If you’re looking to impress someone special, then look no further than Marry Me Pasta. This delightful dish boasts rich flavors, creamy textures, and a combination of ingredients that make it irresistible. Rumored to be so delicious that it could prompt a proposal, this recipe is perfect for romantic dinners or even a cozy night in. You’ll find every bite to be an explosion of taste, with a satisfying creaminess that pairs perfectly with pasta.
Why We Love This Marry Me Pasta Recipe
Marry Me Pasta has earned its reputation as a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. Firstly, the combination of baby Bella mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach brings a burst of flavors that dance on your palate. The dish perfectly balances rich creamy cheese with the earthy notes of the mushrooms, creating a harmonious mix that keeps you coming back for more.
Secondly, the use of gluten-free penne ensures that everyone can enjoy this delight, regardless of dietary preferences. With a quick preparation time and simple steps, this recipe is not just about the end result; it’s an experience in cooking that invites you to engage with your ingredients.
Finally, who wouldn’t want to serve a masterpiece that has the power to evoke such strong emotions? The name alone generates excitement and curiosity, making it a fantastic conversation starter during dinner chats.
Ingredients about Marry Me Pasta
To embark on this culinary adventure, you’ll need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 1⁄2 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil
- 8 oz Baby Bella mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 oz gluten-free penne
- 1 tablespoon basil olive oil
- 1⁄2 teaspoon dry basil
- 1/3 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons shallots, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced onion
- 2 1⁄2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, diced
- 2 cups spinach, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 1⁄2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan, shredded
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour
- Chopped basil for garnish
How to Make Marry Me Pasta Directions
Making Marry Me Pasta is not only straightforward but also incredibly fun! Here’s how you can create this romantic masterpiece in just a few easy steps:
Sauté the Mushrooms: Begin by heating the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced baby Bella mushrooms, one teaspoon of paprika, half a teaspoon of salt, one and a half teaspoons of Italian seasoning, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Cook everything for about four to five minutes until the mushrooms are tender and fragrant.
Prepare the Pasta: While the mushrooms are cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the gluten-free penne according to package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Create the Flavor Base: Once the mushrooms are cooked, push them to the edges of the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the basil oil and two tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic, diced shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste to the center of the skillet. Season with another tablespoon of Italian seasoning, a sprinkle of paprika, half a teaspoon of salt, and dry basil. Stir everything together and let it cook for about two minutes until it becomes aromatic.
Incorporate the Flour: Sprinkle the gluten-free flour into the mixture and stir well until it’s fully mixed in.
Add the Creaminess: Now pour in the vegetable broth and one cup of heavy cream. Stir to combine, and then add the diced spinach. Cook for another five minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the spinach wilts.
Finish with Cheese: Gradually mix in the shredded parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Combine with Pasta: Finally, gently fold the cooked penne into the sauce, ensuring every piece is showered with the creamy goodness.
Serve with Style: Spoon the luscious pasta onto plates and finish by garnishing with chopped basil for a fresh touch.
How to Serve Marry Me Pasta
Presenting Marry Me Pasta is an opportunity to let your creativity shine. It’s best to serve it warm, straight from the skillet onto plates or into bowls. A sprinkle of fresh basil on top adds a pop of color and enhances the aroma.
To make the dining experience even more special, you might consider pairing this dish with a light side salad. A mix of greens dressed in a simple vinaigrette can perfectly balance the richness of the pasta. You could also serve it alongside garlic bread, allowing your guests to enjoy every last drop of the creamy sauce.
When it comes to drinks, opt for something refreshing and crisp, such as sparkling water with lime, to cleanse the palate. This will allow the exquisite flavors of your Marry Me Pasta to truly shine.
Expert Tips: Marry Me Pasta
Creating the perfect Marry Me Pasta can be simplified with a few expert tips:
Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes and fresh mushrooms for the best flavor. This dish relies heavily on these ingredients, so their quality can significantly impact the final outcome.
Adjust the Spices: Don’t hesitate to experiment with the herbs and spices! If you love a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dish for an extra kick.
Watch the Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the noodles as they boil to prevent them from becoming mushy. Gluten-free pasta can cook faster than regular pasta, so it’s crucial to follow the package instructions closely.
Add More Greens: If you want to boost the nutritional value of your dish, consider adding additional greens, such as kale or arugula, in place of or alongside the spinach.
Make Ahead: If you’re hosting, you can prepare the sauce earlier in the day and simply heat it up before serving. Then, cook the pasta fresh to maintain the perfect texture.
How to Store Marry Me Pasta
If you find yourself with leftovers (though this may be unlikely), storing Marry Me Pasta is easy. Wait for the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Indicate the date on the container to keep track of when it was made.
When stored properly in the refrigerator, the pasta should last about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or cream to help bring it back to life and prevent it from drying out.
Variation of Marry Me Pasta
Marry Me Pasta is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize this recipe to suit your tastes and preferences. Here are a few variations you might want to consider:
Protein Additions: Add grilled chicken or shrimp to the dish for a more filling meal. These proteins pair beautifully with the creamy sauce and elevate the overall dish.
Vegan Style: For a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese. This creates a rich and creamy texture without animal products.
Different Vegetables: Substitute spinach with other greens or add in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for a colorful and nutritious twist.
Pasta Shapes: Feel free to experiment with different gluten-free pasta shapes, such as fusilli or fettuccine, to give the dish a new look and texture.
Flavor Boost: Adding a splash of lemon juice or zest at the end can brighten up the flavors and provide a fresh counterpoint to the creamy sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Marry Me Pasta taste like?
Marry Me Pasta has a rich and creamy flavor profile, thanks to the combination of heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and delicious sun-dried tomatoes. The earthiness of the baby Bella mushrooms complements the dish perfectly, creating a satisfying and indulgent meal.
Can I make Marry Me Pasta ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time, store it in an airtight container, and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Cook the pasta fresh right before serving to ensure it retains its texture.
Is Marry Me Pasta gluten-free?
Absolutely! By using gluten-free penne, you can enjoy this dish without worrying about gluten. Just make sure all your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Can I customize the recipe?
Definitely! This recipe is very forgiving, allowing you to add your favorite proteins, substitute vegetables, or make it vegan. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
Marry Me Pasta
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Pot for Boiling Pasta
- Strainer
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil
- 8 oz Baby Bella mushrooms sliced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 oz gluten-free penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon basil olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon dry basil
- 0.33 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons shallots diced
- 1 tablespoon minced onion
- 2.5 tablespoons tomato paste
- 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes diced
- 2 cups spinach diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1.5 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour
- chopped basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a skillet. Add mushrooms, paprika, salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook gluten-free penne in boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Push mushrooms to the side of the skillet. Add basil oil, butter, garlic, shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste to the center. Stir in Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, dry basil, and salt. Cook 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle in gluten-free flour and mix well to combine.
- Pour in vegetable broth and heavy cream. Stir in spinach. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens and spinach wilts.
- Add shredded parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Fold cooked penne into the sauce until fully coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped basil.