This yummy Marry Me Tortellini is a creamy pasta dish that’s sure to impress! Filled with cheese and topped with a tasty sauce, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner.
You might just want to pop the question after one bite! I love making this on busy nights because it’s quick to cook and oh-so-satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is the star here, bringing creaminess and a delightful bite. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using whole wheat or spinach tortellini.
Bacon: I love the flavor crispy bacon adds, but if you want a vegetarian option, vegetable bacon or mushrooms sautéed until crispy work well in place of bacon.
Sun-dried Tomatoes: For a burst of flavor, sun-dried tomatoes are perfect. If you can’t find them, you can use roasted red peppers or fresh tomatoes, just remember to cook them a bit longer until soft.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream makes the sauce rich, but if you want a lighter version, you could use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream made from cashews or almonds.
Parmesan Cheese: The salty and nutty flavor of Parmesan is great, but if you’re in a pinch, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option can work too.
How Do I Get My Sauce to Be Perfectly Creamy?
Getting a creamy sauce just right is key for this dish. Here’s how to ensure your sauce is smooth and luscious:
- Start by cooking the garlic in the bacon fat—it adds depth to your sauce.
- When you add the heavy cream, keep the heat medium-low, so it simmers gently. This helps avoid curdling.
- Add the Parmesan last and stir constantly until it melts fully. This gives you that creamy texture.
- If your sauce feels too thick, just a splash of pasta water can loosen it up while adding flavor!
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a deliciously creamy sauce every time. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Marry Me Tortellini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (about 9-10 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes of cooking time. In less than half an hour, you’ll have a scrumptious meal that’s ready to impress your loved ones!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the cheese tortellini. Cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente, usually about 2-4 minutes. Drain the tortellini and set them aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:
While the tortellini is cooking, place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy and golden brown, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, carefully remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, but leave the tasty bacon fat in the pan!
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add a tablespoon of olive oil if it looks dry. Then add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant—just don’t let the garlic burn!
4. Mix in the Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Now, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally to combine the flavors.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Feel free to taste and adjust the heat with more red pepper flakes if you like a kick!
6. Add the Cheese:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce, creating that creamy texture we love. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
7. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked tortellini and crispy bacon back into the skillet. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the tortellini is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and give it a final garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley, and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Marry Me Tortellini!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is the star of this dish, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, like fettuccine or penne. Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose!
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free substitute, try coconut cream or cashew cream for a rich flavor that fits well with the dish.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Marry Me Tortellini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to help loosen the sauce.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition. Just cook the vegetables along with the garlic and before adding the sun-dried tomatoes.