If you’re searching for a dish that blends rich, velvety sauce with a little touch of romance, look no further than Creamy Marry Me Pasta! This pasta became an instant favorite the very first time I tried it, and for good reason. Sundried tomatoes add a burst of tangy sweetness, Parmesan and mozzarella combine for a dreamy texture, and a swirl of fresh basil sends it over the top. Creamy Marry Me Pasta is the kind of meal you’ll crave on weeknights and serve to impress—whether it’s date night, girls’ night, or anytime you want a comforting, luscious pasta that makes everyone swoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this recipe is just how simple the ingredient list is, but each element plays a crucial role in creating the flavor-packed, silky sauce and addicting texture. Here’s what you need, along with a tip for each:
- Pasta (12 oz fettuccine or penne): Choose your favorite shape; penne holds the sauce beautifully, while fettuccine is gloriously slurpable.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): A good olive oil starts the flavor base—use extra-virgin for the best results.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): For extra punch, let the garlic sizzle just until fragrant—don’t burn it!
- Red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick; adjust based on your spice preference.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Earthy oregano brings charm and a classic Italian touch.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (1/2 cup, chopped): Look for ones packed in oil for bold flavor (just drain them first).
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The true source of that luscious, creamy sauce everyone swoons over.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Balances richness and deepens the savory flavors; swap for veggie broth if you like.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Salty, nutty, and essential for that wonderful cheesy tang.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance every other flavor without overpowering them.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Freshly cracked pepper brings subtle heat and aroma.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Secret ingredient alert: deepens the savory notes easily.
- Mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Melts into oblivion for irresistible gooeyness.
- Fresh basil (1/4 cup, chopped, plus extra for garnish): Don’t skip the fresh basil—it brightens everything up!
- Optional: Cooked sliced chicken or shrimp: Add protein for a more substantial meal, or serve it vegetarian-style.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until perfectly al dente. Give it a quick taste test a minute before the package says it’s done—trust me, the texture makes all the difference! Drain and set aside, but be sure not to rinse the pasta—those starches help the creamy sauce cling to every noodle.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, and oregano. As soon as that garlic hits the pan, brace yourself—the kitchen will smell incredible! Sauté for just a minute, taking care not to let the garlic brown, so it keeps all its flavor without any bitterness.
Step 3: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them sizzle for another minute. They’ll soak up all those aromatics and infuse the oil with their sweet, tangy essence—this is one of my favorite steps for building that signature Creamy Marry Me Pasta flavor.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Base
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then sprinkle in the grated Parmesan. Give everything a good stir and let the sauce gently simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. It should thicken slightly and become marvelously rich, almost like a luxurious blanket ready to hug your pasta.
Step 5: Season and Cheese It Up
Now’s your chance to build more depth: add the salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Scatter in the mozzarella and keep stirring until it melts completely, turning your sauce ultra creamy and gooey—this is where Creamy Marry Me Pasta earns its name!
Step 6: Toss the Pasta and Finish with Basil
Add the cooked pasta directly into your luscious sauce and toss until every piece is thoroughly coated. Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped basil, letting the residual warmth release its amazing fragrance. If you like, top with sliced chicken or shrimp for extra heartiness—totally optional, but highly delicious.
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Pasta
Garnishes
Fresh basil ribbons and a shower of extra Parmesan are my go-tos for that wow moment. You can also add cracked black pepper or a few chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top for a pop of color and a little hint about what’s inside. These little flourishes make each bowl as irresistible to the eye as it is to the palate.
Side Dishes
This is a superstar main that pairs with so many easy sides! A crisp green salad with zesty vinaigrette is a fantastic way to balance the richness. Don’t forget a chunk of garlic bread or some warm, crusty rolls to swipe up every drop of that creamy sauce. If you’re feeling extra, roasted asparagus or green beans are simple yet elegant additions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party twist, try serving Creamy Marry Me Pasta in individual bowls, topped with hand-torn basil and a drizzle of good olive oil. If you want to impress, use shallow pasta bowls and twirl the noodles into neat nests with tongs. For a family-style gathering, bring the skillet right to the table and let everyone dig in for a cozy, communal feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Marry Me Pasta stores beautifully! Transfer any extras to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld overnight, sometimes making the next-day pasta even more irresistible. If the sauce seems to thicken in the fridge, a splash of milk or cream added during reheating works wonders.
Freezing
Though the cream-based sauce tends to change texture after freezing, you can certainly freeze leftovers if needed. Let the pasta cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. For best results, freeze for up to one month, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so the sauce stays as smooth as possible.
Reheating
The easiest way to revive leftover pasta is to reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to help loosen the sauce. You can also pop it in the microwave for quick lunches—just cover, heat in one-minute intervals, and stir between rounds to ensure even warmth and creaminess.
FAQs
Can I make Creamy Marry Me Pasta vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and leave out the chicken or shrimp. The sauce is every bit as flavorful and satisfying, thanks to those bold sun-dried tomatoes and cheeses.
What’s the best pasta shape to use?
Fettuccine and penne are both fantastic choices for Creamy Marry Me Pasta, but feel free to experiment with rigatoni, linguine, or even shells—anything that can really hold onto that decadent sauce will work well.
How spicy is the final dish?
The red pepper flakes give it a gentle warmth rather than a true kick. If you like extra spice, sprinkle in more! If you prefer it milder, just use half the recommended amount or leave it out entirely—your call!
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or steamed broccoli all make delicious, color-packed additions. Just toss them in after the sauce thickens, right before the pasta, so everything melds together beautifully.
Will this sauce work with gluten-free pasta?
Yes, Creamy Marry Me Pasta tastes absolutely dreamy with gluten-free or alternative pastas. Just cook your chosen pasta until barely al dente and handle it gently when tossing with the sauce to help keep its shape and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about sharing a bowl of Creamy Marry Me Pasta with people you care about. Every forkful is all about comfort, delicious flavors, and a little bit of kitchen romance. I hope you’ll try this recipe soon and fall in love at first bite—then maybe, like me, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Enjoy!
Print
Creamy Marry Me Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Marry Me Pasta is a rich and flavorful pasta dish that will win over your taste buds with its luxurious combination of sun-dried tomatoes, creamy sauce, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner for two.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
- Optional: cooked sliced chicken or shrimp for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Sauté garlic, red pepper flakes, and oregano in olive oil. Add sun-dried tomatoes, cream, broth, Parmesan, and spices. Simmer until thickened. Stir in mozzarella until melted.
- Combine and Serve: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, add basil, and optional meat. Garnish with basil and enjoy warm.
Notes
- You can use jarred sun-dried tomatoes in oil—just drain before using.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and skip the meat.
- This sauce also works well with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or linguine.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
