If you are searching for a dish that effortlessly combines comfort, elegance, and flavor, then this Marry Me Tortellini Recipe is exactly what you need. A creamy, dreamy pasta brimming with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a luscious Parmesan-infused sauce, this recipe truly lives up to its name. It’s the kind of meal that invites an extra helping and maybe even a marriage proposal. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or treating yourself, this tortellini is a warm hug on a plate that promises to captivate your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect Marry Me Tortellini Recipe starts with a small list of simple, high-impact ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role, from the rich, creamy sauce to the fresh burst of spinach, making the dish come alive in taste, texture, and color.
- Olive oil: A good quality olive oil adds a smooth base and subtle fruitiness to the garlic sauté.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings fragrant warmth that forms the backbone of the sauce’s aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ tablespoons): Helps to thicken the sauce, giving it that velvety texture you crave.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds earthy, herbaceous notes for that classic Italian flavor profile.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (½ cup, julienned, drained): Offers a tangy, slightly sweet punch and lovely red contrast.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): The liquid base that enriches the sauce without overpowering it.
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper (½ teaspoon each): Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every bite.
- Cheese tortellini (20 ounces): Pillowy pockets of cheesy delight that make the dish feel indulgent and satisfying.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Creates the luscious, silky sauce that envelops every tortellini perfectly.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup freshly grated): Provides the nutty, savory richness that defines this beloved dish.
- Fresh spinach (2 cups): Adds freshness, color, and a slightly earthy bite that balances the creaminess.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): For a subtle kick that wakes up the palate without stealing the show.
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil (optional): Brings a refreshing herbal brightness as a final garnish.
How to Make Marry Me Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once warmed, add the minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant — about 30 to 60 seconds. This quick step releases the garlic’s gorgeous aroma and infuses the oil with flavor, setting the stage for your sauce masterpiece.
Step 2: Create a Thickened Base
Next, stir in the all-purpose flour and Italian seasoning. Keep cooking for roughly one minute to get rid of the raw flour taste and allow those herbs to bloom beautifully. This mixture will soon become the creamy backbone of your sauce.
Step 3: Bring in the Tomatoes and Broth
It’s time to add those bright sun-dried tomatoes along with the chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together gently and bring the mix to a simmer. This flavorful liquid will soak into the tortellini and make sure every bite is juicy and satisfying.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
Add your cheese tortellini directly to the skillet. Because these are fresh or refrigerated tortellini, about five minutes of simmering with occasional stirring is perfect to cook them through without becoming overdone. You’ll see them puff up and take on the richness of the sauce.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. These two ingredients transform the dish into the velvety delight the Marry Me Tortellini Recipe is famous for. Cook for another couple of minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to every tortellini.
Step 6: Add Fresh Spinach
Finally, toss in the fresh spinach and cook for just about one minute until it wilts slightly. This adds a wonderful fresh contrast and lifts the flavors, ensuring each bite is perfectly balanced between rich and fresh.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
The final touch is yours: sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of warmth, and add a handful of freshly chopped parsley or basil along with extra Parmesan if you fancy. Serve immediately while everything is piping hot and the sauce is gloriously creamy.
How to Serve Marry Me Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes bring your dish from delicious to dazzling. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a warm kick that contrasts delightfully with the creamy sauce, while fresh parsley or basil brings a burst of herbal brightness and fresh color. And of course, don’t shy away from a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for that extra savory punch.
Side Dishes
Marry Me Tortellini pairs wonderfully with light sides that won’t compete with its rich flavors. A crisp garden salad with lemon vinaigrette, garlic bread to mop up every bit of sauce, or even roasted vegetables make fantastic companions. These sides add texture and freshness to complement your hearty pasta meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, serve your Marry Me Tortellini in shallow bowls so the creamy sauce spreads out beautifully. Adding a small drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few toasted pine nuts on top can add an appealing finish. If you want to impress, place a sprig of basil or a parmesan crisp on the side for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld even more after resting overnight, but the tortellini may absorb some sauce and thicken, so a quick stir before serving helps.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind the spinach might turn a little mushy after thawing. To freeze, let the tortellini cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for up to two months if you want to have a ready-to-go comfort meal on hand.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir often to prevent sticking and ensure the tortellini heats evenly, restoring that creamy texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini for the Marry Me Tortellini Recipe?
Absolutely! Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure the tortellini are cooked through, and keep an eye on the sauce consistency as frozen pasta might release a bit more water.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and make sure your cheese tortellini doesn’t contain any animal rennet. The dish will be just as flavorful and satisfying.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
For a lighter version, you could try half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich and thick. Using cream ensures that signature luxurious texture that makes this Marry Me Tortellini Recipe so special.
How spicy is the dish if I add crushed red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle warmth rather than intense heat. It’s a gentle kick that balances the creamy sauce without overpowering the dish.
What wine pairs well with Marry Me Tortellini Recipe?
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light, fruity red like Chianti pairs beautifully. Both complement the creamy sauce and the tang of sun-dried tomatoes without competing with the flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to dive into a plate of pure comfort and flavor, this Marry Me Tortellini Recipe is waiting to charm your palate. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to share on a special occasion. Grab those ingredients, turn on some tunes, and enjoy making a dish that’s truly love at first bite.
Print
Marry Me Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- 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, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan. Enhanced with fresh spinach and optional red pepper flakes, this comforting skillet meal comes together quickly for an impressive weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Skillet 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 oil and garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 30–60 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
- Add flour and seasoning: Stir in the all-purpose flour and Italian seasoning. Cook the mixture for about 1 minute, stirring continuously to form a roux and fully incorporate the flour.
- Simmer with broth and tomatoes: Add the julienned sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine, then increase heat to medium-high and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Cook tortellini: Add the cheese tortellini to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
- Incorporate cream and cheese: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and freshly 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, approximately 1 minute, folding it gently into the sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Optional—sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes, chopped parsley or basil, and additional Parmesan cheese on top. Serve the dish immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh basil for parsley for a different aromatic garnish.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- This recipe can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Be sure to drain the sun-dried tomatoes well to avoid excess oil in the sauce.
