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Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this one-pan Marry Me Tortellini features cheese tortellini simmered in a rich sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce. The perfect pasta dish for date nights, Valentine’s Day, or an easy weeknight dinner!

PREP:

5 minutes mins

TOTAL:

SERVES:

4

JUMP TO RECIPE

You ever take one bite of a dish and immediately hear wedding bells? Yeah, that’s this Marry Me Tortellini—creamy, cheesy, and downright dangerous if you’re trying to eat just one serving. The kind of meal that makes your significant other look at you a little differently, like “Damn, maybe I should put a ring on it.”

Ok, maybe it wont get you that marriage proposal

Now, let’s be real—I didn’t invent this whole “Marry Me” thing. In fact, The internet kinda ran with it after Marry Me Chicken blew up. However, I wanted all that creamy, sun-dried tomato goodness without having to cook chicken. Just pasta, cheese, and a rich, velvety sauce that clings to every bite like it’s personally trying to propose to your taste buds.

And let me tell you, this one DELIVERS.

✅ One pan.
✅ 15-minute prep.
✅ Looks like you spent all day making it.

This dish is date-night-approved, valentine’s day worthy, picky-eater-proof, and a dangerously easy recipe to make. Whether you’re whipping it up for a romantic dinner, a quick weeknight meal, or just treating yourself (because self-love is important too), this Marry Me Tortellini is about to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Let’s get cooking. 

Essential Equipment for the Perfect Marry Me Tortellini

A great pasta dish isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about how you cook it. The right tools make a huge difference in getting the sauce to the perfect consistency and making sure everything comes together smoothly. Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe as easy (and delicious) as possible.

A Large Skillet or Sauté Pan

Since this is a one-pan meal, you need a skillet that’s big enough to hold the sauce and pasta without spilling over. A 12-inch stainless steel or nonstick pan works best for even cooking and easy cleanup.

Recommended gear:
Lodge 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet – Holds heat well and gives a great sear if you ever add protein.
All-Clad D3 Stainless 12-Inch Pan – A high-quality stainless steel option that’s perfect for reducing sauces evenly.

A Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula

Stirring a creamy sauce requires a tool that won’t scratch your pan, especially if you’re using nonstick. A wooden spoon works great for deglazing and scraping up flavor-packed bits, while a silicone spatula helps ensure everything mixes smoothly.

Recommended gear:
OXO Good Grips Wooden Spoon Set – A solid, comfortable wooden spoon set that’s durable and easy to clean.
GIR Silicone Spatula – Flexible but firm enough for thick sauces.

A Microplane or Box Grater

Pre-grated cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting properly into the sauce. A Microplane zester is perfect for finely grating Parmesan, while a box grater gives you larger, more textured shreds.

Recommended gear:
Zyliss Restaurant Cheese Grater – Perfect for finely grating Parmesan and getting that restaurant-style melt.
Cuisinart Box Grater – If you prefer chunkier cheese shreds.

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Getting the right balance of cream, broth, and seasoning makes or breaks the sauce. A reliable set of measuring cups and spoons ensures everything stays consistent.

Recommended gear:
OXO Stainless Steel Measuring Cups & Spoons Set – Durable, stackable, and easy to read.

Airtight Containers (For Leftovers)

If you somehow don’t finish the entire skillet in one sitting, proper storage is key. A good airtight container keeps the sauce from separating and the pasta from drying out.

Recommended gear:
Glasslock 18-Piece Container Set – Leak-proof and microwave-safe for easy reheating.

You don’t need a ton of gear to make this recipe, but having the right tools makes cooking (and cleanup) way easier. If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen setup, check out my Kitchen Essentials List for all my go-to cooking tools.

Now that we’re set up, let’s talk ingredients and what to look for at the store.

Ingredients for the Best Marry Me Tortellini

A simple dish like this relies on high-quality ingredients to get that rich, creamy, restaurant-worthy flavor. You don’t need anything fancy, but choosing the right tortellini, dairy, and seasonings will take this dish from good to incredible. Here’s what to look for when you’re grocery shopping, plus a few pro tips to make sure you’re getting the best possible ingredients.

Cheese Tortellini

Since tortellini is the star of the show, using fresh, high-quality pasta makes a big difference. You’ll usually find three types of tortellini at the store:

• Fresh tortellini – Found in the refrigerated section, this has the best texture and cooks in just a few minutes. Perfect for this recipe.
• Frozen tortellini – A solid option if you want to keep it stocked in your freezer. Just boil it a minute or two longer.
• Dried tortellini – Found in the pasta aisle, but tends to be chewier and takes longer to cook. Use if it’s your only option.

Look for: Cheese tortellini made with ricotta and Parmesan for the creamiest texture. Avoid brands that use too much filler cheese, which can make the pasta grainy.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

These bring a sweet, tangy, umami-packed punch to the sauce. You’ll see two types in stores:

• Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes – Soft, flavorful, and easy to chop. The best option for this recipe.
• Dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes – Tougher and chewier. If using, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes before adding them to the pan.

Don’ have Sundried Tomatoes? Try tomato paste!

Look for: A brand that uses extra virgin olive oil in the jar for the best flavor.

Heavy Cream

This is what makes the sauce rich, smooth, and velvety. If you want that luxurious texture, use full-fat heavy cream—half & half or milk won’t thicken the same way.

Look for: Heavy cream with minimal additives—it should just list “cream” as the ingredient.

