Creamy Marry Me Pasta

What Is Marry Me Pasta?

Marry Me Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish—a creamy, garlicky sun-dried tomato sauce tossed with al dente pasta and topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil. Rumor has it that this dish is so good, it might just earn you a proposal—or at least a round of applause at the dinner table. With its bold flavors and luxurious texture, it’s perfect for date nights, family dinners, or when you just want to treat yourself to something extra special.

Why This Is My Go To Recipe

This pasta is everything you love about Italian-inspired cooking—rich, savory, and packed with flavor. It’s a one-pot wonder that feels indulgent yet balanced, thanks to the creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. Plus, you can easily customize it by adding chicken, shrimp, or veggies. It’s a crowd-pleaser that tastes like restaurant-quality but is simple enough for a weeknight meal.

The Story Behind the Recipe

The first time I made Marry Me Pasta, I was looking for a dish that felt romantic but didn’t require hours in the kitchen. I stumbled across this recipe online and tweaked it to make it my own. As I took my first bite, I knew this was something special—a recipe so good it feels like a love letter on a plate. Now, it’s my go-to for impressing guests or simply pampering myself with a cozy, homemade meal.

Prep & Tips for Marry Me Pasta

Choose your pasta wisely: Short pasta like rigatoni or penne holds the sauce beautifully, but spaghetti or fettuccine works too.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook it al dente (firm to the bite) so it holds up to the creamy sauce.
Use quality sun-dried tomatoes: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are more flavorful and blend seamlessly into the sauce.
Save your pasta water: A splash of starchy pasta water will help the sauce cling to the noodles.
Make it your own: Add protein like chicken or shrimp, or toss in spinach or
mushrooms for extra veggies.

Marry Me Pasta Recipe

Keyword: “marry me pasta recipe”

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (rigatoni, penne, or spaghetti)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce Base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
Add Cream and Broth: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and broth, whisking until combined. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Melt the Cheese: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, if using. Allow the cheese to melt into the sauce, stirring constantly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately and watch the magic happen!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving: 1 Cup)

Calories: 420
Protein: 14g
Carbs: 48g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g