Description
Marry Me Pasta is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring a rich Parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce with a hint of spice and fresh basil. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a cozy meal, and you can customize it by adding sautéed chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) of spaghetti or your favorite pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) of chicken broth
- 1 cup (100 g) of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 g) of sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup (60 g) of fresh basil leaves, chopped
Optional
- Sautéed chicken breast or shrimp
- Lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Melt Cheese: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Mix in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Simmer the sauce for another 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Season Sauce: Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add sautéed chicken breast or shrimp for extra protein.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta thoroughly with the sauce.
- Add Basil: Stir in the chopped basil leaves, reserving a few for garnish.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with remaining basil and a sprinkle of lemon zest if using.
Notes
- Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoother sauce.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to desired spice level.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- The dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread.
- For a vegetarian version, omit chicken broth and use vegetable broth instead.
