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–+ servings
Melany

Best Marry Me Pasta - Simple & Delicious

Creamy, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious, this Best Marry Me Pasta is sure to win hearts. With its rich sauce, tender pasta, and perfect blend of herbs and spices, it’s a dish that’s perfect for date nights, family dinners, or any occasion that calls for something special.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Kosher salt to taste
  • 1 pound rigatoni or pasta of choice
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese finely grated (plus more for serving)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil torn (for garnish)

Method
 

Cook the Pasta:
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics:
  1. Heat olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Make the Sauce:
  1. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes.
  2. Add the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to combine.
  3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the Parmesan cheese.
  4. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
  1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with ¼ cup of reserved pasta water.
  2. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. Cook for 2 more minutes, adding more pasta water if needed to achieve a glossy finish.
Serve and Garnish:
  1. Divide the pasta among serving bowls.
  2. Top with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for garnish.
  3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • For Extra Flavor: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta for a heartier meal.
  • Adjust Spice Levels: Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes for a milder dish.
  • Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh Parmesan and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes elevate the dish’s flavor.

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