Description
Indulge in the irresistibly creamy and flavorful Marry Me Pasta! This easy-to-make dish features a rich tomato and garlic sauce, infused with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. It’s a simple yet unforgettable pasta that’s guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
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1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
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2 tablespoons olive oil (from the sun-dried tomatoes jar)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
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1 (8.5 ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and roughly chopped
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 1/2 cups heavy cream
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
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1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped, plus more for garnish
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Salt, to taste
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Black pepper, to taste
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Optional: 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set aside.
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Prepare the Base: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
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Add Tomatoes and Broth: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth, and bring to a gentle simmer.
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Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken, stirring occasionally. Do not let it boil.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat well. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
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Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
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Finish and Serve: Remove from the heat, stir in the fresh basil, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Notes
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Variations: For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also add 1/2 cup of chopped fresh spinach towards the end of cooking for added nutrients and color. Add some cooked chicken or shrimp for protein.
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Tips for Preparation/Serving: Be sure to cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness. Reserve pasta water as it is the secret for the perfect texture of your sauce. Serve this dish immediately after cooking for the best flavor and consistency.
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Intolerances/Allergies: This recipe contains dairy. For dairy-free options, replace heavy cream with a full-fat plant-based cream alternative like cashew or oat cream, and use a vegan parmesan cheese substitute. To make it gluten-free, choose a gluten-free pasta.
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Adjustments for Taste: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level. You can use a lower fat cream if you prefer a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich. Add a squeeze of lemon for a touch of brightness at the end.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: PT20M
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: marry me pasta, creamy pasta, tomato pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick pasta, italian pasta, pasta recipe, date night pasta, creamy tomato sauce, basil pasta, parmesan pasta, weeknight dinner