Description
Marry Me Pasta is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring a rich Parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes for a mild kick. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender spaghetti with a luscious sauce, fresh basil, and optional sautéed chicken or shrimp, making it perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or your favorite pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup (60 g) fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Optional: sautéed chicken breast or shrimp
- Optional: lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, continuously stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spices: Mix in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes to develop a rich flavor.
- Season and Add Protein: Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add sautéed chicken breast or shrimp for added protein and cook until heated through.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to ensure the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce.
- Add Fresh Basil: Stir in most of the chopped basil leaves, reserving a few for garnish to add a fresh, herbal note.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with the reserved basil leaves and a sprinkle of lemon zest if using, for a fresh finishing touch.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes accordingly.
- For added depth, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for a richer flavor.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
