Marry Me Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Pasta

Rich, creamy, and absolutely irresistible, this Marry Me Pasta is so good that it just might inspire a proposal! ????????

Made with a luscious Parmesan-infused cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning, this dish delivers bold flavors in every bite. The best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for date nights, special occasions, or an indulgent weeknight meal.

Pair it with a glass of wine and crusty garlic bread, and you have a restaurant-quality dish without the hassle!

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Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon tomato paste (for extra depth)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For Garnish (Optional but Recommended!):

• Fresh basil or parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Lemon zest (for added brightness)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta until al dente, according to package instructions.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

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Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Add sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
4. Stir in tomato paste and chicken broth, letting it simmer for 3 minutes.

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Step 3: Add Cream & Cheese

1. Lower heat and add heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
2. Stir in Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce.
3. Add butter, salt, and black pepper, mixing until fully incorporated.

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Step 4: Toss with Pasta & Serve

1. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
2. Pour in a little reserved pasta water (1 tablespoon at a time) until the sauce reaches a silky consistency.
3. Garnish with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, and lemon zest.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy this creamy, dreamy pasta!

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Why This Recipe Works So Well

• Creamy, rich, and flavorful – The mix of Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic is irresistible.
• Quick & easy – Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal effort!
• Customizable – Add chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms for extra heartiness.
• One-pan sauce = fewer dishes!

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Expert Tips & Tricks

• Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Don’t skip the pasta water! It helps create a silky, restaurant-quality sauce.
• Want more protein? Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon.
• For extra depth, add a splash of white wine when cooking the garlic.
• Make it lighter! Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate Values)

• Calories: 520
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g

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Serving Suggestions

• With garlic bread or homemade focaccia to soak up the sauce.
• Paired with a fresh side salad for balance.
• Topped with crispy pancetta or mushrooms for added texture.
• With a glass of white wine for the perfect date night meal!