One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini Recipe

Irresistible One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini Recipe That Seals The Deal

Falling head over heels for this marry me tortellini happens faster than a romantic comedy plot twist.

Creamy sauce coats each tender pasta pocket with pure comfort.

Weeknight dinners rarely come this deliciously seductive and simple.

Cheese and herbs create magic in just one skillet, promising restaurant-quality flavor without complicated techniques.

Minimal cleanup means maximum relaxation after cooking.

Italians would definitely approve of this quick and passionate meal.

Grab a fork and let’s turn dinner into a love story.

Tortellini Skillet Variants

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and swap tortellini for cheese-filled spinach tortellini for a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortellini and substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to create a celiac-friendly meal.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a lactose-free alternative.
  • Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans to increase protein content and create a more substantial one-pan meal.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients that make this dish flavorful?

The sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese create a rich, savory profile that elevates the tortellini’s taste and brings depth to the sauce.

  • Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensure you’re using vegetarian tortellini. The overall cooking method remains the same.

  • Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! This one-pan dish is straightforward, requires minimal cooking skills, and comes together quickly with simple steps and basic techniques.

  • How can I ensure the tortellini is perfectly cooked?

Follow the recipe’s simmering time of 3-5 minutes and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The tortellini should be tender but not mushy when done.

Marry Me Tortellini – A One-Pan Pasta Love Story

  • Whip Up Quick Comfort: Effortless one-pan meal that comes together in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners when time is tight.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Creamy, cheesy tortellini packed with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach creates a restaurant-quality dish that satisfies everyone from kids to adults.
  • Minimal Cleanup Magic: Single skillet preparation means less washing up, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without dreading the aftermath of cooking.
  • Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easy to modify with additional proteins like chicken or swap ingredients based on what's in your refrigerator, making it a versatile go-to recipe.

What Forms One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini

Pasta Base:
  • Cheese Tortellini: Soft pasta pillows filled with creamy cheese, quick-cooking and perfect for easy one-pan meals.
Sauce Components:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates the liquid base for cooking and adding depth of flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides rich, smooth texture and luxurious creaminess to the sauce.
  • Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Chopped Tomatoes: Adds tangy, concentrated tomato flavor with bright Mediterranean notes.
  • Garlic: Provides aromatic and sharp underlying taste profile.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that adds classic Mediterranean warmth.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty finish that elevates the entire dish.
Herbs and Spices:
  • Paprika: Mild pepper with subtle warmth and color.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy garnish for heat lovers.
  • Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning to balance and enhance overall taste.
Greens:
  • Fresh Spinach: Adds nutritious green color and light earthy flavor.
Cooking Fat:
  • Oil from Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Provides base for initial sautéing with extra flavor boost.

Cooking Directions for One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini

Step 1: Fire Up the Skillet

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss in the oil from sun-dried tomatoes, chopped tomatoes, and minced garlic.

Sizzle and stir for 1-2 minutes until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma.

Step 2: Create a Flavor Base

Sprinkle in the flour, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

Stir quickly to form a smooth, golden roux that will give the sauce incredible depth.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Let it bubble and thicken for 3-5 minutes until the sauce becomes silky and rich.

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini

Gently add the cheese tortellini, stirring to coat every little pasta pillow in the luscious sauce.

Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the tortellini are perfectly tender and plump.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

Remove the skillet from heat.

Swirl in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Fresh spinach
  • Parmesan cheese

Stir delicately until the spinach wilts and creates a vibrant green contrast.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for a spicy kick.

Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Marry Me Tortellini Tips Worth Knowing

  • Use oil from sun-dried tomatoes to add an extra layer of rich, tangy taste to the sauce without extra ingredients.
  • Whisk slowly when adding chicken broth to prevent lumps and create a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the tortellini evenly.
  • Remove skillet from heat before adding spinach to prevent overcooking, ensuring leaves remain bright green and retain nutrients.
  • Grate fresh Parmesan instead of using pre-packaged cheese for a creamier texture and more authentic flavor profile.
  • Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use cheese tortellini to make the dish completely vegetarian-friendly.

Marry Me Tortellini Leftovers Worth Keeping

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Place tortellini in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
  • Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore sauce consistency and prevent sticking.
  • Cream-based sauces and tortellini do not freeze well, as they can separate and lose texture when thawed.

Tasty Pairings For Tortellini

  • Unleash Creamy Tuscan Wine Companions
  • Pair this rich tortellini with a crisp Italian Pinot Grigio that cuts through the creamy sauce and complements the sun-dried tomato flavors. Its light, refreshing profile balances the hearty dish perfectly.
  • Enhance Herbal Salad Side
  • Create a simple mixed green salad with fresh basil, arugula, and a light lemon vinaigrette to provide a bright, zesty contrast to the tortellini's creamy texture. The green freshness will cleanse the palate between bites.
  • Match Rustic Bread Delight
  • Serve warm, crusty Italian bread or focaccia alongside the dish to soak up the delicious sauce. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with herbs for an authentic Mediterranean touch that elevates the entire meal.
  • Complement Protein Boost
  • Add grilled chicken or seared shrimp as a protein option to make the meal more substantial. The lean protein will integrate seamlessly with the tortellini's rich and creamy profile, creating a well-rounded dinner experience.
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One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini Recipe

One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini Recipe


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4.8 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Passionate pasta enthusiasts will fall head over heels for one-pan marry me tortellini, a creamy comfort dish that promises romantic culinary magic. Cheesy, rich, and irresistibly simple, this recipe offers you a quick weeknight dinner solution that sparks instant kitchen love.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Pasta:

  • 1 (18-ounce/510 grams) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

Main Flavor Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons oil from jarred sun-dried tomatoes
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (if needed)

Instructions

  1. Warm a spacious skillet on medium-high heat, infusing the kitchen with the aromatic essence of sun-dried tomato oil, minced garlic, and chopped tomatoes. Allow these ingredients to dance and release their vibrant flavors for 1-2 minutes.
  2. Sprinkle flour, Italian seasoning, and paprika into the skillet, whisking to form a silky roux that will serve as the foundation for the luxurious sauce.
  3. Gradually introduce chicken broth, stirring continuously to create a smooth, harmonious blend. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer, letting it thicken and develop depth for 3-5 minutes.
  4. Gently fold the cheese tortellini into the sauce, ensuring each piece is lovingly coated. Allow the pasta to simmer and absorb the rich flavors, cooking until tender and fully incorporated.
  5. Remove the skillet from heat and introduce heavy cream, tender spinach leaves, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Softly fold the ingredients together, watching as the spinach delicately wilts and the sauce becomes creamy and inviting.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat. Serve immediately, presenting a dish that promises comfort and culinary delight.

Notes

  • Choose fresh or frozen tortellini based on availability, ensuring even cooking by selecting similar-sized pasta.
  • Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version that still maintains creamy texture.
  • Customize protein by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Accommodate vegetarian diets by substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth and using plant-based cheese alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 590
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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