Creamy Marry Me Pasta Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that’s sure to impress, Creamy Marry Me Pasta is your golden ticket. Silky strands of penne are draped in a luscious, sun-dried tomato–studded sauce that’s the definition of swoon-worthy comfort. From a cozy date night at home to a family crowd-pleaser, this easy-to-make dish has everything you could want: richness from heavy cream, a subtle kick from red pepper flakes, and plenty of fresh, herby basil to brighten every bite. Creamy Marry Me Pasta is a labor of love that looks and tastes fancy but honestly couldn’t be simpler to pull off, making it a recipe you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is all in its balance—each ingredient has a starring role in creating the perfect bite. Rely on these fuss-free staples and a few flavor powerhouses for a pasta that’s vibrant, satisfying, and almost impossible to resist.
- Penne Pasta: Tubular shapes like penne absorb the rich sauce beautifully and offer a perfect bite every time.
- Olive Oil: Use a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil, as it forms the flavorful base for sautéing your aromatics.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings a punch of depth and warmth that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Red Pepper Flakes: These add just the right amount of heat without overpowering the dish.
- Dried Oregano and Thyme: Classic Italian herbs that lend earthiness and a savory background to the creaminess.
- Salt and Black Pepper: The essentials that tie all the flavors together—don’t skimp on seasoning!
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Packed in oil, these give a burst of tangy, concentrated tomato flavor and gorgeous color.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to the dreamy, ultra-creamy sauce—nothing else makes it quite so rich and velvety.
- Chicken Broth: Balances the heaviness of the cream with a savory, nuanced base.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Make sure it’s freshly grated for that salty, nutty, melt-in sauce finish.
- Fresh Basil: Chopped basil lifts the dish with fresh, herbal notes and adds a pop of green.
- Extra Parmesan and Basil for Garnish: A final flourish that adds flavor and makes the dish look restaurant-worthy.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling your penne pasta in a large pot of salted water. Follow the package instructions and aim for al dente—just tender with a bit of bite. Before draining, don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of that starchy pasta water; it’s liquid gold for loosening up the sauce later if needed. Set the pasta aside while you move on to the magic.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics & Spices
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add your minced garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Let everything sizzle for a minute or two, stirring often, until fragrant. This quick sauté is what infuses every layer of the sauce with those irresistible Italian flavors.
Step 3: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them cook for another couple of minutes. Not only do they add a sweet-tart punch and chewy texture, but cooking them with the spices helps every tomato morsel take on even more flavor.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Marry Me Pasta Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any tasty bits from the bottom of the pan. Turn the heat down just a hair and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—you want it to bubble softly without boiling over. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce is smooth and a bit thickened. You’ll notice this is when things start to look and smell downright irresistible.
Step 5: Toss the Pasta and Finish
Add your cooked penne straight into the skillet, tossing to coat every piece in that silky sauce. If the sauce seems a bit too thick, splash in a little reserved pasta water at a time until you reach your perfect consistency. Finally, mound in the fresh chopped basil, letting it wilt and infuse the Creamy Marry Me Pasta with an herby aroma. Plate up immediately for best results, and don’t be shy with extra Parmesan and basil on top!
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Pasta
Garnishes
Finish your Creamy Marry Me Pasta with a generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of bright, chopped basil. For a touch of color and a bit more zing, you can even add a light pinch of red pepper flakes or a quick drizzle of olive oil. These simple toppings not only make the dish look beautiful but also amp up the flavors with every bite.
Side Dishes
This pasta absolutely shines alongside some crusty garlic bread for soaking up any extra sauce. A quick green salad with peppery arugula, lemon, and a hint of olive oil also cuts beautifully through the richness. And for a more complete meal, a side of roasted vegetables or simple steamed broccoli would be lovely as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your culinary flair by twirling the pasta into individual nests using tongs for an elegant plate. Serve it in a bubbling casserole dish, finished under the broiler for golden cheesy edges, or portion it into shallow bowls with a big basil leaf as a flourish. For romantic dinners, pop open a bottle of your favorite wine and add candlelight—the name “Creamy Marry Me Pasta” always sparks a smile and conversation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Creamy Marry Me Pasta keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Store any leftovers in an airtight container, making sure to cool the pasta completely before sealing. The sauce will thicken as it sits, but it holds its flavor beautifully.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead or have extra to save, you can freeze Creamy Marry Me Pasta. Transfer completely cooled portions to freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to two months. Just keep in mind that creamy sauces can sometimes separate a bit after thawing; a gentle reheat will usually bring it right back together.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or even a bit of water to loosen up the sauce. Stir frequently until everything is heated through and creamy. In a pinch, you can microwave individual servings, covered, in short intervals—just stir between each burst to keep the sauce smooth and luscious.
FAQs
Can I make Creamy Marry Me Pasta vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. You’ll still enjoy a rich, savory sauce that’s perfectly satisfying for any vegetarian crowd.
What proteins go well with this dish?
Creamy Marry Me Pasta pairs wonderfully with seared chicken breast, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy pancetta for extra savory depth. Just cook your protein separately and toss it in with the pasta at the end for the perfect finish.
Can I use a different type Main Course
Definitely! While penne is classic, shapes like rigatoni, farfalle, or fusilli all work beautifully and hold onto the luxurious sauce. Just adjust the cooking time to match your chosen pasta so you still get that ideal al dente texture.
Is there a way to lighten up the sauce?
If you prefer something a bit lighter, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. The sauce will be a little less rich but still plenty creamy and delicious—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t curdle over high heat.
How do I avoid the sauce getting too thick?
If your Creamy Marry Me Pasta sauce thickens up more than you’d like—either right after cooking or during reheating—just stir in a little reserved pasta water, broth, or milk to smooth it out and restore its silky texture.
Final Thoughts
If you try just one new recipe this week, let it be Creamy Marry Me Pasta. With every forkful, you’ll see why it’s earned its name—rich, cozy, and full of flavor, it turns any evening into something special. Grab those simple ingredients and create a little magic in your kitchen tonight!
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Creamy Marry Me Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Marry Me Pasta is a delightful and indulgent pasta dish that combines the richness of heavy cream with the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. This Italian-American inspired recipe is perfect for a cozy date night or a special dinner at home.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, packed in oil)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped basil
- Extra Parmesan and basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil penne pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Prepare the sauce: Sauté garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and broth. Simmer and add Parmesan.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed. Add basil.
- Serve: Garnish with Parmesan and basil. Enjoy!
Notes
- For added protein, include cooked chicken or shrimp.
- For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
