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You need these items to make Marry Me Tortellini: - 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish You can swap items if needed. Use any pasta if you can't find tortellini. Cream cheese can replace heavy cream for a lighter dish. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk or almond milk. If you don't like cherry tomatoes, use sun-dried tomatoes instead. You can also use any cheese you prefer. Fresh tortellini has a soft texture and cooks quickly. It's often found in the fridge section. Frozen tortellini lasts longer and is easy to store. Both types taste great in this dish. If using frozen, cook it directly from the freezer for the best results. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by cooking the cheese tortellini. Follow the package instructions. You want them al dente. This means they should be firm, not soft. Once done, drain the tortellini and set them aside. Now, let’s make the sauce. Grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds. You want it to smell great. Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts. This makes the sauce creamy and rich. Add in the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the creamy sauce. Make sure all the tortellini are coated well. Cook for an extra 2 to 3 minutes on low heat. This warms everything through. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. To make the sauce rich and smooth, use full-fat heavy cream. This gives the sauce a nice thickness. As you heat the cream, be careful not to let it boil. Stir often to keep it from sticking. The key is to mix in the Parmesan slowly. This helps it melt evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water. This will loosen it up while adding flavor. When serving Marry Me Tortellini, presentation matters. Use shallow bowls to show off the dish. Top it with fresh basil leaves for color. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan adds a nice touch too. Pair this dish with a side salad for a crisp contrast. Garlic bread is another great choice. It soaks up the creamy sauce and makes every bite better. To enhance the meal, choose a light white wine. A Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works well. These wines complement the creamy sauce without overpowering it. If you prefer red, try a light Chianti. It pairs nicely with the flavors of the dish. For side dishes, a simple green salad adds freshness. Roasted veggies can also balance the richness of the tortellini. Pro Tips Perfectly Cook the Tortellini: Always cook the tortellini until al dente to ensure they maintain a firm texture and don't become mushy in the sauce. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh garlic and basil for enhanced flavor. Fresh cherry tomatoes will also add a delightful sweetness to the dish. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick! Leftover Sauce: If you have leftover sauce, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently and add a splash of cream to bring it back to life. {{image_2}} You can easily make Marry Me Tortellini vegetarian. Start by skipping the meat and using only veggies. Try adding spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. These add color and flavor. You can also replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a vegan twist. This makes the dish creamy and tasty without dairy. To make this dish heartier, add protein. Cooked chicken breast or shrimp work great. Just sauté them in the skillet before adding garlic. You can also use tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based option. They soak up the creamy sauce well and boost the dish's nutrition. To elevate the flavor, mix in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. A splash of lemon juice adds brightness too. You can also use sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy kick. For heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes. Each of these changes will make your dish unique and delicious. To store your Marry Me Tortellini, let it cool down first. Use an airtight container. This keeps the creamy sauce fresh. Place it in the fridge. It can last for 3 to 4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you’ll know when to eat it. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat carefully. Use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of cream or water to help it warm. Stir gently to keep the sauce smooth. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between. If you want to freeze Marry Me Tortellini, it’s best to do so before adding cream. Cook the tortellini and cool it completely. Then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. It can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, cook it in a skillet with cream to finish. "Marry Me Tortellini" is a fun name for this dish. People say it because the flavor is so good, it could win someone's heart. The creamy sauce, cheese tortellini, and fresh tomatoes blend well. It feels like a special meal for a romantic dinner. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the tortellini and sauce separately. Store each in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just heat them together on low heat. Stir well to blend the flavors again. To make this recipe dairy-free, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream. Use a dairy-free cheese instead of Parmesan. This keeps the dish creamy and tasty without dairy. Just adjust the seasoning to match your taste. We covered key points for making Marry Me Tortellini, from ingredients to storing leftovers. Choosing the right fresh or frozen tortellini can change the dish. You learned how to cook it and make a creamy sauce. Plus, I shared tips for serving and wine pairing options. Don’t forget variations to suit any taste. Enjoy your dish and feel free to adapt recipes as you wish. Happy cooking!

Marry Me Tortellini

A creamy and delicious tortellini dish that is sure to impress.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  • Add in the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  • Gently fold in the cooked tortellini, ensuring they are coated with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on low heat to heat through.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls with fresh basil and extra Parmesan for garnish.
Keyword creamy, Italian, pasta, tortellini