Chicken Broth or Chicken Stock

A little broth thins out the sauce while adding depth. Use low-sodium chicken broth so you can control the salt level.

Look for: Broth with simple ingredients—avoid brands with added sugar or artificial flavors.

Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan is key for giving the sauce that savory, nutty finish. Skip the pre-shredded stuff—it doesn’t melt as well due to anti-caking agents.

Look for: Parmigiano-Reggiano if possible—it’s aged longer and has more flavor.

All-Purpose Flour

A small amount of flour helps thicken the sauce and gives it a silky texture. This is especially useful since we’re skipping chicken (which would naturally thicken the sauce with its starch).

Look for: Any standard unbleached all-purpose flour will work.

Italian Seasoning & Garlic

Italian seasoning brings a balanced blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, while garlic adds depth and aroma.

Look for: A high-quality Italian seasoning without too much salt or fillers. If possible, go for fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for maximum flavor.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional, but Recommended)

A little heat enhances all the other flavors. If you like spice, don’t skip this!

Look for: A brand that’s fresh and vibrant in color—older red pepper flakes lose their kick.

Spinach (Optional Add-In)

Adding a handful of spinach at the end balances out the richness of the sauce while adding a pop of color.

Look for: Fresh baby spinach—it wilts quickly and blends perfectly into the sauce.

How to Make Marry Me Tortellini

This one-pan Marry Me Tortellini recipe is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and rich flavors, all coming together in just 30 minutes. The best part? Everything cooks in one skillet, including the tortellini, soaking up the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce for an unbelievably flavorful bite.

Sauté the Garlic & Build the Flavor Base

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant.

Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour along with Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Finally, stir for 1 minute to toast the flour and help thicken the sauce.

Simmer the Tortellini in a Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

First, Stir in ½ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Make sure to stir well, scraping up the browned bits at the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.

Once the sauce starts to simmer over medium-high heat, add the cheese-filled tortellini directly into the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is al dente and the sauce has thickened into a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.

Pro Tip: If the sauce thickens too quickly before the tortellini is tender, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.

Melt the Parmesan & Finish the Dish

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the tomato cream sauce for extra richness. Season with black pepper and adjust the spice level with more red pepper flakes if desired.

If using fresh spinach, stir it in now and let it wilt for 1 minute before serving.

SEO Boost: We worked in “Parmesan cheese,” “tomato cream sauce,” “black pepper,” and “spice level.”

Serve & Enjoy

Taste the creamy tortellini one last time and adjust seasoning if needed. Spoon onto plates, top with extra Parmesan cheese, and serve with garlic bread or a side salad.

For meal prep, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.

This one-pan Marry Me Tortellini recipe is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and rich flavors, all coming together in just 30 minutes. The best part? Everything cooks in one skillet, including the tortellini, soaking up the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce for an unbelievably flavorful bite.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Yes! Frozen tortellini works great in this recipe. Just add an extra 2-3 minutes to the simmering time to ensure it cooks through. If the sauce thickens too much before the pasta is tender, stir in a splash of extra broth to loosen it up.

2. How do I reheat Marry Me Tortellini without losing the creamy texture?

The key is to reheat it gently:

• Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or milk to bring the sauce back to life.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Add a little extra cream or broth if needed.

3. What’s the best type of tortellini to use?

Cheese-filled tortellini is the best choice for a creamy, rich bite, but you can also use:

• Spinach & cheese tortellini – Adds a little extra veggie goodness.
• Sausage tortellini – Works if you want a heartier, protein-packed dish.

4. Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! Some great add-ins include:

• Grilled or shredded chicken breasts
• Crispy pancetta or bacon
• Italian sausage
• Shrimp

5. How long does Marry Me Tortellini last in the fridge?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.

• Avoid freezing: Cream-based sauces can separate when thawed, leading to a grainy texture.

6. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Here’s how to make a dairy-free version of Marry Me Tortellini:

• Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
• Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for that cheesy, umami flavor.

If you love rich, creamy one-pan meals, you’ll want to try my Creamy Garlic Tuscan Salmon next!

Marry Me Tortellini (One-Pan Recipe)

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: marry me tortellini

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 821kcal

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this one-pan Marry Me Tortellini features cheese tortellini simmered in a rich sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce. The perfect pasta dish for date nights, Valentine’s Day, or an easy weeknight dinner!

Print Recipe

Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan (12-inch)
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Microplane or box grater
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Airtight containers for storage

Ingredients

• 1 package cheese tortellini 20 oz (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 1 cup fresh spinach optional
• Extra Parmesan & basil for garnish

Instructions

Sauté the garlic & build flavor

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2 tbsp olive oil
• Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3 cloves garlic
• Stir in flour, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute.
  1 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Simmer the tortellini in the sauce

• Add sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, Stir well.
  ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.
• Add tortellini directly into the sauce and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente.
  1 package cheese tortellini

Melt the cheese & finish the dish

• Lower heat to medium-low, stir in Heavy Cream, Parmesan cheese, and season with salt & black pepper.
  1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, Salt & black pepper
• If adding spinach, stir it in now and let it wilt for 1 minute.
  1 cup fresh spinach

Serve & enjoy

• Garnish with extra Parmesan & fresh basil.
  Extra Parmesan & basil
• Serve immediately with garlic bread or a side salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 821kcal | Carbohydrates: 75g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 130mg | Sodium: 887mg | Potassium: 700mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 1804IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 427mg | Iron: 6mg