My Take on “Marry Me Pasta”: Without the Chicken

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Prepare to be enchanted by this irresistible pasta dish, crafted to charm your taste buds. This “Marry Me Pasta” is a perfect blend of succulent textures and robust flavors, featuring a creamy, butter-enriched sauce that coats each strand of penne with a silky, luxurious finish. The normal version invariably comes with some kind of chicken, but honestly I think it’s fantastic without it.

Ingredients

• 200 grams of penne pasta
• 1/2 of a green pepper, finely chopped (about 50 grams)
• 1/2 of a red onion, finely sliced (about 50 grams)
• 100 grams of datterini tomatoes and/or cherry tomatoes, halved
• 4 or 5 sun dried tomatoes, finely chopped
• 15 grams (1 tablespoon) of tomato paste
• 120 ml (1/2 cup) of vegetable stock
• 30 ml (2 tablespoons) of sherry
• 30 grams (2 tablespoons) of crème fraîche
• 14 grams (1 tablespoon) of butter
• 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) of chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) of dried thyme
• 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) of dried oregano
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Method

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve a little pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency if needed.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   • Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the butter and a splash of olive oil, then sauté the red onion and green pepper until they begin to soften.
   • Add the tomatoes (both kinds), minced garlic and chili flakes, cooking until the garlic is golden and fragrant.
   • Mix in the tomato paste and let it fry for a minute to enhance its flavor.
   • Deglaze the skillet with sherry, letting it simmer until slightly reduced.
   • Pour in the vegetable stock and allow it to simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the crème fraîche to create a creamy sauce.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   • Add the cooked penne to the skillet, tossing well to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce.
4. Serve:
   • Divide the pasta between two plates. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or parmesan and, if desired, add a touch more chili flakes for heat.
   • Serve immediately, perhaps accompanied by a glass of wine to enhance the dining experience.