dente texture.
• Not reserving enough pasta water: This water helps adjust sauce consistency. Always reserve at least 1/4 cup before draining.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Not tasting your sauce can lead to blandness. Adjust salt and spices according to your preference.
• Skipping the sun-dried tomato paste: This key ingredient adds depth. Make sure to blend it well for an even distribution in the sauce.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Marry Me Pasta keeps for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Marry Me Pasta

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers, and it can last up to 2 months.

Reheating Marry Me Pasta

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place pasta in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer portions to a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a skillet, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Marry Me Pasta.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

How spicy is Marry Me Pasta?

The spice level depends on how much crushed red pepper you add. Start small and adjust according to your taste.

Is there a vegetarian version of Marry Me Pasta?

Yes! Simply omit any meat-based sauces or ingredients, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon.

How can I customize my Marry Me Pasta?

Feel free to add vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.

What should I serve with Marry Me Pasta?

This creamy pasta pairs well with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Pasta is not just delicious; it’s also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the spice level. Give this recipe a try; it’s bound to impress!