Marry Me Tortellini Recipe

If you’re searching for a recipe that stops conversations and earns rave reviews, look no further than Marry Me Tortellini. This irresistibly creamy pasta dish balances tangy sun-dried tomatoes, velvety cream, and pillowy cheese tortellini in a single skillet that tastes like pure comfort. Even better, the whole thing comes together in about 30 minutes — with a flavor that just might win lifelong affection from the very first bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the magic when it comes to Marry Me Tortellini. You won’t need anything fancy, but each item brings something essential: from creamy richness and vibrant tang, to the satisfying bite of tortellini and a touch of fresh herbs for color and aroma.

• Cheese Tortellini: These tender pasta pillows become delightfully plump in the sauce, providing rich, cheesy bites in every forkful.
• Olive Oil: Adds a subtle, fruity base and helps sauté the garlic to fragrant perfection.
• Garlic (minced): Nothing beats the savory, aromatic punch that fresh garlic brings to the sauce.
• Sun-dried Tomatoes (in oil, sliced): Their sweet-tangy intensity is the signature of Marry Me Tortellini, lending color and chew.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious silkiness that binds the sauce to the pasta.
• Chicken (or Vegetable) Broth: Balances out the cream, adding savory depth and preventing the dish from feeling too rich.
• Parmesan Cheese (grated): Offers that nutty-salty flavor and melts beautifully into the sauce for umami and body.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch works wonders to provide subtle warmth and complexity.
• Italian Seasoning: The herb blend gives classic flavor and aroma, tying the sauce together.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing all the components into perfect balance; taste as you go.
• Fresh Basil (to garnish): Bright, fragrant, and visually stunning, a scattering of chopped basil makes this dish sing.

How to Make Marry Me Tortellini

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your cheese tortellini. Cook for about 2 minutes less than package instructions suggest, as they’ll finish cooking in the sauce. Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse — you want a bit of that starchy water clinging for extra sauce cling!

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Sun-dried Tomatoes

Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add your minced garlic and gently sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant (careful not to brown). Stir in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes, cooking them for another minute so they release their tangy oils and become even more flavorful.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth, whisking to combine into a velvety mixture. Allow it to come up to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in the Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Stir and let the cheese melt, tasting and adjusting salt and pepper. The result? The sauce of Marry Me Tortellini dreams!

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Add the drained tortellini right into the bubbling sauce. Gently fold everything together so each tortellini is coated and begins to absorb that incredible flavor. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the tortellini is perfectly tender.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Turn off the heat and sprinkle over a generous handful of freshly chopped basil. Dust with extra Parmesan if desired, and serve your Marry Me Tortellini piping hot so everyone can experience those steamy, fragrant wafts as they dig in!

How to Serve Marry Me Tortellini

Garnishes

The final flourish really takes Marry Me Tortellini to the next level! Scatter fresh basil, a grating of Parmesan, and even a drizzle of good extra virgin olive oil just before serving for color, aroma, and extra richness. If you love a bit of heat, a few turns of cracked black pepper or a pinch more red pepper flakes is always welcome.

Side Dishes

Pair your Marry Me Tortellini with garlicky sautéed spinach, crisp Caesar salad, or classic roasted broccoli for a balanced meal. A hunk of crusty bread on the side is perfection for soaking up every bit of velvety sauce. If you’re feeding a bigger crowd, consider starting with a simple antipasto platter.

Creative Ways to Present

This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s beautiful! Serve Marry Me Tortellini straight from the skillet family-style for a cozy vibe, or portion it into shallow bowls and top with extra herbs for a fancier dinner party feel. For something playful, try filling small ramekins for individual servings at a buffet-style event.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld as they sit, making Marry Me Tortellini taste even more luxurious on day two, though the tortellini might soak up more sauce.

Freezing

While cream sauces can sometimes split, Marry Me Tortellini holds up decently in the freezer for up to one month. Allow to cool completely, then pack portions into freezer-safe containers. For best texture, reheat gently and stir in a splash of cream or broth to bring the sauce back together.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Marry Me Tortellini gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of extra cream or broth as needed. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring between each round. Just be careful not to overcook, as tortellini can become mushy if reheated for too long.

FAQs

Can I use homemade tortellini?

Absolutely! Homemade tortellini make Marry Me Tortellini feel even more special. Just be mindful of cooking times, as fresh pasta cooks faster than store-bought.

What protein can I add?

Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy pancetta are fantastic add-ins that blend beautifully with the flavors of Marry Me Tortellini. Just cook and stir them in before serving.

Is there a dairy-free version?

You can substitute your favorite unsweetened plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan, though the sauce may be a bit lighter. Consider adding a little extra seasoning to punch up the flavor, and look for vegan tortellini options if avoiding cheese.

Can I make Marry Me Tortellini ahead for guests?

Definitely! Assemble the dish a few hours ahead, keep covered in the fridge, then reheat gently before serving. Fresh basil and the final dusting of Parmesan are best added at the last minute for brightness.

What are the best tortellini cheese fillings for this recipe?

Classic ricotta and spinach, three-cheese, or even mushroom-filled tortellini all work beautifully in Marry Me Tortellini. Choose your favorite or mix things up for interesting flavor variety!

Final Thoughts

This dish is pure comfort, joy, and deliciousness rolled into one skillet. If you’ve been looking for something guaranteed to impress, Marry Me Tortellini is the answer — easy, elegant, and impossible to forget. I hope you fall in love with every bite and share it with the people you love most!

Print