There’s something utterly magical about whipping up a bowl of pasta so indulgent and velvety that every forkful feels like an intimate moment. Marry Me Pasta is that enchanting dish, a creamy pasta creation packed with luscious sun-dried tomatoes and a rich Parmesan cheese embrace. It’s a beginner-friendly recipe drawn straight from the heart of Italian cuisine, designed for both busy weeknights and special evenings that deserve a touch of romance. With just 10 minutes of prep time, 20 minutes of cooking, and zero resting time, you’ll have a dinner that tastes like it took hours to craft, yet remains straightforward enough for cooks at any skill level. Each serving clocks in at about 600 calories, making it a satisfying centerpiece for lunch or dinner. One bite and you’ll notice the gentle heat from red pepper flakes dancing alongside the tangy burst of sun-dried tomatoes, while a final flourish of fresh basil adds herbal brightness. Pair it with a crisp white wine or even sparkling water to elevate the flavors and create a restaurant-style experience in your own kitchen.
When I first tried this recipe, it was a quiet Tuesday night. I wanted something comforting, romantic, and impressively easy—so I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. After plating the silky, cream-coated penne and garnishing it with basil, I nervously invited my partner to taste. The reaction was priceless: wide eyes, a dramatic pause, then an eruption of compliments that led to its playful nickname, “Marry Me Pasta.” Since then, it’s been my go-to for date nights, family gatherings, and cozy solo suppers when I crave that perfect blend of spice, creaminess, and flavor complexity. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, impressing friends with an easy dinner recipe, or simply treating yourself to a dreamy meal, this dish delivers a memorable Italian cuisine experience without any fuss.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN MARRY ME PASTA
Before diving into the cooking steps, let’s meet the cast of ingredients that give this dish its irresistible allure. Each component plays a special role, from creating the ultra-creamy sauce to delivering tangy bursts of flavor and a gentle touch of heat.
- Penne Pasta
These sturdy tubular noodles hold onto every drop of sauce, ensuring each bite is generously coated. Their shape makes them perfect for capturing those sun-dried tomato pieces and creamy sauce pockets.
- Olive Oil
A high-quality olive oil forms the flavor base, gently sautéing the garlic and red pepper flakes. It adds a subtle fruity richness that complements the creamy sauce.
- Garlic
Minced garlic brings aromatic depth and savory warmth to the dish. When lightly sautéed, it infuses the oil and sets the stage for the creamy sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes
Just the right pinch introduces a mild, inviting heat. You can adjust the spice level to your taste, making this dish as mild or as bold as you like.
- Heavy Cream
This is where the “dreamy” in creamy pasta truly shines. Heavy cream creates a luxuriously smooth sauce that clings to the pasta for maximum comfort in every bite.
- Chicken Broth
A splash of chicken broth balances the richness of the cream with a savory, umami boost, preventing the sauce from feeling overly heavy.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Chopped sun-dried tomatoes deliver concentrated, tangy flavor and chewiness that contrasts beautifully with the silky sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan melts seamlessly into the sauce, lending a nutty, salty complexity that elevates the entire dish.
- Salt and Pepper
Simple seasonings that bring out the best in all the other ingredients. Always season to taste for the perfect balance.
- Fresh Basil Leaves
A vibrant garnish that adds an herbal lift and gorgeous color contrast, finishing the dish with a whisper of freshness.
HOW TO MAKE MARRY ME PASTA
Let’s transform these ingredients into a show-stopping bowl of creamy, dreamy pasta! Follow these steps to create a silky sauce, perfectly cooked penne, and a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside—making sure not to rinse, so the sauce clings perfectly later.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, then sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant and just starting to turn golden.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken and coat the back of a spoon.
4. Add the sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir occasionally, letting the tomatoes soften and release their tangy, concentrated flavor for another 2–3 minutes.
5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it fully melts into the sauce and you achieve a seamless, creamy consistency.
6. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to your preference, tasting and adjusting as needed for perfect balance.
7. Gently toss the cooked penne pasta in the skillet, ensuring each piece is well-coated in the rich sauce.
8. Allow the pasta and sauce to simmer together for an additional 2 minutes, so the flavors meld and the pasta soaks up any excess sauce.
