Marry Me Pasta
Imagine indulging in a creamy, dreamy pasta dish that warms the heart and soul, leaving you and your loved ones craving more. Introducing Marry Me Pasta! This delightful recipe combines vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and rich parmesan cheese in a luxurious light cream sauce that clings beautifully to your choice of noodles. Whether you’re hosting a romantic dinner or a cozy family gathering, this dish is sure to impress. It’s rich yet comforting, and the flavors meld together in a way that feels both gourmet and homey. After just one bite, you might find yourself agreeing that anyone would want to say "I do" to this delicious plate of pasta!
Perfect for date nights, special occasions, or a comforting weeknight meal, Marry Me Pasta is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll create a dish that deserves a centerpiece on your dining table. Get ready to fall in love with this pasta—it’s comfort food at its best!
"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 noodles of your choice! If using short noodles, use about 3 cups of dry noodles
- Reserved pasta water
"All the key ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering flavor."
Directions
To make the sun-dried tomato paste, measure out 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes. Chop them as finely as you can, then add 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 get a coarse paste.
Bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook the noodles. Carefully reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water to use later if you need to thin out the creamy sauce. Once the noodles are cooked, strain them and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, start making the sauce. Melt the butter in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the grated garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, dried thyme, and chicken bouillon powder. Cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
Pour in the light cream and heat for 5 minutes, alternating between medium and medium-low heat. A light simmer is OK, but do not bring to a boil.
Add the fresh grated Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomato paste, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and fresh basil. Stir to combine and allow it to simmer for 5-7 minutes. Use the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce to your liking, and use a spoon to carefully remove any excess oil that pools on the top if you’d like.
Add the cooked noodles to the sauce and stir to coat well. Turn off the heat and serve immediately. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Variations
Ingredient Substitutions: For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead of light cream. You can also substitute the sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers for a different flavor.
Optional Variations: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added texture and protein.
Storage or Reheating Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
