IRRESISTIBLE MARRY ME TORTELLINI RECIPE

Is your partner’s cooking repertoire stuck on microwave dinners? Are you craving a dish so delicious, so heartwarming, that it practically begs for a ring? Look no further than Marry Me Tortellini, a decadent, creamy pasta dish that’s guaranteed to impress (and maybe even inspire a proposal!). Get ready to whip up this showstopper and prepare for a resounding “Yes!” to seconds… and maybe more!

What You’ll Need: The Marry Me Tortellini Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (optional, can substitute with sausage)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

The Creamy Dreamy Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Gear Up: Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Large pot for boiling tortellini
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. While the water is heating, prepare all your ingredients: chop the onion, mince the garlic, chop the sun-dried tomatoes and basil. If using chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Protein

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. If using chicken, add it to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Step 3: Build the Marry Me Magic Sauce

1. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
2. Pour in the white wine (if using) and let it simmer for a minute or two, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds a ton of flavor!
3. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. If using chicken, return it to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini

1. While the sauce is simmering, cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Usually, this just takes a few minutes.
2. Drain the tortellini well.

Step 5: Marry the Tortellini and Sauce

1. Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat.
2. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Tips and Tricks for Tortellini Perfection

• Don’t overcook the tortellini! Overcooked tortellini can become mushy. Cook it just until it’s tender.
• Use good quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the flavor of the dish.
• Adjust the sauce to your liking. If you want a thicker sauce, simmer it for a longer time. If you want a thinner sauce, add a little more chicken broth.
• Spice it up! If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Get creative with add-ins. Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

Substitutions and Variations: Making it Your Own

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
• Sausage Tortellini: Substitute the chicken with Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled. For a similar flavor profile, you might also like Creamy Sausage Tortellini Heaven, Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup, or Sausage Tortellini Soup.
• Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or fontina.
• Cream Cheese: For an extra creamy and tangy sauce, stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese at the end.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto: Use sun-dried tomato pesto instead of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for even more intense flavor.

Serving Suggestions: Pairings That Please

Marry Me Tortellini is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with:

• Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for soaking up the delicious sauce
• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts

Make Ahead and Storage Tips: Plan Like a Pro

Make Ahead: You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, cook the tortellini and add it to the sauce. I don’t recommend cooking the tortellini ahead of time as it can get mushy. However, if you need a similar pasta that can be prepared ahead of time, try Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, Garlic Parmesan Pasta Yeem, or even Garlic Chicken Gnocchi.

Storage: Store leftover Marry Me Tortellini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to thin the sauce. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overcook the tortellini.

Freezing: While you *can* freeze this dish, the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, allow to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: Approximately 600-700
• Protein: 30-40g
• Fat: 40-50g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Why This Recipe Works: The Science of Deliciousness

This Marry Me Tortellini recipe works because it combines several key elements of flavor and texture:

• Umami: The sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth all contribute umami, a savory flavor that makes the dish incredibly satisfying.
• Richness: The heavy cream creates a rich and luxurious sauce that coats the tortellini perfectly.
• Acidity: The white wine (optional) and the acidity of the sun-dried tomatoes balance the richness of the cream sauce.
• Texture: The tender tortellini, the slightly chewy sun-dried tomatoes, and the creamy sauce create a delightful textural contrast.
• Aromatics: The onion and garlic provide a fragrant base for the sauce, while the fresh basil adds a bright and herbaceous note.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your “I Do” Moment!

There you have it – your ticket to culinary bliss and, who knows, maybe even a proposal! This Marry Me Tortellini recipe is easy to make, incredibly delicious, and sure to impress. So go ahead, whip up a batch, light some candles, and prepare for a night of romance and unforgettable flavor. Happy cooking!

Lady Maria

Irresistible Marry Me Tortellini

This Marry Me Tortellini recipe is a decadent and creamy pasta dish guaranteed to impress. With cheese tortellini, a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, and optional chicken or sausage, it’s a flavorful and heartwarming meal perfect for a romantic night in.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces optional
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup dry white wine optional
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Large Pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. While the water is heating, chop the onion, mince the garlic, chop the sun-dried tomatoes and basil. If using chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
4. If using chicken, add it to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
6. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
7. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
8. Pour in the white wine (if using) and let it simmer for a minute or two, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
9. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
10. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
11. If using chicken, return it to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
12. While the sauce is simmering, cook the tortellini according to the package directions.
13. Drain the tortellini well.
14. Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat.
15. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Notes

Don’t overcook the tortellini. Use good quality ingredients. Adjust the sauce to your liking by simmering longer for thicker sauce or adding more chicken broth for thinner sauce. Spice it up with red pepper flakes. Get creative with add-ins like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. For make-ahead, prepare the sauce and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently with a splash of broth or water. Freezing is possible, but the cream sauce texture may change upon thawing.