Name: Creamy Marry Me Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup chicken broth; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional); Extra Parmesan for topping

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If you’re searching for an utterly irresistible, soul-satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug and a special occasion all at once, look no further than Creamy Marry Me Pasta. This dish is the stuff of legends: silky noodles swirled in a luscious, sun-dried tomato cream sauce, dotted with Parmesan and fragrant basil. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic date night or simply treating yourself, this pasta captures rich Italian-inspired flavors in every bite and is practically guaranteed to win hearts. Creamy Marry Me Pasta is as easy to make as it is unforgettable, making it a must-have in your dinner rotation.

Creamy Marry Me Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about simple, high-impact ingredients that work together to create magic in under 30 minutes. Each element has a purpose, whether it’s adding creaminess, a punch of flavor, or that little bit of wow factor you crave in a pasta dish.

Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or any favorite shape gives the perfect texture and holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
Olive oil: Adds a fruity, rich base to start the sauce and helps bloom the flavors of garlic and spices.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with its signature aroma and depth.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a gentle heat, this brightens and balances the creamy sauce.
Heavy cream: The secret to that dreamy, silky sauce that clings to every noodle.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth without weighing down the sauce; swap for veggie broth to make it vegetarian.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce for a nutty, salty finish.
Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil): These gems bring tangy sweetness and a pop of color.
Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that ties all the flavors together.
Salt: Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish.
Black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and complexity.
Fresh basil (optional): Chopped basil brings a burst of freshness and color right before serving.
Extra Parmesan: For that final flourish of cheesy goodness on top.

How to Make Creamy Marry Me Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook it according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente (with just a bit of bite). Before draining, scoop out half a cup of that starchy pasta water and set it aside—you may need it later to loosen the sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you move on to the dreamy sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet set over medium heat, pour in a tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and, if you like a little kick, the red pepper flakes. Let them sizzle for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—be careful not to let the garlic brown. Then, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, letting them warm and infuse the oil for another minute or two.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Now comes the heart of Creamy Marry Me Pasta! Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld. Once it’s looking luscious, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce turns smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Toss and Finish

Add your cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it with tongs so every piece is coated in that gorgeous sauce. If it looks a little thick, splash in some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your ideal consistency. Let it all mingle for another minute or two on the heat, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For the grand finale, sprinkle chopped fresh basil and extra Parmesan over the top for an irresistible finish.

How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Pasta

Garnishes

The right garnish can take Creamy Marry Me Pasta from delicious to absolutely spectacular. I love a generous shower of freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped basil for color and freshness. A crack of black pepper or a few extra sun-dried tomato pieces add visual appeal and flavor, too.

Side Dishes

This pasta is rich and satisfying all on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables brings balance to your plate. A warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy sauce—trust me, you won’t want to waste a bit!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make Creamy Marry Me Pasta extra special, serve it in shallow bowls with twirled nests of pasta and a sprig of basil on top. For date nights or gatherings, portion it into individual ramekins and bake with a little mozzarella for a bubbly, golden twist. Or top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu for added flair and protein.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making each bite even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

Creamy sauces can be a little tricky to freeze, but you can freeze Creamy Marry Me Pasta if needed. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and be aware the sauce may separate a little—but a good stir and splash of cream will revive it.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to restore its creamy texture. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through to keep the sauce smooth and luscious.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Marry Me Pasta vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and skip any meat add-ins. The flavors are still rich, thanks to the sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and herbs.

What pasta shapes work best with this recipe?

Penne and rigatoni are popular choices because their shape holds onto the creamy sauce, but truly, any pasta you love will work beautifully. Try it with fusilli, farfalle, or even linguine for a fun twist.

Can I add protein to the dish?

Definitely! Creamy Marry Me Pasta pairs perfectly with sautéed chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu. Just add your cooked protein to the sauce before tossing in the pasta for an easy, hearty meal.

How spicy is this pasta?

With just half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes, the heat is mild and adds a gentle warmth. If you prefer no spice, simply leave them out, or add more if you love a kick!

Can I make Creamy Marry Me Pasta ahead for a party?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Cook the pasta fresh, then toss with the reheated sauce just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about Creamy Marry Me Pasta—it’s the kind of meal that brings smiles and second helpings every time. Whether you’re sharing it with someone special or treating yourself to a cozy evening, I hope this recipe finds a place in your heart (and your regular dinner lineup). Give it a try, and let the compliments roll in!

Creamy Marry Me Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy Marry Me Pasta is a luscious Italian-inspired dish featuring penne pasta tossed in a rich sauce made from heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic garlic and Italian herbs. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a romantic dinner or any special occasion, delivering comforting flavors with a touch of elegance.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Sauce

12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)
Extra Parmesan for topping

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water for later use.
Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes to release their flavors.
Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes until it slightly thickens. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Let simmer for an additional 1–2 minutes to blend flavors well.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.