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Creamy Marry Me Tortellini Recipe Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Delight

creamy marry me tortellini - featured image

A comforting and creamy tortellini dish with a rich sun-dried tomato sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners. This recipe balances tangy tomatoes, cream, and a touch of heat for a delicious, silky pasta experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 9 oz (250 g) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil (rehydrate if dry)
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: splash of white wine or squeeze of lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 9 oz (250 g) cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions (3-5 minutes fresh, 5-7 minutes frozen). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and save 1/2 cup (120 ml) pasta water.
  2. If using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chop roughly. If dry, soak in warm water for 10 minutes, drain, and chop finely.
  3. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes to release flavor.
  5. Pour in 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth and simmer for 3-4 minutes to meld flavors and reduce slightly.
  6. Lower heat and stir in 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Stir gently until cheese melts and sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  7. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  8. Add cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss gently to coat. Heat together for 1-2 minutes.
  9. Stir in chopped fresh basil just before serving.

Notes

Do not overheat garlic to avoid bitterness. Use quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for best flavor. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Add cheese gradually over low heat to prevent clumping. Simmer sauce gently to avoid curdling. Toss pasta and sauce just before serving to keep pasta from drying out. Optional splash of white wine or lemon juice can brighten the sauce. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with vegan cheese. For gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini or gnocchi.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tortellini, sun-dried tomato sauce, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food, cheese tortellini, creamy pasta sauce