If you are craving a dinner that feels like a warm hug but comes together in a flash, the One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini Recipe is about to become your new best friend. This delicious dish combines tender cheese tortellini with a creamy, zesty sauce loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Inspired by the beloved Marry Me Chicken, this recipe elevates pasta night by filling your kitchen with tantalizing aromas while keeping cleanup to a minimum thanks to the one-pan magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to creating that perfect balance of creamy richness, vibrant color, and irresistible flavor. Each component in this One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini Recipe plays its own essential role, from the aromatic garlic to the mellow tang of sun-dried tomatoes.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: A good-quality oil imparts a subtle fruity base and helps bring everything together without overpowering the other flavors.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a warm, fragrant kick that’s the backbone of this sauce.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped: These provide a perfectly tangy, chewy burst of sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creamy and luscious, it transforms the sauce into something decadently smooth and comforting.
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth: Adds depth and moistens the tortellini as it cooks, balancing the cream’s richness.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little heat, this adds a subtle spicy warmth without stealing the spotlight.
- ½ tsp dried oregano: Earthy and herbaceous, oregano rounds out the flavor profile perfectly.
- ¼ tsp salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors and bringing the dish together.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds just enough bite and complexity without overwhelming the palate.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp, nutty, and melty, this cheese elevates the sauce to pure comfort food glory.
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini: Pillowy and cheesy, these little pasta parcels are the heart of the dish.
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional): Adds a fresh, green brightness and a touch of nutrition without complicating the flavors.
How to Make One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, letting them sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes. This step releases the garlic’s fragrant aroma and wakes up the tomatoes’ tangy sweetness, forming the flavor foundation of the dish that you’ll start to crave immediately.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth, which will become the luxurious sauce base. Sprinkle in the optional red pepper flakes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper and stir everything together. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld beautifully while the sauce begins to thicken ever so slightly.
Step 3: Cook the Tortellini
Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini directly into the skillet, spreading them evenly. Let them cook uncovered for anywhere between 5 to 7 minutes. This is the magic moment when the pasta softens perfectly as it bathes and absorbs the enticing cream sauce, thickening as it goes to create that perfect balance of creamy and luscious texture.
Step 4: Finish with Parmesan and Spinach
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the tortellini. Stir until it has melted into the sauce, creating an irresistibly cheesy finish. If you’re using fresh spinach, toss it in now and stir just until the leaves are wilted, giving the dish a pop of color and a subtle fresh bite that balances the richness without fuss.
How to Serve One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or flat-leaf parsley make perfect garnishes, adding an herbal brightness that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. A sprinkling of extra Parmesan cheese or a crack of black pepper on top can also add a pretty presentation and an extra layer of flavor that’s utterly inviting.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a main event, but if you want to round out your meal, light, crisp side dishes such as a simple green salad or roasted vegetables pair wonderfully without weighing down the palette. A crusty loaf of garlic bread or focaccia can also be a delightful option to mop up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try serving your One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini Recipe in warm, shallow bowls to showcase that gorgeous sauce. You can also layer it in small ramekins and broil briefly with extra cheese on top for a bubbly, golden crust that feels indulgent and fun. Presentation can truly elevate this already stunning dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit as it rests, making for a delicious next-day meal with minimal effort required.
Freezing
While creamy pasta dishes typically don’t freeze perfectly because the texture can change slightly, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place the dish in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When reheating the One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini Recipe, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to restore the original creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and to evenly warm the dish without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use dried tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook the dried tortellini according to the package instructions before adding it to the sauce. Since dried pasta takes longer to cook, this helps ensure everything finishes at the same time and stays perfectly tender.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and sticking with cheese tortellini. It’s just as flavorful and satisfying, proving the One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini Recipe works beautifully without meat.
Can I add protein like chicken or sausage?
Definitely! Adding cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or even shrimp can turn this into a heartier meal. Just cook the protein separately and stir it in at the end to keep all the flavors balanced and the sauce creamy.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level is mild and can be customized. The red pepper flakes are optional, so if you like a little kick, add them as directed; if not, simply omit them for a gentle, creamy pasta with no heat.
Can I make this without cream?
You can swap the heavy cream for a mix of milk and cream cheese or a dairy-free alternative, but keep in mind the sauce may lose some of its luscious thickness. Adjust the cooking times and seasoning as needed to maintain the rich texture.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini Recipe is a true celebration of comfort food made simple, perfect for nights when you want something impressive but quick. It’s a fantastic marriage of creamy sauce, cheesy pasta, and vibrant tomatoes that will have you wondering why you haven’t made it sooner. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it a special staple in your kitchen too!
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One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini is a luscious, creamy pasta dish featuring tender cheese tortellini simmered in a rich sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want an indulgent pasta entrée with minimal cleanup. Optional fresh spinach adds a vibrant touch and extra nutrients.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and sauté aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and the garlic is lightly golden.
- Create the sauce base: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using), dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to begin thickening.
- Cook tortellini in the sauce: Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini directly into the skillet. Cook uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is tender and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Finish with cheese and spinach: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce smoothly. If using fresh spinach, add it now and toss gently until it wilts, blending its color and flavor into the dish.
- Serve: Plate the tortellini hot, optionally garnishing with fresh basil or parsley for an added burst of freshness and color. Enjoy immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for the richest flavor; drain them well before chopping.
- Vegetarian version can be made using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference or omit entirely for no spice.
- Fresh spinach is optional but adds great color and nutrition.
- Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty richness—use freshly grated for best results.
- Ensure tortellini is fully cooked but not overdone to maintain texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
