Marry Me Pasta
There are meals that warm the heart and lift the spirits, and then there’s Marry Me Pasta—a dish so delightful it just might inspire a proposal! This creamy, cheesy pasta, featuring the rich flavor of sun-dried tomatoes and fragrant basil, is nothing short of a culinary love story. Perfect for a cozy date night, a family gathering, or even impressing guests at a dinner party, this recipe is sure to win over everyone at the table. With its gorgeous presentation and incredible flavors, readers will discover a recipe that’s not only satisfying but could bring a little romance into the kitchen.
Imagine serving this luscious pasta as the sun sets, the aroma wafting through your home while laughter and good conversation fill the air. As you gather around the table, each forkful of Marry Me Pasta will have everyone swooning, creating memories that linger long after the last bite. It’s a comfort food adventure that promises delight in every bite!
This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.
Ingredients
- 1 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
Prepare to create a deliciously rich and creamy sauce with these ingredients.
Directions
Make the Sun-Dried Tomato Paste: Measure out 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes and chop them as finely as possible. Add them to a blender with 1 tablespoon of the oil from the jar. Pulse a few times, scraping the sides of the container between pulses until you achieve a coarse paste.
Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the noodles and cook according to package instructions. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then strain the noodles and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large non-stick pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the grated garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, dried thyme, and chicken bouillon powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Combine the Ingredients: Pour in the light cream and allow it to heat for about 5 minutes, adjusting the heat between medium and medium-low. Do not let it boil.
Add the Flavorings: Stir in the fresh grated Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomato paste, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and fresh basil. Combine well and let it simmer for an additional 5–7 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your preferred consistency.
Mix in the Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the sauce, stirring gently to coat them evenly. Turn off the heat and serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Variations
Ingredient Substitutions: For a lighter version, you can substitute light cream with half-and-half or even milk, though the sauce will be less creamy. Swap the sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile.
Optional Variations: Add cooked chicken or shrimp for protein, or toss in some spinach or kale for added nutrition and color.
Storage or Reheating Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
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