Marry Me Pasta Recipe

Discover the magic of Marry Me Pasta—a dish so rich, cozy, and full of flavor that you’ll fall head over heels with every single bite. Imagine perfectly cooked rigatoni coated in a velvety, sun-dried tomato cream sauce, heightened by garlic, parmesan, and fresh basil. This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an absolute lifesaver on hectic evenings when you crave something truly special but don’t have hours to spare. If you love quick pasta dishes that offer bold, luscious flavors, this will absolutely become your go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these for the most irresistible Marry Me Pasta:

• Rigatoni or Pasta of Choice: Classic rigatoni holds the sauce beautifully, but any pasta shape will work.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, adding a touch of richness.
• Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced for that aromatic backbone—don’t be shy!
• Sun-dried Tomatoes: Drained and chopped; these pack sweet-tart, concentrated tomato flavor that sets this dish apart.
• Italian Seasoning or Dried Oregano: Add herby complexity; dried oregano works great if that’s all you have.
• Paprika: Gives warmth and subtle smokiness—don’t skip it, you’ll notice the difference.
• Heavy Cream: The secret to that dreamy, silk-smooth sauce.
• Vegetable Stock: For depth and to lighten the creaminess just a notch.
• Pasta Water: Reserved from cooking the pasta; this starchy water is terrific for getting the sauce to cling to the noodles like a pro.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce, making everything umami-packed and savory.
• Salt and Pepper: Season as you go—taste, don’t guess!
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Finely chopped and stirred in at the end for a burst of freshness.
• Lemon Juice: Just a squeeze right before serving for a bright pop that balances the richness.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a gentle heat if you like a little kick.

Variations

• Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon for extra heartiness.
• Go Veggie: Toss in a handful of baby spinach or sautéed mushrooms with the sun-dried tomatoes for extra veg.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free parmesan for a plant-based variation.
• Spice It Up: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for bolder heat.

How to Make Marry Me Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil your rigatoni or pasta of choice in generously salted water according to the package directions. Before draining, scoop out about 1/4 cup of the pasta water and set it aside. This is the magic touch for a glossy sauce!

Step 2: Start the Sauce

In a medium pan—or a pot if you prefer—heat a splash of olive oil over medium. Add the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir for about 2 to 3 minutes until it smells so good you start to get hungry (the garlic and tomatoes should be sizzling but not burning).

Step 3: Build the Creamy Base

Pour in the heavy cream, vegetable stock, the reserved pasta water, and grated parmesan. Season everything with salt and pepper. Stir well to blend. Cover the pan and let this mixture simmer gently on medium-low for 4 to 5 minutes—it’ll thicken slightly and everything will meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce

Uncover and stir in the finely chopped fresh basil. Give it a quick taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly into the pan with the sauce. Toss everything together and let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until every noodle is thoroughly coated and the sauce looks creamy and glossy. If it’s a little too thick, add a splash more of the stock or pasta water until it’s just right.

Step 6: The Finishing Touches

Take the pan off the heat. Squeeze in a bit of fresh lemon juice for a hint of brightness, sprinkle over more basil or parmesan, and add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

It’s ready to serve hot and silky—just the way pasta is meant to be enjoyed!

How to Serve

This dish is bold and satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

• A Crisp Green Salad: The freshness balances out the creamy sauce.
• Garlic Bread or Focaccia: Perfect for scooping up every last drop of sauce.
• A Glass of White Wine: Something with a hint of citrus, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, makes the flavors pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Marry Me Pasta tastes just as wonderful the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze this pasta! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Keep in mind, the sauce may separate slightly once thawed; just stir well as you reheat.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of vegetable stock or water. You want to revive the creaminess—microwaving works too, but add a bit of liquid and stir halfway through to keep things silky.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Pasta is one of those recipes that proves you don’t need complicated steps or a long ingredient list for something unforgettable. Bursting with flavor, ready in just twenty minutes, and endlessly adaptable, it’s the kind of meal that brings true joy to even the busiest of weeknights. Give it a try—you just might find yourself making it again (and again). Happy cooking!

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