MARRY ME TORTELLINI RECIPE

Marry Me Tortellini – Irresistibly Creamy & Comforting

Picture this: a cozy night in, a comforting bowl of creamy, cheesy tortellini, and a contented sigh. That’s exactly what you get with Marry Me Tortellini – Irresistibly Creamy & Comforting. This dish is so good, so intensely flavorful, that it’s rumored to inspire proposals (hence the name!). Get ready to create a meal that’s both incredibly easy and unbelievably delicious!

Gathering Your Heavenly Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this romantic delight. Don’t worry, it’s mostly pantry staples!

For the Tortellini:

• Fresh or Dried Tortellini: 1 (20 ounce) package, cheese or spinach filled.

For the Irresistible Creamy Sauce:

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing.
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup, adds depth of flavor.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup, for the ultimate creaminess.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/2 cup, oil-packed, drained and chopped. Adds a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced, because garlic makes everything better!
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (or more, to taste), for a little kick.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated is best!
• Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup, chopped, for freshness and aroma.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, the essential seasonings.

Optional Add-Ins:

• Cooked Chicken or Sausage: For extra protein and heartiness.
• Spinach or Kale: For added nutrients.

Step-by-Step to Creamy Tortellini Perfection

Let’s get cooking! This recipe is surprisingly simple, I promise.

Preparing the Tortellini:

1. Cook the tortellini according to package directions. If using fresh tortellini, it usually only takes a few minutes. Be careful not to overcook it! Drain and set aside.

Crafting the Creamy Dream Sauce:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
2. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another minute, stirring occasionally. This helps release their flavor.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it really brings out the flavors!

Bringing It All Together:

1. Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Gently toss to coat the tortellini evenly.
2. If you’re using any optional add-ins like cooked chicken or sausage, stir them in now.
3. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.

The Secret to a Truly “Marry Me” Sauce

The magic of this recipe lies in the sauce. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Here’s what elevates it from good to unforgettable:

• High-Quality Ingredients: Use the best Parmesan cheese you can find. Freshly grated is always better than pre-shredded.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Power: Don’t skip the sun-dried tomatoes! They add a concentrated burst of flavor that complements the creaminess perfectly.
• Garlic, But Not Burnt Garlic: Watch the garlic carefully while sautéing. Burnt garlic will make the entire dish bitter. Aim for a golden-brown color and a fragrant aroma.
• Don’t Overcook: Overcooked tortellini can become mushy. Cook it al dente for the best texture.

Adaptations and Delicious Variations

Want to put your own spin on this already amazing dish? Here are some ideas to get you started.

• Protein Powerhouse: Add grilled chicken, Italian sausage, shrimp, or even pancetta for extra protein and flavor.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in some spinach, kale, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables for added nutrients and texture.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Cheese Lover’s Dream: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or Asiago.
• Lemon Zest: Add a bit of lemon zest to brighten the sauce.

Troubleshooting Common Tortellini Troubles

Even the simplest recipes can sometimes go awry. Here are some common issues and how to fix them.

• Sauce Too Thick: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out.
• Sauce Too Thin: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to help thicken it.
• Tortellini Sticks Together: Toss the cooked tortellini with a little olive oil before adding it to the sauce to prevent it from sticking together.
• Bland Flavor: Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor.

Serving Suggestions for a Romantic Meal

This Marry Me Tortellini is a complete meal in itself, but here are some serving suggestions to make it extra special.

• Side Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad or a Caesar salad.
• Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Wine Pairing: Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
• Dessert: Finish the meal with a light dessert, such as tiramisu or a fruit tart.

Making It Ahead and Storing Leftovers

While best served fresh, you can definitely prep some components ahead of time.

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the sauce up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before adding the cooked tortellini.
• Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to rehydrate the sauce.

A Deeper Dive into Tortellini Varieties

Let’s explore the world of tortellini! Knowing your tortellini is key to creating a truly personalized dish.

• Cheese Tortellini: The classic choice, filled with a blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and other cheeses.
• Spinach Tortellini: A vegetarian option with a spinach and cheese filling.
• Meat Tortellini: Filled with ground meat, such as beef or pork.
• Mushroom Tortellini: Filled with a savory mushroom mixture.
• Butternut Squash Tortellini: A seasonal favorite with a sweet and savory butternut squash filling.

Complementary Recipes for Your Italian Feast

Why stop at tortellini? Create a complete Italian feast with these equally delicious recipes! Perhaps start with SAUSAGE TORTELLINI SOUP for a warm starter. And if you enjoy this creamy sauce, you may also love MARRY ME PASTA or CREAMY CHICKEN TORTELLINI HEAVEN. For a simpler garlic parmesan dish, explore GARLIC PARMESAN PASTA HEAVEN, CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN PASTA, or even Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!

Final Thoughts on Your “Marry Me” Masterpiece

There you have it! A simple yet sensational recipe for Marry Me Tortellini – Irresistibly Creamy & Comforting. This dish is perfect for a romantic dinner, a cozy night in, or any occasion that calls for comfort food. Now go forth, cook with love, and prepare to be amazed by the magic of this incredible tortellini!

Marry Me Tortellini

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Marry Me Tortellini recipe creates a creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible dish. Packed with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan, it’s a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. The rich sauce combined with tender tortellini is guaranteed to impress.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Pot or saucepan
• Colander or strainer
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Garlic press (optional)
• Cheese grater
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or more to taste
• ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: Cooked chicken or sausage, for extra protein
• Optional: Spinach or kale, for added nutrients

Instructions

 

• Cook the tortellini according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
• Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another minute, stirring occasionally.
• Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
• Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
• Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
• Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Gently toss to coat the tortellini evenly.
• If using any optional add-ins like cooked chicken or sausage, stir them in now.
• Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil.
• Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.

Notes

For the best flavor, use high-quality Parmesan cheese and freshly grated is recommended. Watch the garlic carefully while sautéing to prevent burning. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a little liquid if needed. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness.