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
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.
Notes
- For added protein, stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- If you prefer less heat, omit red pepper flakes.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting texture.
- Reserve some pasta water as it helps create a silky sauce consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
