Marry Me Tortellini

$- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Additional vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, mushrooms) - Protein options (e.g., chicken, shrimp) - Flavor boosters (e.g., lemon zest, sundried tomatoes) I love how this dish combines simple ingredients to create something amazing. You can use fresh or frozen cheese tortellini. I often choose fresh because it cooks quickly. Olive oil gives a nice base, while garlic adds a fragrant kick. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and creamy. Diced tomatoes add color and flavor, balancing the cream. Red pepper flakes give a gentle heat. You can adjust this based on your taste. Italian seasoning adds depth, while salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Fresh spinach brings in a pop of color and nutrition. Finally, grated Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, making it even tastier. If you want to personalize the dish, consider some add-ins. Bell peppers and mushrooms can add more veggies. Chicken or shrimp can turn this into a heartier meal. For a bright twist, add lemon zest or sundried tomatoes for extra flavor. This dish is all about making it your own! {{ingredient_image_1}} To boil tortellini, fill a large pot with salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook as directed on the package. It usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Check for al dente texture; it should be firm yet tender. After cooking, drain the tortellini well and set aside. For the garlic, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Watch closely to prevent burning. You want the garlic fragrant, not brown. Timing is key here; it enhances the flavor of the whole dish. To make the cream sauce, pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Next, add diced tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to mix. Season with salt and pepper. This sauce needs to be creamy but not too thick. Now, stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt for about 2-3 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally. Once the spinach is wilted, add the cooked tortellini to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the tortellini in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until it melts. This step is crucial for a rich flavor. To make Marry Me Tortellini just right, you can adjust the spiciness. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. Start with half a teaspoon. Taste it, then add more if you like. This lets you control the heat to match your taste. Adding more vegetables can balance the richness of the cream. Try bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. This makes the dish healthier and more colorful too. When plating Marry Me Tortellini, shallow bowls work best. This lets you show off the creamy sauce. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for a cheesy touch. Fresh basil leaves add a pop of color and flavor. A light drizzle of olive oil can finish the dish beautifully. For the best results, use a large pot for boiling the tortellini. A non-stick skillet is great for making the sauce. It helps prevent sticking and burning. Essential kitchen tools include a sharp knife for chopping and a wooden spoon for stirring. These tools make the cooking process smooth and easy. Pro Tips Cook Tortellini Al Dente: Ensure the tortellini is cooked al dente for the best texture. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference. You can always add more, but it’s hard to take it out! Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh tomatoes and spinach to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish. Perfect Presentation: For an elegant touch, serve in shallow bowls and add a swirl of olive oil on top before garnishing with basil and extra Parmesan. {{image_2}} You can easily make Marry Me Tortellini vegetarian. Just swap the cheese tortellini for a plant-based version. Many brands now offer great flavors. You can also add more veggies. Think bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. This boosts nutrients and flavor. Try to use fresh spinach, too. It adds color and a nice texture. For those who need gluten-free options, there are plenty of choices. Look for gluten-free tortellini brands. They taste good and work well in this dish. When making the sauce, check the labels on your cream and seasonings. Make sure they are gluten-free. This keeps everyone at the table happy. Want to switch things up? Change the seasonings! You can try pesto for a fresh twist. A little lemon-garlic can also brighten the dish. Feeling adventurous? Add artichokes or olives for a fun flavor kick. These simple changes make the dish unique and exciting. To keep your Marry Me Tortellini fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge right away. This dish lasts about three to four days in the refrigerator. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it. In the freezer, it can keep for up to three months. Just make sure to separate portions. This way, you can pull out only what you need. When reheating, I recommend using the stovetop. It helps keep the creamy texture. Add a splash of cream or water to help the sauce stay smooth. Heat it on low, stirring gently. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a paper towel to prevent splatters. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This method works well but may not keep the sauce as creamy as the stovetop. The name "Marry Me" Tortellini comes from its rich flavor. Many say it tastes so good that it can inspire love. The creamy sauce, fresh spinach, and cheesy tortellini create a dish that feels special. It's perfect for a date night or special occasion. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the tortellini and sauce separately. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, combine them and heat gently. This way, you save time on busy days. Serve Marry Me Tortellini in shallow bowls. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread. A light white wine, like Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors well. Fresh basil on top adds a lovely touch. Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. You can scale the recipe up for batch cooking. Store portions in airtight containers. Reheat them for a quick, delicious meal during the week. This blog post explored the delicious Marry Me Tortellini. We covered key ingredients and options for add-ins. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and making the sauce. Tips helped you perfect this dish’s flavor and presentation. In final thoughts, the dish is versatile and easy to customize. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. Perfect for any meal, it is sure to impress!$

A creamy and flavorful tortellini dish that is sure to impress.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Ingredients

12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste Salt and pepper
1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. 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 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the diced tomatoes, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and stir well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt into the sauce for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and gently toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and well combined.
Remove from heat and let sit for a minute. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve the tortellini in shallow bowls, with extra Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top and basil leaves for garnish. A drizzle of olive oil can add a nice finishing touch.

Keyword creamy sauce, pasta, tortellini