Tortellini are small, stuffed pasta shells that are commonly filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
This version of Marry Me Tortellini uses a simple sauce made with heavy cream and garlic, creating a rich and comforting dish.
It's ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting Sunday dinner, and it's ready in just 20 minutes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
12 ounces (340g) frozen cheese tortellini
Frozen tortellini is a convenient option. If you prefer fresh, look for refrigerated tortellini and adjust cooking time accordingly.
2 cups (475ml) heavy cream
Heavy cream gives the sauce its rich texture. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can use whole milk with a splash of butter.
3 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic is ideal for flavor. If you're short on time, you can use pre-minced garlic from a jar.
1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
Chicken broth adds depth to the sauce. Use vegetable broth if you're making this vegetarian.
1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor. If you don't have it, use any hard cheese like Pecorino or Asiago.
1 tablespoon olive oil
Olive oil is used to sauté the garlic and add richness. You can use butter or another neutral oil if preferred.
1/2 teaspoon salt
Salt enhances the flavors. Adjust to taste, and use a low-sodium broth if you're watching your sodium intake.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Black pepper adds a subtle heat. Freshly ground pepper is best, but pre-ground works in a pinch.
1/4 cup (35g) shredded mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella adds a creamy texture. Use any cheese you have on hand, like ricotta or cheddar, if you prefer.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor. Use basil or chives if you're out of parsley.
Tips & Tricks
- Use a non-stick pot to prevent the tortellini from sticking during cooking.
- Add the tortellini directly to the pot with the broth and cream to simplify the process.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a bit more broth or water to thin it out.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Heat the broth and cream
In a large pot, heat the chicken broth and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the cream from scorching.
2. Add garlic and oil
Add the minced garlic and olive oil to the pot. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add tortellini
Add the frozen tortellini to the pot and stir to coat with the sauce. Cook for about 10 minutes until the tortellini are tender.
4. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella
Once the tortellini are cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella. Cook for another 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
5. Season and finish
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped parsley just before serving to add freshness.
6. Serve immediately
Serve the tortellini hot, ideally in shallow bowls with a spoon. It’s best enjoyed right away for the richest flavor.
How to Store marry me tortellini
Refrigerator
Store any leftover tortellini in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may separate slightly, but it will recombine when reheated.
Freezer
Freeze the tortellini in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the tortellini in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to restore the sauce's consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh tortellini, but reduce the cooking time to about 5 minutes and adjust as needed.
Q: What kind of cheese can I substitute for Parmesan?
If you don’t have Parmesan, substitute with any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or grated cheddar.
Q: How do I know when the tortellini are done?
The tortellini are done when they are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. You can test by tasting a piece.
Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk or almond milk and use vegan cheese if available.
This Marry Me Tortellini is perfect for a quick, comforting meal—no need for complicated steps or long waits. Try it tonight and see how easy it is to enjoy a creamy, satisfying dish.
marry me tortellini
Marry Me Tortellini is a creamy, quick one-pot pasta that feels special and is ready in just 20 minutes. Comfort food made easy with a few simple ingredients.
🧂 Ingredients
- 12 ounces (340g) frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 cups (475ml) heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
- 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup (35g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
📋 Instructions
- 1Heat the broth and cream — In a large pot, heat the chicken broth and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the cream from scorching.
- 2Add garlic and oil — Add the minced garlic and olive oil to the pot. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- 3Add tortellini — Add the frozen tortellini to the pot and stir to coat with the sauce. Cook for about 10 minutes until the tortellini are tender.
- 4Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella — Once the tortellini are cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella. Cook for another 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- 5Season and finish — Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped parsley just before serving to add freshness.
- 6Serve immediately — Serve the tortellini hot, ideally in shallow bowls with a spoon. It’s best enjoyed right away for the richest flavor.
