If you are looking for a delicious, comforting, and deeply satisfying pasta dish, the Marry Me Pasta Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. This vibrant, creamy meal boasts a lush cashew cream base, tender lentil pasta, and an exciting medley of sautéed vegetables that come together in perfect harmony. Every bite bursts with flavor, thanks to the sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a hint of lemon that brightens the whole dish. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving a soul-soothing supper, this recipe will have you wondering why you never made it sooner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to making this Marry Me Pasta Recipe come alive. Each component plays a crucial role – from the cashew cream providing richness to the lentil pasta offering a hearty texture, every bite is layered with taste and color.
- ¼ cup raw cashews: Soak or blend raw cashews to create a silky, dairy-free cream that forms the sauce’s base.
- 12 oz lentil pasta: Packed with protein and gluten-free, this pasta holds up beautifully in the sauce while adding texture.
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast: Adds a cheesy, nutty flavor without any cheese, boosting umami.
- 2 cups soy milk: Keeps the sauce creamy and smooth while staying plant-based.
- 1 tsp olive oil: Helps to sauté the veggies, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- 2 yellow onions, finely sliced: Brings a gentle sweetness that caramelizes as they cook.
- 2 red bell peppers, thinly sliced: Infuses the dish with vibrant color and a mild crunch.
- 1 oz sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Adds depth, tang, and a concentrated tomato flavor.
- 1 can butter beans, drained and rinsed: Offers creaminess and extra protein for a filling meal.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste: Intensifies tomato richness and thickens the sauce.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Provides an earthy herbaceous note.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Boosts flavor with a subtle garlicky warmth.
- 1 tsp lemon juice: Adds a bright, fresh contrast that lifts the whole dish.
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Adds vibrant green color and nutritious greens that gently wilt into the sauce.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Finishes the dish with a fresh pop of herbal aroma.
How to Make Marry Me Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Lentil Pasta
Start by cooking the lentil pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. The pasta holds its shape well and has a slightly nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain and set it aside so it’s ready to be folded into the luscious sauce later.
Step 2: Prepare the Cashew Cream Sauce
In a blender, combine the raw cashews, nutritional yeast, and soy milk. Blend until ultra-smooth and creamy—this is the base of your sauce, giving the dish that indulgent texture without any dairy. Set this vibrant cream aside because it’s about to transform the sautéed vegetables into something truly special.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the finely sliced yellow onions. Sauté them gently for about 5 minutes until they soften and start to turn golden. The onions bring a natural sweetness and depth that infuse each bite with complexity.
Step 4: Add Bell Peppers and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Next, toss in the red bell peppers and sun-dried tomatoes along with the garlic powder. Keep stirring and cooking for another 3 minutes; this step lets the flavors meld and the veggies soften just enough to maintain a pleasant bite and vibrant color.
Step 5: Stir in Butter Beans and Tomato Paste
Add the drained butter beans, tomato paste, and dried oregano to the skillet. This mixture simmers together for about 5 minutes, thickening the sauce and blending all those beautiful flavors. The beans add subtle creaminess and make this dish wonderfully hearty and satisfying.
Step 6: Combine with Cashew Cream Sauce
Pour your cashew cream sauce into the skillet, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Watch as everything comes together into a smooth, creamy sauce that’s not too heavy but perfectly indulgent. This step is where that magic “Marry Me Pasta Recipe” moment happens.
