The first time I made this Marry Me Tortellini, my husband asked if I could make it again the next night, and honestly, I didn’t blame him. This cozy, creamy pasta is packed with cheese-filled tortellini swimming in a velvety sun-dried tomato cream sauce, and it comes together in just one pot.
Every bite of this Marry Me Tortellini tastes like something you'd get at your favorite Italian bistro, only it's made right at home with simple, fresh ingredients. Whether you're cooking for someone special or just treating yourself to a comforting meal, this Marry Me Tortellini is pure magic. Trust me, once you try it, you'll understand why we keep coming back to this Marry Me Tortellini recipe again and again.
Why This Marry Me Tortellini Recipe Will Steal Your Heart
This Marry Me Tortellini has quickly become one of the most requested meals in our house, and it's no surprise why! Inspired by the wildly loved Marry Me Chicken, this pasta version wraps those same rich, romantic flavors around tender cheese tortellini. The creamy garlic parmesan sauce, kissed with sun-dried tomatoes, feels indulgent yet fresh, making each bite unforgettable.
What I love most is how effortlessly it comes together. It’s fancy enough for a date night but easy enough for a cozy weeknight dinner. Every time I serve this Marry Me Tortellini, it’s met with quiet smiles and clean plates. Add a crisp Caesar salad or warm garlic bread, and you’ve got a dinner worth falling for. Trust me, this Marry Me Tortellini is more than just a trend. It’s a keeper.
Jump to:
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Health Benefits and Serving Suggestions
- Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Equipment
- Storage and Leftover Tips
- The Secret That Changed Everything: How I Fell for Marry Me Tortellini
- FAQ
- Why You'll Fall for This Marry Me Tortellini (And What to Try Next!)
- Related
- Pairing
- Creamy Marry Me Tortellini Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- Cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed work best)
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth (vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh spinach (optional)
Optional Add-ins:
- Chicken breast, diced (for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini variation)
- White wine
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Fresh mozzarella pearls
Ingredient Substitutions: You can easily adapt this Marry Me Tortellini recipe for different dietary needs. Swap regular tortellini for gluten-free varieties, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for dairy-free option, or substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan in vegan versions.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prep and Cook the Tortellini
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for your tortellini
- While waiting, mince your garlic, chop the sun-dried tomatoes, and measure out your cream sauce ingredients
- Cook the cheese tortellini according to package directions until al dente (fresh tortellini takes 3-4 minutes, frozen needs 5-7 minutes)
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining – this starchy water helps create a silky sauce
Build the Marry Me Sauce Base
- In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute, letting their flavors bloom
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking to combine
- Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then let this tomato cream sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly
Complete the Creamy Sauce
- Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth
- Stir in the fresh basil – the aroma alone will make your kitchen smell amazing!
- If your sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed
Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, gently tossing to coat each piece in the Marry Me sauce pasta
- If using spinach, add it now and stir until wilted
- Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a crack of black pepper
- Serve immediately while hot and fresh for the best comfort food pasta experience
- Step 1: Prep and Cook the Tortellini
Prep all ingredients and cook the tortellini until al dente.
- Step 2: Build the Marry Me Sauce Base
Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, then simmer with cream and broth to build the base.
- Step 3: Complete the Creamy Sauce
Add Parmesan and basil, then let the sauce thicken until creamy.
- Step 4: Combine and Serve
Toss in tortellini, garnish, and serve warm.
Hints and Tips for Tortellini Success
Here's a game-changing tip: don't overcook your tortellini! Since it will continue cooking slightly in the hot cream sauce, aim for just barely al dente when you drain it. This prevents mushy pasta and keeps that perfect bite texture.
When making the cream sauce, keep the heat at medium-low once you add the dairy. High heat can cause the cream to separate, and nobody wants a broken sauce in their love at first bite recipe!
Health Benefits and Serving Suggestions
This Marry Me Tortellini offers surprising nutritional benefits. The sun-dried tomatoes provide lycopene and vitamin C, while the spinach adds iron and folate. The cheese tortellini delivers protein and calcium, making this more than just comfort food – it's a well-rounded meal.
For a lighter version, you can substitute half the heavy cream with Greek yogurt (stir in off heat) or use a lighter cream alternative. The dish naturally provides good amounts of protein and can easily feed a family of four.
Serve this creamy Marry me tortellini recipe alongside roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, or crusty garlic bread. A glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy, rich flavors perfectly.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast to the skillet after cooking the garlic. Season with salt and pepper, cook until golden and cooked through, then proceed with the recipe. This protein-packed version makes it even more filling.
Vegetarian Marry Me Tortellini
Skip the chicken broth and use vegetable broth instead. Add extra vegetables like roasted red peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for more substance and nutrition.
Spicy Marry Me Tortellini
Add red pepper flakes with the garlic, or stir in a tablespoon of sriracha or hot sauce to the cream sauce for those who like heat with their romance.
Dairy-Free Version
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The result is surprisingly creamy and delicious!
