The Viral Marry Me Tortellini Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, and Absolutely Irresistible
If you’ve seen it trending online and wondered why, The Viral Marry Me Tortellini recipe is exactly what the hype is about. Tender tortellini tossed in a creamy, garlicky, sun-dried tomato sauce with Parmesan cheese and a hint of spice makes this dish decadent, comforting, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner. It’s perfect for a date night at home, a family dinner, or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Trending for a reason: Creamy, garlicky, and bursting with flavor.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Comfort food: Rich, cheesy sauce with perfectly cooked tortellini.
- One-pan convenience: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
- Customizable: Add veggies, protein, or spice to suit your taste.
Marry Me Tortellini
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and broth, stir in Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Add cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss gently to coat with sauce. Heat through for 1–2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Ingredients
- 1 pound cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Optional Add-Ins:
- Grilled chicken or shrimp for protein
- Spinach or arugula for greens
- Mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Tortellini
Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
2. Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
Add heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Combine Tortellini and Sauce
Add cooked tortellini to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
5. Add Optional Ingredients
If using protein or vegetables, stir them in and cook until heated through.
6. Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for a creamy, dreamy pasta experience.
Tips for Success
- Fresh tortellini: Cooks faster and has a more tender texture than dried or frozen.
- Cheese choice: Parmesan adds sharpness, but Pecorino Romano can also work.
- Balance creaminess: Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce for perfect consistency.
- Customize heat: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for spice lovers.
- Avoid overcooking: Toss tortellini gently in the sauce to prevent tearing.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp side salad for a lighter meal.
- Pair with garlic bread or toasted baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Add a glass of white wine for a restaurant-style dinner at home.
- Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs for added texture.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Sauce ahead: Prepare the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce in advance and store in the fridge for 1–2 days.
- Leftover tortellini: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth.
- Freezing: Cooked tortellini can be frozen, but best enjoyed fresh for maximum creaminess.
- Meal prep: Store tortellini and sauce separately to maintain texture when reheating.
Why This Recipe Works
The Viral Marry Me Tortellini works because it combines rich, creamy sauce with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a decadent comfort meal with minimal effort. Sun-dried tomatoes add tang and depth, while garlic and Parmesan enhance the savory flavor profile. The dish is versatile, allowing you to add proteins, vegetables, or spices to fit your taste.
The trendiness comes from its combination of simplicity, indulgence, and visual appeal. One pan, a handful of ingredients, and 30 minutes is all it takes to create a dish that feels gourmet, yet is approachable for home cooks. The sauce clings to each tortellini, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor — making it a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Variations to Try
- Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage.
- Vegetable overload: Stir in spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or peas.
- Cheesy twist: Mix in mozzarella or cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- Spicy kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Pesto Marry Me Tortellini: Swap half the sauce with pesto for a vibrant flavor variation.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, just cook according to package instructions and adjust sauce with reserved pasta water.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortellini and broth to make it fully gluten-free.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but keep pasta and sauce separate for best texture when reheating.
How spicy is this recipe?
Mild by default, but easily adjustable with more red pepper flakes.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or peas work perfectly.
