Marry Me Pasta
If you’re looking for a recipe that will make someone fall head over heels with you, this “marry me” pasta is a pretty safe bet! Plus it’s ready in just 20 minutes.
You might be thinking, what does it mean? What is a marry me pasta? Of course, true pasta lovers will know that it’s a dish SO GOOD you would want to marry the person who made it!
Jokes aside, this Tuscan-inspired pasta recipe is a perfect combination of simple, wholesome ingredients, easy cooking process, and only a fraction of your time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This entire recipe only takes 20 minutes. Even less if you’re good at multitasking!
- The original marry me pasta recipe that went viral wasn’t vegan, but this one certainly is! What’s more, it can easily be adapted to a gluten-free version, too.
- This is one of my go-to recipes if I want a simple and delicious dinner. My husband (who did recently marry me haha) loves it too!
- We are in the middle of tomato season. If you grow your own, this is an excellent opportunity to put them to good use. And if you don’t grow tomatoes, they are generally cheaper when in season! It’s a win-win.
- In addition to tomatoes, the ingredients for this marry me pasta are accessible, wholesome, and generally inexpensive.
What is Marry Me Pasta?
Marry Me Pasta is a term that refers to a popular pasta dish known for its creamy tomato sauce and flavorful ingredients. It’s a romantic and whimsical name for a dish that has gained attention online and in various cooking communities.
The exact recipe for Marry Me Pasta can vary, but here’s a general idea of what the dish might involve:
- Pasta of your choice (such as penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Fresh or canned tomatoes
- Heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh herbs
- Parmesan
It has recently gained traction on TikTok again, and I love veganizing viral recipes, making them accessible to plant-based and plant-centered eaters. Naturally, this will require some substitutions from the list above.
What Equipment Will I Need?
All in all, you probably already have everything you need to make this recipe. Here’s what I used to make Marry Me pasta:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Garlic press
- Pasta pot
- Non-stick pan
- Spatula
If you don’t have a dedicated pasta pot, you can use any pot, but you may need a colander to drain excess liquid. You can also use store-bought minced garlic instead of processing it yourself.
This recipe also calls for coconut milk. You might need a can opener, depending on whether the brand you buy has a little pull tab.
Finally, there is an optional ingredient of vegan cheese. Sometimes it comes as prepackaged grated cheese. Otherwise, you’ll need a box grater to do it yourself.
If you’re missing any of the items from my list, and looking for cookware inspiration, I would definitely recommend investing into quality items that will last you a long while.
How to Make This Recipe
Different types of pasta may require different cooking time. Your best bet is to cook pasta according to package directions.
Once it is cooked, drain the remaining liquid, reserving at least 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Heat olive oil in the non-stick pan over medium heat. Add onion and sauce for a couple of minutes until it starts to become translucent.
Next, add garlic, spices and tomato paste. Keep cooking and stirring everything together until the mixture is fragrant. Again, this will probably take a couple of minutes.
Add cherry tomatoes and vegetable broth. Cover your pan with a lid maybe even turn up the heat slightly to help the tomatoes along. Cook for about 3 minutes until the tomatoes burst.
Finally, add coconut milk and vegan cheese (optional). Stir everything together until you have an indulgent, creamy sauce.
Now that the sauce is done, add your pasta, the reserved pasta water and stir in fresh basil. Mix well to distribute the sauce. Enjoy immediately.
Hack It!
- When it comes to presentation, you don’t need anything fancy. You may add some more fresh basil, extra vegan cheese, or even just a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and nutritional yeast.
- Feel free to use your favorite type of pasta! My husband loves chickpea pasta as it contains more protein. Some people may have a preference on whole wheat vs white pasta. Personally, I say use whichever noodles make you happy!
- If you’re gluten-free, there are so many options nowadays for gluten-free pasta! And in this recipe you can simply swap one for the other.
- There’s no such thing as too much garlic! All pasta girlies know that you measure garlic with your heart and add more if that’s what you prefer.
- If you find that coconut milk overshadows other ingredients for you, may I suggest cashew cream. It’s easy to make at home, and it takes pasta recipes to the next level.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Shirazi Salad Pitas
- Rice Paper Dumplings
- Vegan Tzatziki and Cucumber Mojito
- Easy Tomato Orzo
- Scarpaccia Zucchini Tart
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The Recipe: Marry Me Pasta
Ingredients
- 16 oz whole wheat linguine
- 1 tbsp olive oil, optional
- 1 red onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ¾ cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ½ cup vegan cheese, shredded, optional
- ½ cup pasta water
- 1 handful fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions, reserving at least 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Add the onion to a pan with 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil or water, until translucent, approximately 2 minutes.
- Add the garlic, spices and tomato paste, and stir until fragrant, approximately 2 minutes. Add the cherry tomatoes and vegetable broth. Cover, and allow to cook for 3 minutes, until the tomatoes have bursted.
- Add the coconut milk and vegan cheese if using. Stir until a creamy sauce is formed.
