Name: Marry Me Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (any shape, gluten-free if preferred); ½ cup raw cashews (softened if needed, see step 1); ½ cup water (for blending); 1 tablespoon olive oil (substitute water or broth for oil-free); 5 cloves garlic (sliced); ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained if packed in oil, sliced); 1 cup water (for sauce); 3 tablespoons tomato paste; ½ cup fresh basil (chopped, plus more for garnish); Salt and pepper to taste; Extra fresh basil; Parsley; Crushed red pepper flakes; Squeeze of lemon; Vegan parmesan

If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug from your best friend, the Marry Me Pasta Recipe is here to sweep you off your feet. This creamy, dreamy pasta combines vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and a luscious cashew cream sauce to create a plate that is bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or simply want to treat yourself, this recipe balances simplicity and sophistication like no other. It’s the kind of comfort food that invites smiles with every forkful and might just have you whispering the name of the dish as a secret love song in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows cooking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. In the center left is a bunch of uncooked yellow spaghetti, tied in the middle. Around it are small white bowls with different ingredients: one bowl holds bright red tomato paste at the top center, another has peeled white garlic cloves to the right, and below the tomato paste bowl is one with dark red sun-dried tomatoes. A glass measuring cup with clear water is placed to the right of the spaghetti. A small clear glass container with yellow olive oil is at the top left. A cup filled with golden cashew nuts sits at the bottom right next to a small dish holding salt and black pepper. Fresh green basil leaves with a smooth texture lie at the bottom left. A wooden-handled scoop holds the cashews. The whole setup is clean and well-lit, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every great dish starts with the right ingredients, and the magic of this Marry Me Pasta Recipe lies in how simple yet essential these components are. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the silky cashew cream that brings decadence without heaviness, to the sun-dried tomatoes that add bursts of tangy sweetness and the fresh basil that brightens everything with herbal freshness.

12 oz pasta (any shape, gluten-free if preferred): This is the base that holds all the flavors together, so choose your favorite variety or dietary-friendly option.
½ cup raw cashews (softened if needed): Cashews create the rich, creamy sauce without dairy — soaking or boiling makes them blend super smooth.
½ cup water: Used to blend the cashews into a silky cream, keeping the sauce light and luscious.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds depth and richness to the sauce; you can substitute with water or broth for an oil-free version.
5 cloves garlic (sliced): Garlic infuses the sauce with its fragrant, savory aroma that makes everything irresistible.
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained if packed in oil, sliced): These bring a concentrated burst of sweet and tangy flavor to the sauce.
1 cup water: Helps to thin the sauce to a perfect consistency for coating your pasta beautifully.
3 tablespoons tomato paste: Adds a rich umami punch that deepens the tomato flavor of the sauce.
½ cup fresh basil (chopped, plus more for garnish): Basil adds a fresh, bright herbal note essential for balance.
Salt and pepper (to taste): These elevate the flavors, bringing harmony to every bite.
Optional for garnish: Extra fresh basil, parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, a squeeze of lemon, or vegan parmesan to add layers of flavor and aesthetics.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Marry Me Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Soften the Cashews

Start by softening the cashews unless you have a powerful blender that can handle them raw. Boiling them for 10 minutes until tender or soaking them overnight helps them blend into a silky smooth cream. This step is the secret to the sauce’s luxurious texture, so don’t skip it!

Step 2: Blend the Cashew Cream

Next, toss the softened cashews and ½ cup of fresh water into your blender. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. This cashew cream will be the rich base that makes your pasta unforgettable.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Be sure to reserve some pasta water before draining — it’s a handy ingredient to loosen your sauce perfectly later on.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the sliced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for about 60 seconds until the garlic releases its amazing aroma. Then, reduce the heat and stir in the cashew cream, 1 cup of fresh water, tomato paste, and the chopped basil. Let it simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes until pleasantly warmed through and bubbly—this step melds all those delicious flavors beautifully.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Finally, toss the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, coating every strand or piece evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to get that perfect silky coating. Season with salt and pepper to your taste, and you’re ready to plate up this stunning Marry Me Pasta Recipe.

How to Serve Marry Me Pasta Recipe

The image shows a close-up of cooked pasta noodles in a white pan with a creamy orange sauce covering the noodles. Sun-dried tomato pieces and fresh green basil leaves are scattered on top of the pasta, adding depth of color. Thin strips of grated cheese and small green herb pieces are sprinkled across the dish. A wooden slotted spoon is partially inside the pan, mixing the pasta on a white marbled surface. The sauce looks smooth and thick, clinging well to the noodles. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A few thoughtful garnishes can make this dish truly shine. Fresh basil leaves add a pop of green and fresh aroma, parsley can bring a hint of earthiness, crushed red pepper flakes introduce a subtle kick of heat, a squeeze of lemon brightens the flavors, and a sprinkle of vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast offers a savory note that rounds out the dish.

Side Dishes

Pair your Marry Me Pasta with a simple crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls also make excellent companions, soaking up any extra sauce on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t just toss your pasta in a bowl and call it a day! For a bit of elegance, twirl portions of pasta into neat nests on each plate, then drizzle with extra sauce and garnish artistically. Serve in shallow bowls for an intimate vibe or in a large family-style platter to share the love. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can also elevate this dish visually for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Marry Me Pasta Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the fresh flavors and creamy texture. When you’re ready to eat, the sauce might have thickened, but a little stirring will bring it back to life.

Freezing

This pasta freezes well if you want to stash away a batch for busy days. Freeze it in a sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the integrity of the sauce.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from breaking or drying out. With care, it will taste almost as good as freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut instead of cashews?

Absolutely! While cashews give the creamiest texture, blanched almonds or macadamia nuts can be a good substitute. Just keep in mind you may need to adjust soaking times and the final texture slightly.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, the Marry Me Pasta Recipe is entirely plant-based, using cashew cream instead of dairy. It’s perfect for vegans and those looking to enjoy a creamy pasta without the heaviness of cheese or cream.

Can I make this recipe oil-free?

Definitely! Simply swap the olive oil with water or vegetable broth when sautéing the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, and you’ll still capture great flavor with fewer calories.

What pasta shapes work best?

Any pasta shape works wonderfully here, but penne, rigatoni, or farfalle hold onto the sauce nicely, making each bite flavorful. Gluten-free pasta options also work seamlessly for those with dietary restrictions.

How spicy is this dish?

The basic recipe isn’t spicy, keeping it mild and approachable. However, adding crushed red pepper flakes as a garnish lets you customize the heat according to your taste.

Final Thoughts

The Marry Me Pasta Recipe is much more than a meal — it’s a celebration of comfort, flavor, and simple luxury all in one bowl. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or someone special, it’s sure to become a cherished favorite. Give it a try, and let this deliciously creamy, herbaceous pasta capture your heart and your taste buds!

Marry Me Pasta Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need