Description
This Marry Me Italian Pasta is a creamy, dreamy dish made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and a luscious parmesan cream sauce that clings beautifully to tender pasta. Bursting with bold Italian flavors, it’s the kind of recipe that might just win someone’s heart—or at least their taste buds.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 1/2 cups baby spinach or chopped basil
- Optional protein: grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage
Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; cook until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
- Make the Sauce:
- Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Add cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan and stir until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine:
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, adding pasta water as needed to thin. Stir in spinach or fresh basil if using.
- Add protein if desired, and cook for another 1–2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve:
- Plate hot, topped with extra Parmesan, herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
- Use roasted cherry tomatoes for an extra burst of sweetness.
- For a lighter option, use half Greek yogurt and half milk instead of cream.
- Make it gluten-free with GF pasta and dairy-free with plant-based alternatives.
Nutrition
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