Equipment
A large, heavy-bottomed skillet is your best friend for this recipe. It distributes heat evenly and prevents the cream sauce from scorching. A good whisk helps create a smooth sauce, while a large pot for boiling pasta is essential.
If you have a cast-iron skillet, it's perfect for this dish as it retains heat well and can go from stovetop to oven if you want to add a cheesy top and broil for a few minutes.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Store leftover Marry Me Tortellini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cream sauce may thicken as it cools, so add a splash of milk or cream when reheating.
To reheat, use the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently and adding liquid as needed. Microwave reheating works too – use 30-second intervals, stirring between each to prevent the sauce from separating.
This recipe doesn't freeze well due to the cream sauce, but honestly, it's so good that leftovers rarely last long enough to worry about long-term storage!
The Secret That Changed Everything: How I Fell for Marry Me Tortellini
I still remember the first time I made this Marry Me Tortellini. I was rushing around the kitchen, not realizing how fast everything would come together. That night, I learned something that changed the way I cook: slow down and be present. The real magic of this dish isn’t just in the cream or the sun-dried tomatoes. It’s in the timing.
Prepping everything ahead, then letting the sauce simmer low and slow, allows the flavors to deepen into something truly unforgettable. Now, every time I make this Marry Me Tortellini, it feels like a love letter in a bowl. Simple, soulful, and so worth savoring.
FAQ
What’s the difference between cappelletti and tortellini?
Cappelletti and tortellini are both stuffed pastas, but they differ in shape and filling. Cappelletti, meaning “little hats,” are typically larger and often filled with meat or cheese, then twisted to resemble a hat. Tortellini are smaller, ring-shaped, and traditionally filled with a mix of meats or cheese. Cappelletti are also more common in northern regions like Emilia-Romagna.
What’s the difference between a tortellini and a tortelloni?
Tortellini and tortelloni differ mainly in size and filling. Tortellini are small, bite-sized, and usually stuffed with a rich meat or cheese mixture. Tortelloni are larger and often filled with lighter ingredients like ricotta and herbs. Tortelloni have a softer texture and are typically served with delicate butter or sage sauces, while tortellini handle heavier cream-based sauces well.
What is the story behind tortellini?
Tortellini has a charming legend behind it. According to Italian folklore, it was inspired by the goddess Venus. An innkeeper, enchanted by her beauty, peeked through a keyhole and saw only her navel. Captivated, he shaped a pasta to resemble it. The dish originates from Emilia-Romagna and remains a beloved symbol of Italian tradition, romance, and culinary creativity.
What does the word tortellini mean in Italian?
In Italian, “tortellini” is the diminutive of “tortello,” which means “small cake” or “little twist.” The name refers to the pasta’s small, ring-shaped form that resembles a belly button. Rooted in the Emilia-Romagna region, the term reflects both its shape and affectionate cultural significance, linking language, legend, and regional pride into one iconic Italian dish.
Why You'll Fall for This Marry Me Tortellini (And What to Try Next!)
This Marry Me Tortellini is more than just a trending recipe. It's a cozy, heartwarming meal that turns ordinary nights into something unforgettable. The creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheese-filled tortellini come together so effortlessly, yet the result feels like something truly special. Whether you're planning a candlelit dinner or just need a comforting bowl of pasta after a long day, this recipe delivers every time.
If you're as smitten with this flavor as I am, don’t stop here. Try my rich and dreamy Marry Me Salmon Pasta for a seafood twist or indulge in the irresistible Marry Me Shrimp Pasta for a date night favorite that never disappoints. Trust me, once you fall for one "Marry Me" recipe, you’ll want to collect them all!
With love from my kitchen to yours,
Kaitlyn Reed
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Marry Me Tortellini recipe:
Creamy Marry Me Tortellini Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot For boiling tortellini
- Large skillet Heavy-bottomed preferred
- Whisk To create a smooth sauce
- Cutting board For prepping ingredients
- Chef’s knife For chopping garlic, herbs
- Measuring cups/spoons For accurate ingredient use
Ingredients
- 1 lb Cheese tortellini Fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
- 3 Garlic cloves Minced
- 0.5 cup Sun-dried tomatoes Chopped, oil-packed recommended
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Chicken broth Use vegetable broth for vegetarian
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese Freshly grated
- 2 tablespoon Fresh basil Chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper To taste
- 2 cups Fresh spinach Optional, stirred in at the end
Instructions
- Cook tortellini in salted boiling water until al dente.
- Mince garlic, chop sun-dried tomatoes, measure remaining ingredients.
- Sauté garlic in olive oil, then add sun-dried tomatoes.
- Stir in cream, broth, seasoning; simmer to thicken slightly.
- Lower heat and whisk in Parmesan until smooth.
- Stir in chopped fresh basil.
- Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Toss tortellini in sauce, stir in spinach if using.
- Plate with extra basil, Parmesan, and black pepper.
Leave a Reply