If you’re searching for a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, the Marry Me Pasta Recipe is an absolute must-try. This luscious pasta combines creamy cashew sauce with vibrant veggies and tender lentil pasta, creating a colorful, wholesome meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or treating yourself after a long day, this recipe is designed to impress with every bite while remaining surprisingly straightforward to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Marry Me Pasta Recipe comes from a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing creaminess, tang, and texture, ensuring your dish is deeply satisfying and beautifully vibrant.
- ¼ cup raw cashews: These soak up flavors and blend into the creamy sauce base that makes this dish irresistible.
- 12 oz lentil pasta: Packed with protein and fiber, this pasta carries the sauce perfectly while adding a lovely bite.
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast: Boosts the dish with a cheesy, nutty undertone without any dairy.
- 2 cups soy milk: Provides the smooth liquid base for the cashew cream, lending richness without heaviness.
- 1 tsp olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps soften the onions and peppers.
- 2 yellow onions, finely sliced: Impart sweetness and depth when gently sautéed.
- 2 red bell peppers, thinly sliced: Bring vibrant color and a mild, sweet crunch.
- 1 oz sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Intensify the tomato flavor with a concentrated, savory punch.
- 1 can butter beans, drained and rinsed: Offer a creamy texture and hearty substance to the pasta.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste: Elevates the tomato flavor while thickening the sauce.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Adds aromatic earthiness essential to Mediterranean flavors.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Delivers gentle garlic warmth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tsp lemon juice: Brightens the sauce, balancing the richness perfectly.
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Folds in a fresh, vibrant green touch and subtle nutritional boost.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Finishes the dish with a pop of herbaceous freshness and color.
How to Make Marry Me Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the lentil pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook it just until al dente so it keeps its firm, satisfying texture. Once done, drain and set the pasta aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Cashew Cream Sauce
In a blender, combine the raw cashews, nutritional yeast, and soy milk. Blend everything until you have a smooth, creamy sauce with no lumps. This step is critical because the cashew cream will be the luscious, silky backbone of the dish that ties all the flavors together.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely sliced onions and cook them gently for about 5 minutes until they become soft and golden. This slow cooking releases their natural sweetness, forming a beautiful flavor base for the sauce.
Step 4: Add Bell Peppers and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Next, toss in the thinly sliced red bell peppers along with the sun-dried tomatoes and sprinkle in the garlic powder. Cook the mixture for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors and soften the peppers just enough to keep a slight crunch.
Step 5: Stir in Butter Beans, Tomato Paste, and Oregano
Add in the drained butter beans, tomato paste, and dried oregano. Stir everything together thoroughly and let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This simmering step helps all the ingredients meld and develop that rich, comforting flavor.
Step 6: Incorporate the Cashew Cream
Pour in the cashew cream sauce you blended earlier, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes. This will thicken the sauce and make it luxuriously creamy, coating every ingredient beautifully.
Step 7: Combine Pasta, Spinach, and Lemon Juice
Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with fresh spinach and a splash of lemon juice. Stir everything together until the spinach wilts just right and the pasta is completely coated in the sauce. This final step brings brightness and freshness to the dish.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a gorgeous finishing touch. Now, your Marry Me Pasta Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Marry Me Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley adds a delightful pop of green and a subtle herbaceous note that lifts the entire dish. If you want to switch things up, consider toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of vegan parmesan for added texture and flavor depth. A little cracked black pepper can also bring a spicy hint to the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with balsamic vinegar to contrast the creamy sauce. Roasted garlic bread or warm crusty artisan bread is also perfect for mopping up any extra sauce, making sure no bite goes to waste. For a heartier meal, roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts complement the pasta beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
To turn this comforting pasta into a show-stopping centerpiece, serve it in a large rustic bowl topped with colorful edible flowers or thin lemon zest strips. Alternatively, plate individual servings with a sprig of fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil, making it feel restaurant-quality and extra special for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Marry Me Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it a delicious next-day meal. Just be sure to store it without the fresh parsley garnish to keep everything fresh.
Freezing
If you want to keep this pasta on hand for longer, freezing works well too. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing much of its wonderful creamy texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of soy milk or water to loosen it back up to that perfect creaminess. Avoid microwaving if possible, as slow reheating retains the texture and flavor much better.
FAQs
Is this Marry Me Pasta Recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based, using cashews, nutritional yeast, and soy milk to create a creamy, dairy-free sauce that’s rich and satisfying.
Can I use other types of pasta for this dish?
Definitely! While lentil pasta adds protein and texture, you can swap in your favorite pasta like chickpea, gluten-free, or even traditional wheat pasta depending on your dietary preferences.
What if I don’t have raw cashews? Is there a substitute?
Raw cashews are ideal for that creamy texture, but you can substitute soaked almonds or even silken tofu for a slightly different, yet still creamy result.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Marry Me Pasta Recipe leans towards mild and savory, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne if you want to introduce a little heat.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can blend the cashew cream sauce and sauté the veggies a day ahead, then just cook the pasta and combine everything when you’re ready to serve for a super quick meal.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite dishes to prepare when I want something both indulgent and nutritious. It’s the kind of recipe that feels a little special yet is simple enough for any weeknight. Once you try it, I’m sure you’ll keep this recipe close at hand as a go-to for delicious, cheesy pasta without any dairy fuss. So grab those cashews and let’s get cooking—you’re in for a treat!
Print
Marry Me Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan/American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This vegan Marry Me Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring lentil pasta tossed in a luscious cashew cream sauce with sautéed onions, bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and butter beans. Infused with oregano, garlic powder, and lemon juice, this hearty pasta combines plant-based protein and vibrant veggies for a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cashew Cream Sauce
- ¼ cup raw cashews
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 2 cups soy milk
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz lentil pasta
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 yellow onions, finely sliced
- 2 red bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 1 oz sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) 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 the pasta: Cook the lentil pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare the cashew cream sauce: In a blender, combine the raw cashews, nutritional yeast, and soy milk. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Sauté the onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely sliced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they are softened and translucent.
- Cook the bell peppers and sun-dried 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.
- Add beans and seasonings: Stir in the drained butter beans, tomato paste, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add the cashew cream sauce: Pour the prepared cashew cream sauce into the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously to incorporate the sauce evenly.
- Combine pasta and spinach: Add the cooked lentil pasta, fresh spinach, and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts and all ingredients are well combined, heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy, vegan Marry Me Pasta!
Notes
- This recipe is entirely vegan and gluten-free, thanks to the use of lentil pasta and plant-based ingredients.
- Raw cashews should be soaked for at least 2 hours or overnight for creamier sauce if time allows.
- You can substitute soy milk with any other plant-based milk, but unsweetened and plain varieties work best.
- For extra protein, feel free to add grilled tofu or tempeh.
- Adjust garlic powder and oregano amounts according to taste preferences.
- Serve with a side salad or crusty gluten-free bread for a complete meal.
