If you’re looking for a dish that absolutely captivates your taste buds and wows anyone lucky enough to share your table, the Marry Me Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. This irresistibly creamy, vibrant, and nourishing pasta blends wholesome ingredients like lentil pasta and butter beans with a luscious cashew cream sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Every bite is a celebration of textures and sunny colors, making it a feel-good meal you’ll be eager to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Marry Me Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s lending creaminess, body, or a pop of freshness. The balance of plant-based elements creates a hearty yet elegant dish anyone can enjoy.
- ¼ cup raw cashews: Soaked and blended to create a rich, dreamy cream base without dairy.
- 12 oz lentil pasta: Packed with protein and fiber, it gives the dish an extra nutritional boost and a satisfying bite.
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast: Adds a subtle cheesy flavor and depth to the sauce.
- 2 cups soy milk: The perfect plant-based liquid to mellow the sauce but keep it creamy.
- 1 tsp olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables to tender, caramelized perfection.
- 2 yellow onions, finely sliced: They bring sweetness and a delicate crunch once cooked low and slow.
- 2 red bell peppers, thinly sliced: For vibrant color and a mild sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cream sauce.
- 1 oz sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Their bold, tangy punch adds an irresistible depth of flavor.
- 1 can butter beans, drained and rinsed: Creamy and filling, these beans make the dish even more hearty.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that boosts the sauce’s richness.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: A fragrant herb that perfectly complements the Mediterranean flair.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Infuses the dish with warm, mellow garlic notes.
- 1 tsp lemon juice: A splash of acidity to brighten all the flavors.
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Adds a fresh, leafy green component and a pop of color.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Because a sprinkle of greenery makes everything look and taste fresher.
How to Make Marry Me Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your lentil pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. This ensures it has just the right chewiness to hold up against the creamy sauce. Once done, drain and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Cashew Cream Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, toss your soaked raw cashews, nutritional yeast, and soy milk into a blender. Blend until the mixture turns silky smooth and creamy. This cashew cream is the heart of the sauce, providing that indulgent texture and subtle nutty flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the finely sliced yellow onions. Sauté them gently for about 5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This slow cooking unlocks their natural sweetness, building a wonderful base layer of flavor.
Step 4: Add the Peppers and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Next, stir in the thinly sliced red bell peppers, garlic powder, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook everything for about 3 minutes, giving the peppers a chance to soften slightly while the sun-dried tomatoes release their burst of tangy richness. The kitchen will smell incredible!
Step 5: Combine Butter Beans and Tomato Paste
To the skillet, add drained butter beans, tomato paste, and oregano. Stir well and let this mixture simmer for around 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. The beans add creamy texture and protein while the tomato paste deepens the sauce’s body.
Step 6: Stir in the Cashew Cream
Pour in your luscious cashew cream sauce and keep stirring for 2 minutes until everything combines into a velvety, dreamy blend. This is where everything starts to come together, making the dish unforgettable.
Step 7: Mix in Pasta, Spinach, and Lemon Juice
Finally, add the cooked pasta, fresh spinach, and a splash of lemon juice to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts and all the ingredients are evenly coated in that beautiful sauce. The lemon juice adds a vibrant zing that brightens the whole dish.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Marry Me Pasta Recipe with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. This final touch not only adds color but also fresh herbal notes that elevate the creamy flavors in every bite.
How to Serve Marry Me Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a must-have garnish for this dish as it brings a lovely green freshness right before serving. You can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a little kick or some toasted pine nuts for an unexpected crunch.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs perfectly with a light, crisp salad to balance its creamy richness. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a cucumber and tomato salad with fresh herbs works wonderfully. Garlic bread or crusty artisan rolls also complement the dish by offering a nice textural contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve this pasta in wide shallow bowls and top with an extra drizzle of olive oil and a few whole fresh basil leaves. Or try layering it in a clear glass baking dish and broiling briefly with vegan cheese sprinkled on top to create a bubbly crust that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld even more, so it’s a perfect option for a ready-to-eat meal later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freezing works well too. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that fresh spinach might lose a little texture after thawing, but the flavors will remain delicious.
Reheating
Reheat your Marry Me Pasta Recipe gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of plant milk or water if the sauce feels too thick. Avoid microwaving on high as this may dry out the pasta. Slow and steady is the way to go for creamy leftovers.
FAQs
Can I use regular pasta instead of lentil pasta?
Absolutely! While lentil pasta adds protein and a lovely nutty flavor, any pasta you have on hand will work well. Just adjust cooking times accordingly based on the type you choose.
Do I have to soak the cashews before blending?
Soaking cashews softens them, which makes for the creamiest sauce. If you’re short on time, soaking in hot water for 15–20 minutes can speed this up, but ideally soak them for a few hours or overnight for the best texture.
Can I substitute another type of plant milk?
Of course! While soy milk provides a neutral, creamy texture, almond, oat, or cashew milk can be great substitutes. Just pick an unsweetened variety to keep the flavors balanced.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans and gluten-free diets?
Yes, it’s entirely vegan thanks to plant-based ingredients, and if you use gluten-free lentil pasta, the recipe is also gluten-free. It’s a wholesome meal that suits many dietary needs.
What’s the best way to make this pasta extra flavorful?
Using high-quality sun-dried tomatoes and freshly ground herbs can intensify the taste. Also, letting the sauce simmer a bit longer allows the flavors to develop beautifully, making every bite vibrant and memorable.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Marry Me Pasta Recipe enough for anyone craving a comforting yet elegant meal with plenty of personality. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug and is so packed with flavor you’ll find yourself dreaming about the next time you can make it. Give this recipe a try, and trust me, it might just become your new go-to crowd-pleaser.
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
Marry Me Pasta is a creamy, flavorful vegan pasta dish featuring lentil pasta coated in a rich cashew cream sauce mixed with sautéed onions, bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and butter beans. Enhanced with nutritional yeast and spices, this plant-based comfort meal is both nutritious and satisfying, perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- ¼ cup raw cashews
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 2 cups soy milk
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Vegetables & Beans
- 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 cups fresh spinach
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Other Ingredients
- 12 oz lentil pasta
- 1 tsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the lentil pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Prepare Cashew Cream Sauce: In a blender, combine the raw cashews, nutritional yeast, and soy milk. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Set aside for later use.
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely sliced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and translucent.
- Add Bell Peppers and Tomatoes: Add the thinly sliced red bell peppers, garlic powder, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
- Simmer with Beans and Spices: Stir in the drained butter beans, tomato paste, dried oregano, and an additional pinch of garlic powder. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Incorporate Cashew Cream: Pour in the prepared cashew cream sauce and cook while stirring constantly for 2 minutes, enabling the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the vegetables well.
- Combine Pasta and Spinach: Add the cooked lentil pasta, fresh spinach, and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir thoroughly until the spinach wilts and all ingredients are evenly combined and warmed through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve the dish warm for a hearty vegan pasta experience.
Notes
- Soaking cashews for a few hours before blending can yield a creamier sauce.
- You can substitute soy milk with other plant-based milk options like almond or oat milk.
- Adjust garlic powder and oregano quantities to suit your taste preference.
- Lentil pasta adds extra protein and fiber compared to traditional pasta.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep; store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
