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Creamy Marry Me Tortellini Recipe Easy Homemade Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

creamy marry me tortellini - featured image

A rich and creamy tortellini dish coated in a homemade sun-dried tomato sauce that is quick, easy, and perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 9 oz (250 g) cheese tortellini, fresh or refrigerated
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, roughly chopped (reserve oil for sautéing)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (substitute half-and-half for lighter version)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken or vegetable broth, low-sodium
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions (3-5 minutes for fresh). Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup (60 ml) pasta water.
  2. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes to release flavor.
  4. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, scraping the pan to lift browned bits. Simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens.
  6. Slowly add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir in chopped fresh basil.
  7. Add drained tortellini to the skillet and toss gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook tortellini; it should be tender but hold shape. Avoid burning garlic by sautéing gently. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. Keep heat moderate when simmering cream to prevent curdling. Toss tortellini gently to avoid breaking pasta pockets. Sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently with added broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: tortellini, creamy sauce, sun-dried tomato sauce, easy dinner, quick recipe, homemade sauce, pasta, comfort food