Marry Me Pasta is the perfect dish to impress someone special. With its creamy tomato sauce infused with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, it's a favorite for cozy dinners and special occasions. You'll love how easy it is to make, combining rigatoni with tender chicken or mushrooms for a satisfying meal. This dish is versatile and fits various dietary preferences, making it great for date nights. Stick around to find out how to prepare this delicious recipe!
History
The dish known as Marry Me Pasta has become a sensation, especially on platforms like TikTok, where its romantic name and mouthwatering ingredients have caught your attention.
The history of this delicious dish is rooted in its ability to impress a partner, making it a popular choice for cozy dinners and special occasions. The creamy tomato sauce, infused with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, not only tantalizes the taste buds but also evokes a sense of romance.
While its exact origins are unclear, the name "Marry Me" suggests a culinary love potion designed to woo someone special. As you prepare this dish, you're participating in a growing social media trend that's all about love and unforgettable meals.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 12 oz. rigatoni or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups cooked chicken or mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Additional parmesan cheese for serving
To prepare Marry Me Pasta, start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. If using chicken, add it to the skillet and cook until heated through. For mushrooms, sauté them until they're tender.
Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, allowing the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything to combine well. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh basil and additional parmesan cheese before serving.
When cooking Marry Me Pasta, feel free to experiment with ingredients to suit your taste. You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. Incorporating fermented vegetables can also enhance the dish's flavor profile while boosting its nutritional value. If you prefer a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go, ensuring the perfect balance of flavors.
Enjoy your culinary creation!
Cooking Steps
To start making your Marry Me Pasta, you'll want to prepare the chicken with some seasoning for that extra flavor.
Once that's done, sauté the garlic until it's fragrant, setting the stage for a delicious creamy tomato sauce.
After simmering the sauce for about ten minutes, you'll toss in the pasta and bring it all together for a perfect finish.
Step 1. Prepare Chicken With Seasoning
Start by cutting skinless, boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Next, season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; this guarantees a good sear on the chicken, adding depth to your dish.
Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken.
Cook it for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle in some Italian seasoning or paprika while cooking.
This seasoned chicken will blend perfectly with your cooked pasta, creating a delicious Marry Me Pasta experience that you won't forget!
Step 2. Sauté Garlic Until Fragrant
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil or a pat of butter.
Once the butter melts, it's time to sauté garlic. Use fresh minced garlic for the best flavor, stirring frequently for about 1-2 minutes.
You'll want to watch it closely to avoid overcooking; the goal is a light golden color that releases a fragrant aroma without turning bitter.
This step creates a rich base for your sauce. If you prefer garlic powder, add it later to prevent a bitter taste.
The combination of garlic with butter or oil will enhance flavor and set the stage for a delicious dish.
Enjoy the enticing aroma as it fills your kitchen!
Step 3. Add Creamy Tomato Sauce
With the garlic sautéed to perfection, it's time to build your creamy tomato sauce.
Start by adding tomato paste, cooking it until it deepens in color, enhancing the flavor. Gradually whisk in vegetable broth and heavy cream, allowing the mixture to come together and thicken into a rich, creamy consistency.
Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a robust flavor profile. Once the sauce reaches your desired thickness, mix in freshly grated parmesan cheese, adding creaminess and depth.
Additionally, you can prepare quinoa as a base for a heartier meal, which adds texture and a complete protein to your dish.
Finally, combine this delicious sauce with your cooked pasta, ensuring every piece is generously coated in the creamy tomato sauce before serving.
Enjoy your culinary triumph!
Step 4. Simmer Sauce for Ten Minutes
To allow the flavors to meld beautifully, let the sauce simmer for about ten minutes.
After adding the sun-dried tomatoes and cream to the sautéed garlic and roux, set your stove to medium heat. This gentle bubbling will help the sauce thicken and concentrate its flavors without burning.
Stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and guarantee even cooking. If it gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Taste the sauce at the end of the simmering period, adjusting the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional herbs as needed for peak flavor.
Enjoy the rich, creamy goodness!
Step 5. Add Pasta and Toss Together
Once your pasta is cooked al dente and drained, you're ready to bring it all together.
In your skillet with the creamy sauce, add pasta and the cooked chicken. Toss together gently, making certain every piece is well-coated in that rich sauce for maximum flavors.
If the sauce feels too thick, gradually pour in some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. This step guarantees everything blends beautifully.
For an extra flavor boost, stir in freshly chopped basil and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese just before serving.
This delightful mix will elevate your dish, making it irresistible. Enjoy your Marry Me Pasta, and watch your loved ones swoon over each bite!
Final Thoughts
As you consider adding Marry Me Pasta to your weeknight rotation, you'll find it's not just a meal; it's an experience that elevates dinner into something special.
This creamy, flavorful pasta dish combines simple ingredients like garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese into a quick and easy recipe that's perfect for busy evenings. Its romantic name speaks to its ability to impress, making it ideal for date nights or cozy meals at home.
Plus, its versatility allows you to adapt it for various dietary preferences without losing that rich taste. Whether you're looking for a comforting dinner or something to wow a loved one, Marry Me Pasta is your go-to choice for a deliciously satisfying experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is It Called "Marry Me Pasta"?
The dish is called "marry me pasta" because it's believed to be so delicious that anyone who tries it might feel inspired to propose.
Its rich flavors create a romantic vibe, making it perfect for special occasions.
When you savor the creamy sauce and sun-dried tomatoes, you might just experience an overwhelming sense of love and comfort.
It's a dish that not only pleases the palate but also captures the essence of romance.
What Pasta to Use for Marry Me Chicken?
For a perfectly pleasing pasta pair with your chicken, pick penne, rigatoni, or farfalle.
Penne's tubular texture traps the sauce beautifully, while rigatoni's rugged ridges guarantee a hearty hug of flavor.
If you're feeling playful, farfalle's bow-tie shape adds a fun flair.
Although you can use any pasta, choosing one that clings to the creamy sauce will definitely elevate your dish and delight your dinner guests with each delicious bite!
What Is Gordon Ramsay's Favorite Pasta?
Gordon Ramsay's favorite pasta often features classic Italian dishes that showcase rich flavors and high-quality ingredients.
You'll find him loving simple yet bold recipes like Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, where garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes shine. He emphasizes using freshly made pasta to enhance the dish's texture and taste.
Ramsay also enjoys innovating traditional recipes, blending seasonal ingredients and fresh herbs for an elevated dining experience you won't forget.
What Is Gigi Hadid's Pasta Called?
Did you know that Gigi Hadid's Spicy Vodka Pasta went viral, racking up over 2 million views on TikTok?
This popular dish, inspired by her social media posts, features a creamy tomato sauce infused with garlic, onion, and a splash of vodka.
It's typically made with penne pasta, allowing that delicious sauce to cling perfectly.
If you're looking to impress, this recipe's a great choice for a flavorful and trendy meal!