Marry Me Pasta

$- 12 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, depending on heat preference) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra leaves for garnish) - 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional, for added flavor depth) You can switch fettuccine for any pasta you like. Spaghetti or penne work well too. If you want less fat, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream. You can use a vegan cheese to keep it plant-based. If you want more heat, add more red pepper flakes or use a spicy sauce. Fresh ingredients give the best flavor. Use fresh basil for a bright taste. Fresh garlic adds a strong aroma that dried garlic can't match. Cherry tomatoes burst with flavor when cooked. If you have to use dried herbs, go for half the amount since they are stronger. Dried pasta is fine, but fresh pasta cooks faster. Just keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 12 oz of fettuccine. Cook it until it’s al dente, following the package directions. Drain the pasta, but keep 1 cup of the water for later. Set the pasta aside. 2. Prepare the Sauce Base: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute. The garlic should be golden and fragrant. Stir often to avoid burning. 3. Incorporate the Tomatoes: Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 3-4 minutes. You want the tomatoes to soften and release their juices. 4. Create the Creamy Mixture: Carefully pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir to mix it with the garlic and tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely. 5. Melt in the Cheese: Gradually add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese while stirring constantly. Heat until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. If it gets too thick, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it. 6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet. Toss it well to coat every strand of pasta with the creamy sauce. Taste and add sea salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. 7. Final Touches: Gently fold in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil and 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, if using. This adds more flavor and aroma to the dish. 8. Serve and Enjoy: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. This makes for a pretty presentation. - Always use plenty of water when boiling pasta. This helps it cook evenly. - Salt the water well to enhance the pasta's flavor. - Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking. - Test the pasta a minute before the package time for the best texture. - Don’t overcook the pasta. It should be firm, not mushy. - Avoid rinsing pasta after cooking. This washes away flavor and starch. - Don’t skip reserving pasta water. It helps adjust sauce thickness. - Be cautious with salt in the sauce. Taste as you go! To elevate your Marry Me Pasta, consider these simple tips: - Add a Protein: Grilled chicken or shrimp makes the dish heartier. - Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil adds bright flavor. You can also try parsley or thyme. - Incorporate Lemon Zest: A touch of lemon zest enhances freshness. Just a little goes a long way! - Finish with a Drizzle: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving adds richness. Pair your Marry Me Pasta with these delightful options: - Wine: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce. - Salad: A light garden salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the meal well. - Bread: Serve with garlic bread or a crusty baguette for dipping in the sauce. You can easily meal prep this dish: - Make the Sauce Ahead: The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat it gently before adding the pasta. - Cook Extra Pasta: Cook a bit more pasta to have on hand for quick meals later. - Store Separately: Keep the pasta and sauce separate until ready to serve. This keeps the pasta from getting soggy. These tips will help you create a special dining experience with Marry Me Pasta. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic, ripe cherry tomatoes, and high-quality Parmesan cheese to elevate the flavor of your pasta dish. Reserve Pasta Water: Don't forget to save some pasta water before draining. It can be a great way to adjust the sauce’s consistency without losing flavor. Adjust the Heat: The red pepper flakes can be adjusted to suit your taste; start with a small amount and add more if you prefer a spicier dish. Garnish Creatively: For a beautiful presentation, use fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan on top just before serving. {{image_4}} To make Marry Me Pasta vegetarian, skip the meat. You can add more veggies instead. Try using spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. They give a nice taste and texture. You can sauté them with the garlic before adding the tomatoes. This option keeps it light yet satisfying. For those who want more protein, chicken or shrimp works great. Cook your protein first in the skillet. Use olive oil and seasonings that match the sauce. For chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces and brown it well. For shrimp, add them when the tomatoes are soft. Both add depth to the dish and can make it heartier. You can get creative with spices and herbs. Add a pinch of Italian seasoning or oregano for a twist. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can brighten up the dish. If you love heat, increase the red pepper flakes. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a fresh zing. These small changes can turn your dish into something special. Storing your Marry Me Pasta is easy. First, let it cool down to room temperature. Next, place the pasta in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, place the pasta in a bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or cream. Heat over low until warm. Stir to make sure it stays creamy. To freeze Marry Me Pasta, follow these steps. First, allow it to cool completely. Next, portion it into freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible and seal tightly. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, move the pasta to the fridge overnight. Reheat it as mentioned above for the best results. Marry Me Pasta is a creamy and flavorful dish. It features fettuccine pasta, garlic, and tomatoes. The sauce blends heavy cream and Parmesan cheese for richness. Many say it’s so good, it might lead to a proposal! The dish combines simple ingredients into a delightful meal. Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Options include penne, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta. Just keep the cooking time in mind. Different shapes hold sauce differently. I recommend trying a pasta that you enjoy. The key is to cook it to al dente for the best texture. To make Marry Me Pasta gluten-free, choose a gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options made from rice or chickpeas. Follow the package instructions for cooking times. The rest of the recipe stays the same. This way, you can enjoy the creamy goodness without gluten. This blog post covered every step to make Marry Me Pasta. We listed ingredients and shared useful substitutions. You learned about fresh versus dried options. I provided clear cooking instructions and tips for perfect pasta. We explored ways to make your dish special with pairings and meal prep ideas. Remember, you can try variations like vegetarian options or adding protein. Proper storage will keep your leftovers fresh. Now, you’re ready to impress with this dish! Enjoy creating your perfect Marry Me Pasta!$

A delicious and creamy pasta dish that is sure to impress.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
to taste sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1 4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta well, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water for later use, and set the pasta aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes aromatic and golden, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Incorporate the Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.
Create the Creamy Mixture: Carefully pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine with the tomato and garlic mixture. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Melt in the Cheese: Gradually sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese while stirring constantly. Continue heating until the cheese completely melts and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine directly into the skillet, tossing it energetically to coat every strand of pasta with the luscious creamy sauce. Taste for seasoning, then add sea salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
Final Touches: Gently fold in the chopped fresh basil and sun-dried tomatoes (if using) into the pasta until evenly distributed, enhancing both the flavor and aroma of the dish.
Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the pasta onto serving plates, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves and a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Notes

Add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor depth.

Keyword basil, creamy, garlic, pasta