Introduction to Marry Me Tortellini
Have you ever heard of a dish so delicious that it might just sweep you off your feet? That's the idea behind Marry Me Tortellini! This one-pan pasta wonder is inspired by the immensely popular “Marry Me” chicken recipe, known for its rich sun-dried tomato sauce. When you combine cheesy tortellini with a creamy broth of tomatoes, shallots, and a splash of heavy cream, you create a flavor profile that’s both comforting and undeniably romantic.
But why call it Marry Me Tortellini? The name is inspired by how irresistibly delicious this dish is. It's the kind of meal that might make you want to pop the question—at least to your taste buds! Imagine preparing this for a cozy date night or an impressively quick weeknight dinner.
If you’re ready for a culinary experience that shines on both weeknights and special occasions, you’re in the right place. Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated! With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can whip up something extraordinary. So, grab your skillet and let’s dive into this flavorful journey together. For more pasta inspiration, check out EatingWell’s collection of healthy pasta recipes.
Ingredients for Marry Me Tortellini
Creating the perfect Marry Me Tortellini starts with gathering fresh, flavorful ingredients that bring this creamy dish to life. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Oil from sun-dried tomato jar: 2 tablespoons for a rich base.
- Cherry tomatoes: 1½ cups to give a burst of sweetness.
- Shallots: 2 medium, chopped for that mild onion flavor.
- Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes: ⅓ cup, finely chopped to enhance the dish's savory profile.
- Garlic: 5 cloves, finely chopped, adding aromatic depth.
- Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon to bring a classic blend of herbs.
- Salt & pepper: ½ teaspoon each for seasoning, plus more for garnishing.
- Lower-sodium vegetable broth: 1½ cups to keep it nutritious and flavorful.
- Water: ½ cup to balance the sauce consistency.
- Refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini: 1 (20-ounce) package for the star of the dish.
- Baby spinach: 1 (5-ounce) package for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Green peas: 1 cup, fresh or frozen, for texture.
- Heavy cream: ½ cup for a luscious finish.
- Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese: ½ cup, divided; because who could resist more cheese?
- Fresh basil leaves: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped, adding a fragrant touch.
Each of these ingredients plays an important role in making your Marry Me Tortellini a culinary delight! With easy-to-follow preparation steps, you’ll soon be on your way to impressing guests or indulging in a cozy night in. For helpful tips, check out more articles on EatingWell.
Preparing Marry Me Tortellini
Creating Marry Me Tortellini is not just about cooking; it's an experience that brings comfort and joy to your kitchen. This quick and creamy pasta dish features a rich sun-dried tomato sauce, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special date night. Let’s break down the straightforward steps to make this delightful dish.
Gather your ingredients
Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons oil from the sun-dried tomato jar
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 medium shallots, chopped
- ⅓ cup drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt and pepper
- 1½ cups lower-sodium vegetable broth
- ½ cup water
- 20-ounce package of refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini
- 5-ounce package of baby spinach
- 1 cup fresh or frozen green peas
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
With everything ready, you are set for some fun in the kitchen!
Sauté the base
Start by heating the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and chopped shallots, letting them cook down while stirring occasionally. After about five minutes, you’ll want the tomatoes to blister and for the liquid to begin evaporating. This step builds a robust flavor base for your Marry Me Tortellini.
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper next. As the fragrant aroma fills your kitchen (it’s heavenly!), you’ll know it’s time for the next step.
Cook the tortellini
Once your base is ready, pour in the vegetable broth and water, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to maintain a lively simmer and add the tortellini. Cook it for about four minutes, stirring frequently. This step will infuse the pasta with all those wonderful flavors from the broth and sautéed ingredients.
Stir in the greens and cream
After the tortellini is cooked, it’s time to stir in the baby spinach and watch it wilt perfectly into the dish. This not only adds a beautiful color but also boosts the nutritional profile. Finally, pour in the heavy cream and stir in the green peas and half of the Parmigiano-Reggiano, allowing all the ingredients to come together in creamy harmony.
Finish and garnish
To serve, sprinkle the remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano and a few fresh basil leaves on top. A dash of freshly cracked black pepper will add the perfect finishing touch. This Marry Me Tortellini not only looks impressive but also tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!
Enjoy your delicious creation with a crisp salad or some fresh bread, and get ready for everyone to ask for seconds! If you’d like to enhance your meal even further, consider pairing it with a refreshing herbal tea or sparkling water for the perfect night in. Happy cooking!
Variations of Marry Me Tortellini
Marry Me Tortellini with Grilled Chicken
For a delightful protein boost, add grilled chicken to your Marry Me Tortellini. Simply season chicken breasts with your favorite spices, grill until juicy, and slice them to nestle among the creamy tortellini. The savory notes from the grilled chicken perfectly complement the sun-dried tomato sauce, creating a dish that's rich in flavor and satisfying. It's not only easy to prepare but also perfect for impressing guests or making weeknight dinners feel a little more special.
Veggie-Packed Marry Me Tortellini
Want to add some color and nutrition to your Marry Me Tortellini? Toss in a variety of fresh vegetables! Think bell peppers, zucchini, or even asparagus—whatever you have on hand. Sauté them along with the shallots for a vibrant twist. You can also incorporate leafy greens like kale or arugula for an extra nutrient boost. This variation not only enhances the flavor profile but also makes your dish more visually appealing and wholesome. Check out more veggie ideas here.
