If you are on the hunt for a dish that truly wows with its creamy, tangy, and just-right-spicy flavor, the Marry Me Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is the answer. This comforting pasta blends silky cream, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and a harmonious mix of herbs and spices into a luscious sauce that lovingly coats every strand of linguini. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm embrace on a plate and might just inspire a proposal—or at least a dinner request on repeat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl with a textured surface is filled with a dark reddish-brown, chunky paste that looks thick and rich. The paste has small, uneven bits giving it a coarse texture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface that contrasts with the deep color of the paste. The image is focused from above, showing only the bowl and its contents. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Though the ingredient list might seem modest, each component in this recipe is thoughtfully included to build layers of flavor, texture, and that signature creamy richness. From the sharpness of fresh Parmesan to the herbal freshness of basil, every ingredient plays a crucial part in transforming simple pasta into an extraordinary meal.

1 and 1/2 tablespoons butter: Provides the perfect silky base for sautéing garlic and building the sauce’s richness.
4 cloves of garlic, grated: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and a gentle kick.
2 cups light cream: Creates a luscious, velvety texture without overpowering the other flavors.
1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce adding savory sharpness and delightful creaminess.
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes + 1 tablespoon oil from the jar: Provides a tangy, slightly sweet intensity and beautiful color.
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil: Adds a fresh, herbaceous brightness to balance the sauce.
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder: Enhances umami and layers of savory flavor (note: not vegetarian).
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers subtle earthiness that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts garlic flavor with a steady, mellow undertone.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing every note in the sauce.
1/4 teaspoon pepper: Adds a mild heat and warmth.
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (more if you want it to be spicy!): Brings just the right amount of heat to wake up the palate.
3/4 box of thin linguini or other long noodle of your choice: The perfect vehicle for soaking up the creamy sauce; short noodles will require about 3 cups dry.
Reserved pasta water: A secret trick for thinning the sauce gently without losing creaminess or flavor.

How to Make Marry Me Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Make the Sun-Dried Tomato Paste

Start by chopping the sun-dried tomatoes as finely as possible, then blend them with a tablespoon of the oil from the jar until you get a coarse, slightly chunky paste. This concentrated blend unlocks intense tomato flavor and adds luscious, savory depth to your sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring salted water to a boil, then cook your linguini or chosen noodles until al dente. Remember to save about 1/4 cup of that flavorful pasta water—it’s going to come in handy later to gently loosen your sauce if it gets too thick. Drain the noodles and set them aside while you work on the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Melt butter in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the freshly grated garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, dried thyme, and chicken bouillon powder. Let these aromatics cook together for about one minute—this step wakes up the spices and creates a fragrant foundation bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Incorporate the Cream

Pour in the light cream and gently heat it over medium to medium-low heat for about five minutes. A gentle simmer is just right here; avoid bringing it to a boil to preserve the cream’s silky texture.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasonings

Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, your homemade sun-dried tomato paste, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and fresh basil. Let the sauce gently simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing all these wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add your reserved pasta water to reach that perfect creamy consistency. Don’t hesitate to skim off any excess oil that rises on the surface for a cleaner finish.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Finally, add the cooked noodles right into the cream sauce, stirring carefully to coat each strand in this luscious mixture. Turn off the heat and prepare to plate your masterpiece.

How to Serve Marry Me Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

The image shows a close-up view of creamy pasta in a pan. The pasta strands are long and thin, coated in a thick, light beige sauce with specks of red and green herbs spread evenly throughout. The sauce looks rich and smooth, covering every strand well. The pasta fills the pan with slight texture from the sauce and bits of ingredients, creating a uniform, dense pile of noodles. The edge of the black pan is partly visible under the pasta around the sides. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Nothing elevates this dish more than a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or a few fresh basil leaves on top. You can also add a dash more crushed red pepper if you like a little extra kick that teases your tongue with every bite.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the creamy sauce. Garlic bread or crusty ciabatta also make perfect companions, soaking up every last bit of that tomato cream goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve the pasta in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the colors and textures. Garnish with edible flowers or sprinkle with toasted pine nuts for crunch and visual appeal. This Marry Me Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is elegant enough for date night but simple enough for weeknight comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so a bit of reserved pasta water or cream helps to bring it back to life when reheating.

Freezing

This pasta is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen if necessary. Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and be ready to adjust the sauce consistency with a splash of cream or water.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts. Stir frequently and add a little reserved pasta water or cream to restore that gorgeous saucy texture without drying out the noodles.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

The chicken bouillon powder adds depth to the sauce, so to make it vegetarian, swap it for a vegetable bouillon or mushroom broth powder to maintain the umami flavor without animal products.

What kind of sun-dried tomatoes work best?

Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil are ideal for this recipe because they have a richer flavor and softer texture that blend beautifully into the cream sauce. If you only have dry ones, rehydrate them first in warm water.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While linguini is traditional, feel free to use fettuccine, spaghetti, or even short pasta like penne. Just adjust the pasta quantity accordingly for short noodles and be sure to reserve some pasta water to perfect the sauce consistency.

Is this recipe spicy?

The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, but you can control the spice level by reducing or increasing the amount to suit your taste. For a milder version, simply omit the red pepper flakes entirely.

How thick should the sauce be?

The sauce should be creamy and coat the noodles generously without being gloopy. If it looks too thick after simmering, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach that silky, luxurious texture that clings beautifully to every bite.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say, this Marry Me Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is a total game-changer when it comes to cozy, crave-worthy dinners. It’s straightforward to make yet feels utterly decadent and special, perfect for sharing with someone you adore or simply treating yourself to something spectacular. So grab your pan, get cooking, and prepare to be serenaded by every creamy, dreamy forkful.