Marry Me Pasta That’ll Actually Make People Consider Life-Altering Decisions
So you want to make someone fall head-over-heels in love with your cooking skills? Well, you’ve come to the right place because this pasta is basically a marriage proposal on a plate. Don’t worry—no actual proposals are required, but fair warning: people have been known to profess their undying love after one bite of this creamy, sun-dried tomato masterpiece. The name isn’t just clever marketing; it’s a legitimate warning label.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
This pasta is restaurant-quality without the restaurant prices or the need to put on real pants. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavors that somehow make you feel both sophisticated and completely satisfied. The sun-dried tomatoes add this tangy sweetness that’ll make your taste buds do a little happy dance.
It comes together in about 30 minutes, which means you can go from “what’s for dinner?” panic to “I’m basically a gourmet chef” in less time than it takes to decide what to watch on Netflix. The sauce is silky, the chicken is tender, and the pasta absorbs all those incredible flavors like it was born for this moment.
Plus, it’s impressive enough for date night but easy enough for a Tuesday when you just want to feel fancy. And let’s be honest—we all need more reasons to feel fancy on random weekdays.
Marry Me Pasta That’ll Actually Make People Consider Life-Altering Decisions
Course: DinnerCuisine: American, ItalianDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes580
kcal30
minutesA creamy, dreamy pasta dish loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan — said to be so good it might inspire a proposal! Perfect for cozy dinners or romantic date nights.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
Fresh basil, for garnish
Optional: Grilled chicken or shrimp
Directions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and stir for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
- Stir in parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
- This pasta can be made vegetarian by swapping the chicken broth for veggie broth and skipping meat. Want to win hearts? Serve with garlic bread and wine 🍷💕
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the chicken. Nobody wants rubbery chicken in their love-inducing pasta. Cook it just until it’s done, then get it out of there. It’ll finish cooking when you add it back to the sauce.
Letting the cream boil too hard. High heat can cause the cream to curdle, and curdled cream is the opposite of romantic. Keep it at a gentle simmer and stir occasionally.
Skipping the pasta water. That starchy water is liquid gold for binding your sauce. Don’t dump it all down the drain—save some and use it to adjust the consistency.
Not tasting as you go. This recipe is forgiving, but every palate is different. Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process.
Alternatives & Substitutions
No chicken? Shrimp works beautifully here, or you can make it vegetarian by adding mushrooms and extra vegetables. Italian sausage also creates an amazing flavor profile if you’re feeling adventurous.
Can’t find sun-dried tomatoes? Cherry tomatoes work, though you’ll miss that concentrated sweet-tangy flavor. Roasted red peppers are another great substitute that adds sweetness and color.
Want to lighten it up? You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. Greek yogurt stirred in at the end can work too, but add it off the heat to prevent curdling.
Different pasta shapes? Absolutely! Fettuccine, rigatoni, or bow ties all work great. Just pick something that’ll hold onto that glorious sauce.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I make this ahead of time? The sauce reheats well, though it might need a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen up. Cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve for best results.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes? You’ll survive, but you’ll be missing some magic. Try roasted red peppers or even some tomato paste for depth, though it won’t be quite the same.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream? You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. If you must, use whole milk and maybe add a bit of flour to help it thicken.
How do I know when the chicken is done? It should be golden brown on the outside and reach 165°F internally. When in doubt, cut a piece open—it should be white all the way through with no pink.
Why is my sauce too thin? Let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or add a bit more Parmesan. The pasta water can also help thicken things up thanks to the starch.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—Marry Me Pasta that lives up to its dramatic name. This recipe proves that sometimes the best things in life are just good ingredients treated well and combined with a little bit of love (and a lot of cream).
The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity and its ability to make any night feel special. Whether you’re cooking for someone you want to impress or just treating yourself to something delicious, this pasta delivers every single time.
Now go forth and create some pasta magic. Just don’t blame me if people start showing up at your door with flowers and unrealistic expectations about your cooking skills!
