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
Scale
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.
