Marry Me Tortellini Recipe

Let me tell you about the pasta dish that earned its name honestly – my famous Marry Me Tortellini. The first time I made this creamy, garlicky masterpiece for my now-husband, he jokingly proposed between bites (though I suspect he wasn’t entirely joking). There’s just something magical about plump cheese tortellini swimming in that rich, velvety sauce flecked with fresh basil and a hint of spice. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, celebrating an anniversary, or just treating yourself to something special, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors with surprisingly little effort. Trust me, one taste and you’ll understand exactly how it got its name!

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Tortellini

Oh honey, let me count the ways this dish will steal your heart (and maybe get you a proposal!):

• 20 minutes flat – From fridge to table faster than most takeout
• Creamy dreaminess – That silky parmesan sauce clings to every pasta nook
• Fancy enough for dates but easy enough for lazy Wednesdays
• Adaptable personality – Swap in your favorite add-ins (I’m looking at you, sun-dried tomatoes)
• Leftovers taste even better (if you somehow have any left)

Seriously, this isn’t just dinner – it’s an edible love letter.

Marry Me Tortellini Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients – I promise your pantry probably has most of them already! The magic happens when they all come together.

• 20 oz cheese tortellini (fresh is best for that perfect al dente bite, but frozen works in a pinch)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (good quality makes a difference here)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh only – none of that jarred stuff!)
• 1 cup heavy cream (this is no time to skimp – that richness is key)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (please, please grate it fresh – the pre-shredded kind won’t melt as smoothly)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (my secret is to rub it between my fingers first to wake up the flavors)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to your heat preference)
• Salt and pepper to taste (I’m heavy-handed with the pepper – it makes all the difference)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (don’t even think about dried here)

See? Nothing crazy – just good, honest ingredients that transform into something magical.

How to Make Marry Me Tortellini

Okay, let’s get cooking! This recipe comes together so fast you’ll barely have time to light the candles (but please do light them – it makes all the difference). Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a dish that’ll make someone fall head over heels.

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

First things first – get a big pot of salted water boiling (it should taste like the sea!). Cook your tortellini according to the package directions, but check it a minute early – you want it al dente, with just a little bite. Here’s my pro tip: scoop out about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water before draining. We might need it later to loosen up the sauce (it’s like liquid gold, I swear). Drain the tortellini but don’t rinse it – we want all that lovely starch to help the sauce cling.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and sauté just until fragrant – about 30 seconds max! (Burnt garlic is the worst, and we’re not about that life.) Pour in the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle simmer – don’t let it boil like crazy or it might break. Now sprinkle in that gorgeous freshly grated parmesan a little at a time, whisking constantly until it’s smooth as silk. Stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Taste it – is it amazing? I thought so.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

Now for the magic! Toss the drained tortellini right into that luscious sauce. If it looks too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water – just enough to make it coat the pasta beautifully. Give it one last taste for seasoning (more pepper? Always more pepper). Transfer to bowls and shower with that fresh basil – I like to tear some leaves by hand for a rustic look. Serve immediately while it’s piping hot and watch the marriage proposals roll in!

Tips for Perfect Marry Me Tortellini

After making this dish more times than I can count (and fielding all those marriage proposals!), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks:

• Fresh is best – That basil should be so fresh it practically still has dirt on it. Same goes for garlic and parmesan!
• Control the heat – Start with 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, then add more to taste. My husband likes it spicy, so I often double it.
• Protein power – Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crispy pancetta for extra oomph.
• Sauce too thick? That reserved pasta water is your best friend – add it a tablespoon at a time.
• Timing is everything – Have everything prepped before starting since this cooks so fast!

Trust me, these little touches make good tortellini absolutely irresistible.

Marry Me Tortellini Variations

Oh, the possibilities! While I adore the classic version, sometimes I like to play matchmaker with different ingredients. Here are my favorite ways to shake things up:

• Veggie love: Toss in sun-dried tomatoes or baby spinach in the last minute of cooking (they’ll wilt perfectly in the hot sauce)
• Cheese swap: Try asiago or pecorino instead of parmesan for a different salty punch
• Meat lovers: Add crispy pancetta, grilled chicken, or even shrimp

Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Tortellini

This dish practically begs for simple, rustic sides – I like to keep things fuss-free so the tortellini stays the star. A crusty garlic bread for sauce-mopping, a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette, and a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio make my perfect trio. For special occasions, light some candles and pretend you’re in a tiny Italian trattoria – the ambience makes every bite taste even better!

Storing and Reheating Marry Me Tortellini

Now, I know leftovers are rare with this dish (trust me, I’ve tried saving some!), but if you’re lucky enough to have extra, here’s how to keep it tasting amazing. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, go slow – microwave in 30-second bursts with a splash of cream to revive that luscious texture. My secret? Stir in a tiny pat of butter while reheating on the stovetop – it brings the sauce back to life like magic. Just don’t boil it or the sauce might break, and we can’t have that!

Marry Me Tortellini Nutrition

A single serving (about 1 cup) packs roughly 480 calories – rich enough to feel indulgent but balanced enough that you won’t regret seconds! Remember, nutritional values are estimates and vary based on your specific ingredients.

Marry Me Tortellini FAQs

Got questions about this swoon-worthy dish? I’ve got answers – here are the things people ask me most often:

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen works in a pinch, but I’ll be honest – fresh tortellini gives that perfect al dente texture we love. Just adjust cooking time according to the package (and maybe add an extra minute since we’re not finishing it in boiling water).

How can I make it spicier?

Oh, I like how you think! Bump up the red pepper flakes to 1/2 tsp, or add a pinch of cayenne with the Italian seasoning. My favorite trick? A drizzle of chili oil at the end – it adds heat and makes the dish look gorgeous too.

What if I can’t find cheese tortellini?

No worries – meat tortellini works beautifully too! The sauce pairs well with pretty much any stuffed pasta. Just steer clear of weird flavors like pumpkin (trust me on this one).

Can I make this ahead for a dinner party?

You can prep the sauce ingredients ahead, but I’d cook it fresh – it only takes 15 minutes! The sauce thickens as it sits, so if you must make it early, keep some extra cream handy to loosen it up before serving.

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