Marry Me Tortellini is rich, creamy, and full of bold, comforting flavor — the kind of dish that makes people fall in love at first bite. I love how the cheesy tortellini gets smothered in a dreamy sun-dried tomato cream sauce with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but fancy enough to serve for date night or dinner guests. Every bite is cozy, romantic, and completely satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this tortellini because it brings together everything I crave in a pasta dish — comforting creaminess, savory depth from sun-dried tomatoes, and that irresistible bite from tender cheese-filled pasta. It’s fast (ready in under 30 minutes), and it tastes like something I’d order at a restaurant. Plus, I can serve it on its own or with salad and bread for a full, heartwarming meal.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth or vegetable broth
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper
Directions
- I cook the tortellini according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, I heat olive oil and sauté the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- I pour in the cream and broth, then stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- I let the sauce simmer gently for 4–5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- I stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- I add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss gently to coat it in the sauce.
- I finish with chopped fresh basil or parsley and serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 and takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook — ready in just 25 minutes.
Variations
Sometimes I add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it more protein-packed. I’ve also stirred in spinach or baby kale for some greens. If I want a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. And when I want extra richness, I finish it with a dollop of mascarpone or a splash of white wine in the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. I avoid overheating to keep the tortellini from getting too soft.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, I just cook it according to the package instructions and drain well before adding to the sauce.
Is this dish spicy?
Only slightly, if I add red pepper flakes. I can leave them out if I want a milder flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but I’ve made it a few hours ahead and reheated it gently. I just wait to garnish with herbs until serving.
What can I serve with Marry Me Tortellini?
I love it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies on the side.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, I use vegetable broth and skip any meat additions. The sun-dried tomato and cheese combo already brings plenty of flavor.
Conclusion
Marry Me Tortellini is creamy, cheesy, and full of irresistible flavor — the kind of comforting pasta dish that’s sure to win hearts. I love how easy it is to make and how elegant it feels with minimal effort. Whether I’m cooking for someone special or just treating myself to something indulgent, this recipe always delivers pure pasta perfection.
PrintMarry Me Tortellini
Marry Me Tortellini is a rich, creamy pasta dish featuring cheese‑filled tortellini smothered in a luscious sun‑dried tomato cream sauce, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan. Fast enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for date night — warm, comforting, and indulgent in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pasta, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun‑dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- ⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic and chopped sun‑dried tomatoes for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and broth, then stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer gently for 4–5 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss gently to coat every piece in the sauce.
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot, with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein and heartiness.
- Stir in a handful of spinach or baby kale toward the end for a boost of greens.
- For a lighter version, substitute half‑and‑half or whole milk for the heavy cream.
- For more depth, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding cream and broth.
- Leftovers reheat best gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
