Okay, picture this: you’ve just made a simple, creamy pasta that’s packed with flavor, and suddenly, someone’s asking, “Is this what true love tastes like?” That’s the magic of Marry Me Pasta. I promise, once you try it, you’ll understand why this pasta has earned its name. It’s rich, decadent, and bursting with savory goodness. If you’re looking for a showstopper dinner that’s easy to pull off, this one’s a winner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s ultra-creamy and flavorful, with the perfect balance of spices and richness.
The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and heavy cream is next-level indulgent.
You can easily add protein, like chicken or shrimp, to make it a complete meal.
It’s fancy enough for date night but simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients (A Sneak Peek)

Here’s just a taste of what you’ll need for the pasta (full list below):

Fettuccine or your favorite pasta – it’ll soak up all that creamy sauce beautifully
Sun-dried tomatoes for a little tang and sweetness
Heavy cream and Parmesan for that rich, velvety sauce
Garlic, of course, for that aromatic kick
A dash of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat

Directions

Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once it’s done, reserve a cup of pasta water and then drain the rest. Set it aside, but don’t forget about that pasta water! We’ll use it to make the sauce extra creamy later.

Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes (with a little bit of the oil from the jar, if you like!) and cook for another 2 minutes. Now, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Bring it All Together

Once your sauce is thickened, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta is fully coated in that dreamy sauce. If it’s a little thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta water a bit at a time until you get your desired consistency. Stir in the Parmesan and let it melt into the sauce, making everything even creamier.

Add the Final Touches

Finally, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a gentle heat, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it one last toss, and you’re ready to serve!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Don’t skip the reserved pasta water! It’s a great way to adjust the sauce’s thickness and help it cling to the pasta.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
If you like a little extra heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
Make sure to taste the sauce as you go—you can always adjust the seasoning!

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers can be a good alternative.
You can switch up the pasta too—penne or rigatoni would work just as well.
Add chicken, shrimp, or even bacon for an extra protein boost.
For a lighter version, you can swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or even a bit of Greek yogurt.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This pasta is creamy and rich, so you’ll want to balance it with something fresh and light. A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully. You can also serve it with some garlic bread for dipping in the sauce—because why not, right?

For a drink, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay is a perfect match to cut through the creaminess.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over low heat and add a splash of milk or pasta water to bring back that creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve, and toss everything together.

Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! It’s vegetarian as long as you leave out any meat or seafood additions.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Use whatever pasta you love best. Penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti would work perfectly.

Can I freeze this recipe?
While the sauce may separate when frozen, it can still be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. Just be sure to reheat gently, adding a bit of liquid if needed.

Conclusion

This Marry Me Pasta is the kind of dish you’ll want to keep in your recipe rotation for special nights—or, let’s be honest, any night. The creamy sauce and sun-dried tomatoes make every bite irresistible, and the pasta just pulls it all together. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or someone you love, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Marry Me Pasta

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Creamy, dreamy, and absolutely packed with flavor, Marry Me Pasta is the kind of dish that wins hearts. With sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan in a luscious cream sauce, it’s perfect for date night—or any night you want a touch of magic.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
Make the Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Combine:
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Season and Serve:
Sprinkle in red pepper flakes, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.