If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug in pasta form, the Marry Me Tortellini Recipe is exactly what you need. This luscious, creamy pasta combines tender cheese tortellini with a dreamy sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a luxurious blend of chicken broth, cream, and Parmesan cheese. The name says it all—once you try it, you might just want to marry this recipe yourself because of its irresistibly delicious flavor and silky texture that makes every bite a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a perfect example of how simple, quality ingredients come together to create something spectacular. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the fragrant garlic that forms the flavor base to the sun-dried tomatoes that add tangy sweetness and beautiful color to the sauce.
- Olive oil: A smooth, fruity oil that helps sauté the garlic and develop flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Provides aromatic depth with just a hint of bite to the sauce.
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ tablespoons): Helps thicken the sauce so it clings perfectly to the tortellini.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant herb blend that tells your taste buds this dish is something special.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (½ cup, julienned and drained): Brings a bold and tangy brightness that balances the richness of the cream.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Adds savory depth and rounds out the sauce beautifully.
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper (½ teaspoon each): Essential seasoning to highlight all the flavors.
- Cheese tortellini (20-ounce package): Pillowy pasta filled with cheesy goodness—the star of the dish.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Creates the unmistakably creamy sauce that makes this recipe a showstopper.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup freshly grated): Adds umami richness and a slightly nutty finish.
- Fresh spinach (2 cups): Adds a pop of vibrant color and a mild earthiness that brightens the dish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, ½ teaspoon): For a subtle kick if you like a little heat with your creamy pasta.
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil (optional): Adds a fresh herbaceous note and pretty garnishing touch.
How to Make Marry Me Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Build Flavor
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant, about 30 to 60 seconds. This brief sauté releases the garlic’s rich aroma, laying the perfect foundation for the sauce without any bitterness.
Step 2: Create the Sauce Base
Sprinkle in the flour and Italian seasoning, stirring constantly for about a minute. This step is key because the flour thickens the sauce later, while the seasoning infuses the base with a lovely herbal warmth that will make your kitchen smell amazing.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Next, add the julienned sun-dried tomatoes along with the chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. The broth and tomatoes combine to create a rich, flavorful liquid that perfectly balances tanginess with savory depth.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
Drop the cheese tortellini into the simmering sauce and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The tortellini cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all those delicious flavors as it softens to tender perfection.
Step 5: Enrich the Sauce
Lower the heat to low, then slowly stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes so the sauce thickens beautifully, becoming luxuriously creamy and coating each tortellini piece in cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Add Fresh Spinach
Finally, toss in the fresh spinach and cook just until it wilts, about 1 minute. This adds a fresh burst of color and a subtle earthiness that brightens the rich sauce, making every bite perfectly balanced.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the finished dish with crushed red pepper flakes, chopped parsley or basil, and extra Parmesan cheese if you like. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
How to Serve Marry Me Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Marry Me Tortellini Recipe experience, finishing touches matter a lot. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds just enough heat to contrast the creamy sauce, while fresh herbs like parsley or basil lend a pleasant, garden-fresh aroma and color to brighten the plate.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides to cut through its richness. Try serving it alongside a refreshing arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or some roasted garlic asparagus for a bit of crunch and green freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider plating the Marry Me Tortellini Recipe in shallow white bowls to showcase the vibrant colors. A drizzle of olive oil and a final sprinkle of shaved Parmesan right before serving adds a touch of professional flair that will impress all your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Marry Me Tortellini Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s a great option for a quick lunch or a second helping that reheats beautifully without losing the creamy texture.
Freezing
Although this dish tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to a month. Be sure to place the tortellini and sauce in a freezer-safe container, but note that the spinach may lose some texture after freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat the tortellini on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the silky texture. Avoid microwaving at high heat, which can make the sauce grainy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini will work just fine in this recipe. Since it tends to take a little longer to cook, simply increase the simmering time by a couple of minutes and keep an eye on the texture to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes! To keep it vegetarian, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and ensure your tortellini filling is vegetarian-friendly. This swap maintains the essence of the Marry Me Tortellini Recipe while accommodating dietary preferences.
Can I substitute cream with a lighter option?
You can try using half-and-half or even a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter sauce, but be aware the sauce might be less rich and creamy. Adjust seasoning accordingly to maintain the robust flavor of the dish.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The amount of crushed red pepper flakes recommended is just a hint of spice—enough to give a subtle warmth without overwhelming the creamy sauce. You can always skip or adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance.
What wine pairs well with Marry Me Tortellini Recipe?
A crisp, unoaked white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy, tangy flavors nicely. Their acidity cuts through the richness, leaving your palate refreshed after every bite.
Final Thoughts
The Marry Me Tortellini Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels special without any complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s creamy, colorful, and packed with flavor that comforts and delights at the same time. Whether you’re whipping this up for a cozy night in or sharing it with friends, I promise this pasta will win hearts and maybe even a few marriage proposals of its own. Don’t hesitate to give it a try and discover your new favorite crowd-pleaser!
Print
Marry Me Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Marry Me Tortellini is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring cheese tortellini simmered in a rich sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and fresh spinach. It’s easy to prepare in just 30 minutes and perfect for a comforting weeknight meal that feels a little special.
Ingredients
For the Sauce and Pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil (drained)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (plus more to taste)
- 1 20-ounce package cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated, plus more for serving)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for garnish)
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30–60 seconds, taking care not to burn it.
- Create the roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and Italian seasoning, cooking for about 1 minute until the flour is fully incorporated into the oil and fragrant.
- Add liquids and tomatoes: Add the julienned sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.
- Cook the tortellini: Add the cheese tortellini to the simmering sauce. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Finish the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy whipping cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Wilt the spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook just until wilted, about 1 minute, mixing it gently into the sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with crushed red pepper flakes, chopped fresh parsley or basil, and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Drain the sun-dried tomatoes thoroughly to avoid excess oil in the sauce.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if using salted chicken broth.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- You can add cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days—reheat gently to prevent sauce separation.
