This Marry Me Pasta recipe is creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor from garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a silky coconut milk sauce. With tender lentils and fresh basil, this pasta is perfect for date night, family dinners, or when you want a quick but impressive meal. Learn how to make the best Marry Me Pasta at home with step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations.
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Pasta
Marry Me Pasta is famous for being so good it could inspire a proposal. This version keeps the rich, indulgent flavor but lightens things up with wholesome ingredients like lentils and baby spinach.
The coconut milk makes the sauce velvety smooth, smoked paprika and red pepper flakes bring depth and heat, and fresh basil adds brightness.
It’s quick, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a favorite.
Ingredients for the Best Marry Me Pasta
For maximum flavor, start with pasta cooked in well-salted water. Garlic, onion, and olive oil form the aromatic base.
Sun-dried tomatoes give tangy richness, while canned lentils add hearty protein. Coconut milk creates a creamy sauce without heaviness, and vegan parmesan finishes it with savory depth.
A pinch of smoked paprika and crushed red pepper flakes give warmth, while fresh spinach and basil keep everything fresh and balanced.
How to Make Marry Me Pasta at Home
Cooking this Marry Me Pasta couldn’t be easier.
Sauté garlic and onion in olive oil until golden and fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, lentils, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Add coconut milk and let it simmer into a rich sauce.
Toss in your pasta, fold in baby spinach, and finish with parmesan and basil. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy pasta on the table.
What Makes This the Best Marry Me Pasta Recipe
Many Marry Me Pasta recipes use heavy cream and chicken, but this version stands out because it’s just as creamy and satisfying while being lighter and plant-powered.
Coconut milk and lentils make it unique, while smoked paprika and sun-dried tomatoes give a bold Mediterranean-inspired twist.
It’s a versatile recipe that works for weeknights, date nights, or special occasions.
Tips for Success
Salt your pasta water generously for the best flavor.
Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for maximum richness. Freshly grated parmesan (or vegan parmesan) gives the best results.
Always finish with fresh basil for that burst of fragrance that makes this dish unforgettable.
Variations to Try
Marry Me Pasta is endlessly adaptable.
Add mushrooms for an earthy touch, swap spinach for kale, or include roasted red peppers for sweetness. For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes.
You can also bake leftovers with extra parmesan for a golden, bubbly pasta bake.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of coconut milk or water to loosen the sauce.
For a fresh twist, turn your leftovers into a baked pasta by topping with extra parmesan and baking until crispy on top.
Marry Me Pasta FAQ
It’s a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that became popular because it’s said to be so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal.
Penne, rigatoni, and fusilli are ideal because they hold onto the creamy sauce, but spaghetti works too.
Yes, the sauce can be made a day in advance. Cook pasta fresh, combine, and serve.
It has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the spice level to your preference.
Other Recipe Recommendations
Share This Marry Me Pasta Recipe
If you make this Marry Me Pasta recipe, I’d love to know how it turned out for you.
Please leave a comment with a star rating. It helps others find the recipe too.
Don’t forget to share a photo on Instagram or Facebook and tag me so I can see your delicious creation!
Marry Me Pasta
This creamy Marry Me Pasta recipe is ready in 30 minutes and made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, coconut milk, lentils, and fresh basil. Perfect for date night, family dinners, or whenever you want an easy, flavorful pasta dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta, cooked in salted water
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) lentils, drained
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ⅓ cup vegan parmesan, plus more for serving
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 large handful baby spinach
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, lentils, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Pour in coconut milk and stir well. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Fold in baby spinach and cook until just wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing until fully coated. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen.
- Top with vegan parmesan and chopped basil before serving.
Notes
- Use pasta shapes with ridges (penne, rigatoni, fusilli) to hold onto the creamy sauce.
- Leftovers reheat best on the stove with a splash of coconut milk or water.
- For extra heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1.5 cupsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 605Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 639mgCarbohydrates: 57gFiber: 5gSugar: 2gProtein: 17g