Marry Me Pasta Recipe

If you have never tried the Marry Me Pasta, get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and utterly comforting. This recipe combines a luscious tomato cream sauce with tender mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a perfect blend of Italian herbs that create a pasta experience you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, Marry Me Pasta is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, guaranteed to impress and satisfy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every star ingredient in this Marry Me Pasta plays a vital role: from the earthy mushrooms adding depth, to the creamy parmesan enriching the sauce, each component is simple yet essential for that bold, irresistible taste and beautiful texture.

• Sun-dried tomato oil: infuses the mushrooms with intense, fruity flavor and richness.
• Baby Bella mushrooms (8 oz, sliced): their meaty texture adds wonderful earthiness to the dish.
• Paprika (1 tsp): brings a subtle smoky warmth that enhances all the other flavors.
• Salt (½ tsp): balances and elevates the natural flavors perfectly.
• Italian seasoning (1 ½ tsp): a classic herb blend that anchors the pasta firmly in Italian tradition.
• Black pepper (¼ tsp): adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
• Gluten-free penne (12 oz): to keep the dish accessible while offering that perfect pasta bite.
• Basil olive oil (1 tbsp): brightens the sauce with fresh herbal notes.
• Dry basil (½ tsp): reinforces the herbal depth in every creamy forkful.
• Smoked paprika (⅓ tsp): brings a hint of smoky complexity that pairs beautifully with the tomato base.
• Shallots (2 tbsp): add a mild onion sweetness that melts into the sauce.
• Minced onion (1 tbsp): enhances the savory profile with gentle bite.
• Tomato paste (2 ½ tbsp): contributes a rich, concentrated tomato flavor that makes the sauce velvety and deep.
• Sun-dried tomatoes (½ cup, diced): add bursts of tangy sweetness throughout.
• Spinach (2 cups, diced): provides vibrant color and a fresh, slightly earthy counterpoint.
• Butter (2 tbsp): adds luscious creaminess and helps meld the sauce ingredients together.
• Minced garlic (2 tbsp): supplies aromatic flavor and a delicious punch.
• Vegetable broth (1 ½ cups): forms a savory base that brings everything together without overpowering.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): gives the sauce a decadent, silky smooth texture.
• Parmesan cheese (1 cup, shredded): melts into a creamy, salty finish that ties the dish perfectly.
• Gluten-free flour (2 tbsp): thickens the sauce to a perfect consistency.
• Chopped basil (for garnish): freshens up the presentation and adds a fragrant touch.

How to Make Marry Me Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Mushrooms

Start by heating sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sliced baby Bella mushrooms along with paprika, salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until the mushrooms soften and soak up all those rich flavors. This step sets the flavorful foundation of the dish, introducing that umami punch that makes Marry Me Pasta so memorable.

Step 2: Prepare the Pasta

While your mushrooms are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook your gluten-free penne according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Perfectly cooked pasta is essential to balance the creamy sauce that’s about to come together.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Once the mushrooms are ready, push them gently to the side of the pan and reduce the heat to medium-low. Add basil olive oil and butter right into the empty space in your skillet to gently melt together. Stir in minced garlic, minced onion, shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and dry basil. Let all these aromatics mingle and sizzle for about 2 minutes until fragrant — your kitchen will smell incredible! Next, sprinkle in the gluten-free flour and stir continuously to combine evenly without lumps.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Tomato Sauce

Pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream, giving everything a good stir. Toss in the diced spinach and cook for about 5 minutes more. The sauce should thicken beautifully while the spinach wilts tenderly into the mix. This is where all the flavors harmonize perfectly to form that heavenly cream sauce that defines Marry Me Pasta.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Pasta

Finally, sprinkle in shredded parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Fold the cooked penne right into the sauce, ensuring every noodle is coated with the flavorful, silky goodness. Your Marry Me Pasta is now ready to serve and savor with a flourish of fresh chopped basil on top for a pop of color and herbal brightness.

How to Serve Marry Me Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil not only adds a vibrant green hue but also injects a refreshing herbal aroma that lifts the richness of the dish. For an extra touch, freshly cracked black pepper or some grated parmesan can make every bite feel even more special.

Side Dishes

Marry Me Pasta pairs deliciously with a simple green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette or a side of garlic toasted gluten-free bread to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or a crisp antipasto platter work beautifully to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Marry Me Pasta in individual bowls garnished with edible flowers or colorful microgreens to impress guests. Or plate it family-style in a beautiful serving dish with extra parmesan and basil leaves scattered on top for a rustic, inviting look. Presentation can elevate your meal from everyday comfort to dinner party star.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Marry Me Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep the creamy sauce fresh and delicious.

Freezing

Due to the heavy cream and cheese base, freezing Marry Me Pasta is not recommended as it tends to separate and lose the creamy texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for quick reheats.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the pasta gently over low heat on the stovetop to help the sauce regain its silky consistency. You might want to add a splash of vegetable broth or cream if it seems too thick. Avoid microwaving to prevent uneven heating and curdling.

FAQs

Can I make Marry Me Pasta vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, use vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast, and swap butter for olive oil. This way, you still get a creamy, flavorful pasta with a plant-based twist.

Can I add protein to Marry Me Pasta?

Yes! Adding seared chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu works wonderfully. Just cook your protein separately and stir it in at the end to elevate the dish and make it a full, hearty meal.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It is when you use gluten-free penne and gluten-free flour as specified. This makes it safe for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising any of the rich, creamy flavors that make the Marry Me Pasta so amazing.

How spicy is Marry Me Pasta?

It’s mildly spiced with paprika and black pepper, giving it warmth without heat overload. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more smoked paprika or a pinch of chili flakes if you like a little kick.

Can I prepare Marry Me Pasta ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead, like chopping vegetables and cooking mushrooms, but it’s best to assemble and cook the sauce right before serving for the creamiest, freshest taste possible.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Pasta is truly one of those dishes that brings people together with its irresistible flavors and comforting creaminess. It’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for celebrations, making it a reliable go-to recipe. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making this at home—you might just find it becomes your new favorite pasta to share again and again.