Whether you're keeping it classic or experimenting with new ingredients, these variations of Marry Me Tortellini will keep your dinners exciting!
Cooking Tips for Marry Me Tortellini
When whipping up this delicious Marry Me Tortellini, here are a few handy tips to elevate your cooking game:
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Choosing the Right Tortellini: Go for fresh cheese tortellini for the best texture and flavor. If you must use frozen, check the cooking time and adjust as needed for a perfect bite.
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Simmering is Key: Allow the tortellini to cook gently in the broth; this enhances its flavor and helps it absorb the deliciousness of your sauce.
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Don’t Skimp on Freshness: Fresh basil adds vibrant flavor! If you're in a pinch, dried herbs are okay, but fresh is always best.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a refreshing green salad or garlic knots for a delightful dinner experience.
Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Tortellini
When it comes to Marry Me Tortellini, the options are as inviting as the dish itself. Pair your creamy tortellini with a refreshing salad to create a balanced meal. Here are some of our favorite accompaniments:
- Herb & Arugula Salad: The peppery notes of arugula contrast pleasantly with the rich flavors of the tortellini.
- Garlic Knots: These delightful bites make for a perfect side to scoop up the last bits of that delicious sauce.
Feeling adventurous? Consider adding some turkey bacon or chicken ham to the dish for an extra layer of flavor. And don’t forget a nice, herbal tea or sparkling water as the perfect beverage to complete your meal experience.
Time details for Marry Me Tortellini
Preparation time
Getting everything ready for Marry Me Tortellini only takes about 10 minutes. This includes chopping shallots, garlic, and tomatoes, so you can jump right into cooking!
Cooking time
Once you're set, the cooking part will take approximately 25 minutes. Just enough time to get your skillet sizzling and your taste buds tingling!
Total time
In total, you're looking at just 35 minutes to create this incredible dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing someone special! If you’re curious about how to enhance your experience further, check out some delightful salad pairings like our Herb & Arugula Salad for a balanced meal.
Nutritional Information for Marry Me Tortellini
When you're whipping up a dish as delightful as Marry Me Tortellini, knowing the nutritional info can help you enjoy it guilt-free! Here’s a quick overview:
Calories
A satisfying serving provides about 499 calories, making it a fulfilling option for dinner or date night.
Protein
Packed with 19 grams of protein, this dish will keep you energized and satisfied throughout your evening.
Sodium
With approximately 787 mg of sodium, it's wise to balance with other low-sodium meals throughout the day. For more insights on managing sodium intake, check out resources from the American Heart Association.
This creamy pasta dish isn’t just delicious; it also fits various dietary needs with its balanced ingredients. So, whether you're cooking for yourself or someone special, you'll be gathering more than just great flavors in every bite!
FAQs about Marry Me Tortellini
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Absolutely! You can use frozen tortellini in Marry Me Tortellini, but keep in mind that the texture may not be as tender as fresh. If you're going this route, just extend the cooking time by a couple of minutes and monitor closely to achieve that perfect al dente bite.
How can I prevent mushy tortellini?
To avoid having mushy tortellini, cook it according to the package instructions and taste it as it cooks. The goal is to find that sweet spot—al dente means it should have a slight firmness when bitten. It’s all about balance, so stay vigilant!
What should I serve with Marry Me Tortellini?
Pair this creamy delight with a fresh green salad, like Herb & Arugula Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette or some simply steamed veggies to keep it light. A slice of crusty bread or garlic knots could also complete the meal beautifully! Dinner doesn't have to be complicated to be special; adding a few sides can elevate the whole experience.
Conclusion on Marry Me Tortellini
In a nutshell, Marry Me Tortellini is the ultimate dish for those busy weekdays or romantic evenings in. It combines rich flavors with minimal effort, making it a real crowd-pleaser. Savor this creamy delight, and who knows? It might just win hearts at your dinner table!
For extra inspiration, check out these side dishes or explore more easy pasta recipes that will elevate your cooking game. Enjoy your culinary journey!
Marry Me Tortellini
Equipment
- large skillet
Ingredients
Sauce and Pasta
- 2 tablespoons oil from sun-dried tomato jar
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes from 1 pint
- 2 medium shallots, chopped about ½ cup
- ⅓ cup drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 5 medium cloves garlic, finely chopped about 2 tablespoons
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper plus more for garnish
- 1.5 cups lower-sodium vegetable broth
- ½ cup water
- 1 20-ounce package refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini
- 1 5-ounce package baby spinach about 5 cups
- 1 cup fresh or frozen green peas
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese divided
- 2 tablespoons loose small basil leaves loosely packed
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Heat 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1½ cups cherry tomatoes and the chopped shallots; cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have mostly blistered and the liquid has released and started to evaporate, about 5 minutes.
- Add ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, the chopped garlic, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add 1½ cups vegetable broth and ½ cup water; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to maintain a lively simmer; add tortellini. Cook, stirring frequently, for 4 minutes.
- Add baby spinach; cook until wilted, about 1 minute. Remove from heat; stir in 1 cup peas, ½ cup cream, and ⅓ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano until incorporated.
- Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons basil leaves and the remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano (about 2½ tablespoons). Garnish with additional pepper, if desired.
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