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Marry Me Tortellini Recipe

4.7 from 136 reviews

This creamy and flavorful Marry Me Tortellini is a delightful one-pan Italian-inspired dish featuring tender cheese tortellini simmered in a rich sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it offers comforting flavors with a hint of spice and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce Base

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Main Ingredients

  • 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

Optional Garnishes

  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Fresh chopped parsley or basil

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil and garlic: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Add flour and Italian seasoning: Stir in the all-purpose flour and Italian seasoning, cooking for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste and form a roux.
  3. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and liquids: Add the drained sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.
  4. Cook the tortellini: Add the cheese tortellini to the simmering broth and cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  5. Add cream and Parmesan: Lower the heat to low, then stir in the heavy whipping cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
  6. Wilt the spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook just until wilted, about 1 minute, gently stirring to combine it evenly in the sauce.
  7. Garnish and serve: If desired, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes, fresh chopped parsley or basil, and additional Parmesan cheese over the top. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
  • Use fresh tortellini for best texture and flavor, but frozen can be used as well—adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • The crushed red pepper flakes add a nice touch of heat but can be omitted for a milder dish.
  • Ensure the garlic is cooked just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.

Keywords: Marry Me Tortellini, creamy tortellini recipe, Italian pasta dish, sun-dried tomato pasta, quick dinner recipes