Name: Marry Me Tortellini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini; 1 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and chopped); 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Marry Me Tortellini is a rich and creamy pasta dish that combines cheese tortellini with a decadent sun-dried tomato cream sauce, Parmesan, garlic, and Italian herbs. It’s inspired by the viral “Marry Me Chicken” recipe, transforming it into a quick and irresistible vegetarian pasta dinner. This dish comes together fast and delivers restaurant-quality flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy it is to throw together with minimal ingredients while still tasting luxurious and indulgent. The tortellini cooks in minutes, and the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce clings to every bite perfectly. Whether I’m making dinner for guests or just craving comfort food, this recipe never fails to impress. It’s also a great meatless option that still feels hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients

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

cheese tortellini
olive oil
garlic
sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and chopped)
heavy cream
Parmesan cheese, grated
crushed red pepper flakes
Italian seasoning
salt and black pepper
fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I cook the tortellini according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
I add in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavor.
Next, I pour in the heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I simmer the sauce gently until thickened.
I add the cooked tortellini into the skillet and toss to coat with the creamy sauce.
I garnish with fresh basil and more Parmesan before serving warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, making it a 30-minute meal from start to finish.

Variations

I sometimes add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for extra protein.
I swap cheese tortellini for spinach or mushroom-filled ones for variety.
I add spinach or kale at the end to sneak in more greens.
A vegan version is easy using plant-based cream and cheese alternatives.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. It can also be microwaved in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

FAQs

What is “Marry Me” sauce?

It’s a creamy, flavorful sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cream, and Parmesan. The idea is that it’s so good, it might inspire a marriage proposal.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, I use either refrigerated or frozen tortellini. If frozen, I cook them a bit longer as per the package instructions.

How do I make it spicier?

I increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to give it more heat.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, I make the sauce ahead and store it separately, then reheat and toss with fresh-cooked tortellini before serving.

Is it gluten-free?

Not as written, but I make it gluten-free by using gluten-free tortellini and double-checking that the other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Marry Me Tortellini is the ultimate quick comfort food with a luxurious feel. I love how it turns everyday ingredients into a creamy, dreamy dinner that’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for a date night. Once I try it, it’s easy to see how it got its name.