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Marry Me Tortellini
Laura

Marry Me Tortellini

Creamy one-pot Marry Me Tortellini with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, basil, and Parmesan. Ready in 20 minutes for the perfect weeknight dinner or date night meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 657
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium shallot finely diced
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 pound cheese tortellini refrigerated
  • 1½ cups vegetable broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves roughly chopped
  • salt to taste

Equipment

  • Large skillet or deep pan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cheese grater

Method
 

  1. Prep all ingredients: Mince garlic, dice shallot, chop basil and sun-dried tomatoes, and grate Parmesan cheese before starting.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic and shallot, cooking for 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Add seasonings: Stir in black pepper, thyme, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  4. Cook tortellini: Add tortellini to the pan and pour in vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Create cream sauce: Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 1 minute. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and smooth.
  6. Finish the dish: Add sun-dried tomatoes and half the basil, stirring to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
  7. Serve: Top with remaining fresh basil and extra red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Reserve 1 tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar and add it with the butter for extra flavor
  • Keep heat at medium-low once cream is added to prevent breaking
  • Use refrigerated tortellini for best texture, not dried
  • Add protein like shredded chicken, bacon, or shrimp for a heartier meal
  • Stir in baby spinach or arugula during the last minute for extra vegetables