Step 7: Finish with Pasta, Spinach, and Lemon Juice
Finally, fold in the cooked pasta, fresh spinach, and a splash of lemon juice. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. This touch of lemon juice really brightens the entire dish, balancing the richness and rounding out the flavors.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving. This garnish adds just the right amount of fresh herbal aroma and a pop of green that makes the dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Marry Me Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes add the perfect finishing touch. A dash of freshly ground black pepper can also enhance the flavor. These small garnishes elevate the dish from comforting to restaurant-worthy with minimal effort.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some garlic-roasted vegetables. A slice of crusty bread or warm focaccia can round out the meal perfectly, helping to soak up the creamy sauce that you won’t want to leave behind.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Marry Me Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a lemon wedge on the side. For a fun twist, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or seeds on top for added texture. If you’re hosting a dinner, plating it with a drizzle of olive oil and a few shavings of vegan parmesan can make a stunning impression.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marry Me Pasta tastes fantastic the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain maximum freshness and flavor. The sauce tends to thicken overnight, so you may want to stir in a splash of soy milk before reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When freezing, the texture of the pasta may soften a bit, but the rich flavors hold up beautifully.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat or in the microwave, adding a little soy milk or water to loosen the sauce if it’s become too thick. Take care not to overheat, especially when reheating in the microwave, to keep the creamy texture intact and avoid drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While lentil pasta adds extra protein and texture, you can swap it for your favorite gluten-free or traditional pasta. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure it remains al dente.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this Marry Me Pasta Recipe is completely plant-based and vegan-friendly. It uses cashews and nutritional yeast to achieve creamy, cheesy flavors without any dairy.
Can I substitute the soy milk for something else?
Definitely. Almond milk, oat milk, or any other unsweetened plant milk will work well in the cashew cream sauce, just make sure it’s unflavored to keep the taste balanced.
How long does it take to make from start to finish?
This recipe takes about 35 minutes total, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that feels special but doesn’t require hours of prep.
What does the name Marry Me Pasta Recipe mean?
The name comes from the dish’s irresistibly creamy, flavorful qualities that are often said to be so good, they could inspire a proposal. It’s a playful nod to how impressively delicious this pasta is!
Final Thoughts
The Marry Me Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself returning to again and again because it checks all the boxes: creamy, flavorful, easy to make, and wonderfully comforting. Whether cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is sure to win hearts around the table. So get your ingredients ready, and enjoy the joyful experience of making and sharing this unforgettable meal!
Print
Marry Me Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan, American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A creamy, flavorful vegan pasta dish made with lentil pasta, a rich cashew and nutritional yeast sauce, sautéed vegetables, and butter beans. This Marry Me Pasta combines wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors for a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cashew Cream Sauce
- ¼ cup raw cashews
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 2 cups soy milk
Pasta
- 12 oz lentil pasta
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 yellow onions, finely sliced
- 2 red bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 1 oz sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 can butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the lentil pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside to keep warm.
- Prepare Cashew Cream Sauce: In a blender, combine raw cashews, nutritional yeast, and soy milk. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy without any graininess. Set this creamy sauce aside.
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely sliced yellow onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they are softened and translucent, developing a sweet aroma.
- Add Bell Peppers and Tomatoes: Stir in the thinly sliced red bell peppers, garlic powder, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
- Simmer Butter Bean Mixture: Add the drained butter beans, tomato paste, and dried oregano to the skillet. Stir everything to combine, then let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to thicken and meld the flavors.
- Incorporate Cashew Cream: Pour the prepared cashew cream sauce into the skillet. Stir constantly and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to warm and thicken slightly without boiling.
- Combine Pasta and Greens: Add the cooked pasta, fresh spinach, and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir thoroughly until the spinach wilts and all ingredients are evenly combined, creating a colorful and creamy pasta dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use raw cashews for the best creamy texture; soak them for at least 2 hours if you want an even smoother sauce or if your blender is not very powerful.
- Lentil pasta is a great gluten-free and high-protein pasta alternative.
- You can substitute soy milk with any other plant-based milk of your choice, but unsweetened varieties work best.
- Adjust garlic powder and oregano amounts according to taste for a more intense flavor.
- The tomato paste adds richness and depth; make sure to cook it well with the butter beans for best results.
- Fresh spinach wilted at the end retains its vibrant color and nutrients.
- This dish stores well for up to 3 days refrigerated; reheat gently to preserve creaminess.
