Heavenly Tortellini that Will Make You Swoon

Marry Me Tortellini: A Creamy Delight

They don’t call it Marry Me Tortellini for nothing! This dish is rich, romantic, and absolutely delightful. Inspired by the viral Marry Me Chicken, this meat-free version is equally lovable. Picture tender cheese tortellini enveloped in a luscious sauce featuring sun-dried tomatoes and vibrant baby spinach. It’s creamy, cozy, and oh-so-easy to make, requiring just one pan and 20 minutes of your time.

Serve it with a glass of wine and someone special, or simply indulge yourself — because even if it’s just for you, it’s still love on a plate.

Marry Me Tortellini with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Big Flavor, Minimal Effort: Everything comes together in one pan, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Forget about a mountain of dishes afterward!

Great for Sharing: This dish is creamy, rich, and hearty, guaranteed to impress your guests while satisfying a hungry crowd.

A Touch of Indulgence, A Dash of Wholesomeness: Packed with cheese and pasta, yet with spinach included, it’s practically healthy… right?

Creamy Marry Me Tortellini in a skillet.

Key Ingredients

  • Cheese Tortellini: Fresh, refrigerated cheese tortellini cooks quickly and perfectly absorbs the creamy sauce. Spinach or meat-filled tortellini work wonderfully too.
  • Heavy Cream: This serves as the rich and silky base of your sauce. Full-fat cream is ideal, though you can substitute with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative if needed.
  • Chicken Broth: This adds flavor and helps to thin out the cream, creating just the right consistency. You can use vegetable broth for a meat-free option.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Opt for sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for maximal flavor.
  • Garlic: Sauté fresh garlic until it’s fragrant to lay a bold foundation for your sauce. Just make sure it doesn’t brown; otherwise, it could turn bitter.
  • Baby Spinach: This wilts beautifully into the sauce, adding a fresh pop of color. Feel free to use kale or even frozen spinach as alternatives!
  • Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan is best as it blends smoothly into the sauce. Pre-shredded cheese tends to clump, which we can avoid!
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust this to your spice preference, or leave it out for a milder flavor.
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that gives your sauce that cozy, Italian flair. If you’re running low, you can mix together basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a homemade batch!
Marry Me Tortellini on a plate.

How to Make Marry Me Tortellini

This creamy, rich tortellini dish comes together effortlessly in just a few steps. Here’s how to whip it up:

  1. Sauté: Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for a minute, allowing the aroma to fill your kitchen.
  2. Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let this simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Add Tortellini: Toss in the tortellini and cook according to package instructions. If the sauce thickens too much, don’t hesitate to add a splash of broth to loosen it.
  4. Add Spinach: Near the end of cooking, add the baby spinach and stir until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Serve: Spoon the tortellini into bowls, sprinkling with extra Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley before enjoying!
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Two bowls of Marry Me Tortellini, loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Tips and Variations

Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, these tips can help elevate your dish:

  • Add Protein: For a heartier meal, toss in cooked chicken, crumbled sausage, or even crispy bacon bits.
  • Spinach is Optional: Not a spinach fan? Swap it out for some fresh kale or aromatic basil for that touch of green.
  • Use Your Favorite Tortellini: While cheese tortellini is recommended, don’t hesitate to try spinach or sausage-filled varieties. Just adjust cooking times for frozen options.
  • Grate Your Own Parmesan: Skip the pre-shredded stuff; using a block of Parmesan not only adds flavor but melts beautifully, enhancing the richness of your dish.
  • Toss in Extra Veggies: Feel free to mix in any additional vegetables you love! Zucchini, bell peppers, or sweet peas make perfect add-ins.
Marry Me Tortellini with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, close-up shot.

What to Serve with Marry Me Tortellini

Marry Me Tortellini pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some suggestions to complement your meal:

  • Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce.
  • Strawberry Salad: The sweet fruit combined with tangy balsamic dressing balances the tortellini’s richness.
  • Roasted Broccolini: The slightly bitter, charred edges perfectly counter the sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes paired with creamy mozzarella lighten the dish.
  • Green Beans Almondine: Crisp-tender green beans topped with buttery garlic give a delightful texture.
A bowl of creamy Marry Me Tortellini on a marble table.

How to Store Leftovers

To Store: Allow the tortellini to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best not to freeze this dish as the cream may separate.

To Reheat: When ready to enjoy leftovers, add a splash of milk or cream and gently reheat in the microwave until warmed through. This helps restore the sauce’s creaminess!

More ‘Marry Me’ Dishes You’ll Love

  • Marry Me Chicken
  • Marry Me Chicken Pasta
  • Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
  • Marry Me Chicken Soup
  • Marry Me Cookies

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as frozen tortellini may take a bit longer to cook through.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use a dairy-free cream substitute and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a similar flavor.
3. Is there a vegetarian protein I can add?
You can add chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian protein boost that will work synergistically with the flavors in the dish.
4. How spicy is Marry Me Tortellini?
The spice level is adjustable; you can lessen or omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor.
5. How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and let it cool before mixing it with the cooked tortellini. Store them separately in the fridge and combine them before serving for the best texture.

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