Name: Marry Me Tortellini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-489805H18M10S
Cuisine: Italian‑American
Ingredients: 1 lb (about 16 oz) cheese‑filled tortellini (fresh or refrigerated); 1‑2 Tbsp olive oil; 3‑4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup sun‑dried tomatoes, chopped (oil‑packed preferred); 1 cup heavy cream; ½ to 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat); Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish); Optional: sautéed spinach, grilled chicken or shrimp (for extra protein)

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Marry Me Tortellini is a creamy, savory pasta dish loaded with flavor and just the right amount of indulgence. It’s inspired by the wildly popular “Marry Me Chicken” recipe—known for its rich, sun-dried tomato cream sauce—and I love how well those same flavors pair with tender cheese-filled tortellini. This dish comes together fast, yet feels luxurious and satisfying every time I make it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for a special occasion. The sauce is rich and velvety, with garlic, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes infusing every bite of the tortellini. It’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and ready in under 30 minutes—what more could I ask for? Marry Me Tortellini

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
Olive oil
Garlic (minced)
Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, oil-packed preferred)
Heavy cream
Chicken broth or vegetable broth
Grated Parmesan cheese
Red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Optional additions: sautéed spinach, grilled chicken.

Directions

I cook the tortellini according to package instructions, then drain and set it aside.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and sauté the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for about 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.
I pour in the broth and heavy cream, then stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
I simmer the sauce gently for 5–7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
I stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
I add the cooked tortellini and toss it in the sauce until fully coated and warmed through.
I garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, so I usually have it on the table in under 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add sautéed spinach or kale for a bit of green. When I want to make it heartier, I toss in shredded rotisserie chicken . I’ve also made it with mushroom or sausage tortellini for a different flavor twist. And if I want to make it vegetarian, I use vegetable broth and skip any meat add-ins.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. It thickens as it sits, but the flavor stays just as rich. Marry Me Tortellini

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, I’ve used frozen tortellini—just boil it a few minutes longer than fresh and follow the same steps.

Is this dish spicy?

Not really, but I like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. I adjust it to taste or leave it out entirely.

Can I make it ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but I’ve prepped the sauce in advance and cooked the tortellini just before serving. The dish comes together very quickly that way.

What protein goes well with this?

Grilled or shredded chicken, seared shrimp. I just stir them in at the end.

Can I make it lighter?

Yes, I sometimes use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly—it’s still creamy and flavorful.

Conclusion

Marry Me Tortellini is one of those dishes that never fails to impress. I love how the creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce wraps around each cheesy bite of pasta, creating a rich and comforting meal that feels both romantic and easy. Whether I’m making it for a date night or just treating myself, this tortellini always lives up to its name.