9. Remove the skillet from heat, garnish generously with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately for maximum creaminess and aroma.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR MARRY ME PASTA
Serving Marry Me Pasta is an opportunity to turn dinner into an experience. From plating tricks to side pairings, these suggestions will help your dish look and taste like it came from a cozy Italian trattoria. Whether you’re aiming for a romantic setup or a lively family meal, presentation and complementary flavors will elevate every bite and invite smiles around the table. Here are four ways to make your meal shine:
- Pair with a Crisp Green Salad
Serve alongside a mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The bright acidity and crunchy textures will cut through the richness of the sauce, refreshing the palate between creamy bites.
- Enjoy with Garlic Bread
Toast slices of ciabatta or baguette brushed with garlic butter and herbs. The crunchy, buttery bread is perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce, ensuring none of that silky goodness goes to waste.
- Sip on Chilled White Wine
A glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the tangy sun-dried tomatoes and creamy sauce. Serve it well-chilled to provide a refreshing contrast and enhance the romantic dinner vibe.
- Garnish with Extra Parmesan and Basil
Offer a small dish of shaved Parmesan and ribboned basil leaves at the table. Let your guests customize each plate with extra cheese and fresh herbs for a personalized touch and added visual appeal.
HOW TO STORE MARRY ME PASTA
Leftovers of this dreamy pasta can taste nearly as good as the fresh batch when stored properly. Quick refrigeration preserves the creaminess, while smart reheating brings back that silky texture. Follow these tips to maintain both flavor and quality, so you can enjoy your Marry Me Pasta again without any compromise.
- Refrigerator Storage
Transfer cooled pasta into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the container seals tightly to prevent the sauce from absorbing any fridge odors and to keep the texture lush.
- Freezer Storage
For longer storage, spoon the pasta into a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to retain the smooth, creamy consistency.
- Gentle Reheating
When ready to enjoy, reheat in a low-heat skillet with a splash of water or broth, stirring frequently. This method helps the sauce loosen without breaking or separating, restoring that velvety finish.
- Portion Control
If you know you’ll have individual servings, store portions separately. Smaller amounts heat more evenly and reduce the risk of overcooking or drying out the sauce during reheating.
CONCLUSION
After exploring every creamy swirl and tangy sun-dried tomato, you’re now armed with a foolproof recipe for Marry Me Pasta—an enchanting dish perfect for romantic dinners, cozy weeknight meals, or any occasion calling for love and flavor. We’ve walked through each step, from selecting the freshest ingredients and mastering the silky sauce to plating tips, serving suggestions, and storage strategies that keep leftovers tasting just as delightful. This all-in-one guide reflects how a simple collection of pantry staples transforms into an unforgettable Italian cuisine experience without complicated techniques. Whether you print this article for easy reference in your kitchen or save it in a digital folder for later inspiration, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips whenever the craving strikes.
I can’t wait to hear how your Marry Me Pasta adventure turns out! Scroll down to find a helpful FAQ section that answers common questions and troubleshooting tips. If you have any comments, questions, or feedback—whether you personalized the spice level, added chicken or shrimp, or paired it with a special wine—please share your experience. Your stories and insights not only help fellow home cooks but also inspire new variations on this beloved creamy pasta recipe. Happy cooking, and here’s to meals made with love and flavor!
Marry Me Pasta
Description
Creamy, dreamy, and bursting with flavor, this Marry Me Pasta combines rich sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan for an unforgettable experience. Perfect for impressing your loved ones!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and sauté the minced garlic and red pepper flakes until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 3-4 minutes.
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Add the sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet. Stir occasionally, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release flavor, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
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Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy consistency.
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Season the sauce with salt and pepper according to your preference.
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Toss the cooked penne pasta in the skillet with the sauce, ensuring the pasta is well-coated.
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Allow the pasta to simmer in the sauce for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Note
- For extra flavor, add cooked chicken or shrimp before serving.
- This dish pairs well with a glass of white wine.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a delightful burst of tangy flavor.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
- Freshly grated Parmesan makes a difference; avoid pre-shredded if possible.
- This dish gets its name from its irresistible taste, said to be so good it could inspire a marriage proposal!
