Marry Me Tortellini 💖💍

$To make Marry Me Tortellini, gather these key ingredients: - 10 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup spinach, packed - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option) - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan option) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil for garnish These ingredients blend well to create a creamy and savory dish. The tortellini adds heartiness, while garlic and tomatoes bring bright flavors. If you need dairy-free or vegan options, here are some easy swaps: - Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. - Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast. These substitutes keep the dish tasty and suitable for many diets. You won’t miss the dairy in this rich sauce. When choosing tortellini, you can pick fresh or frozen. Fresh tortellini cooks quickly and has a soft texture. Frozen tortellini is convenient and lasts longer. - Fresh Tortellini: Look for a good brand with flavor and quality. Check the package for a short shelf life. - Frozen Tortellini: Opt for brands that use quality ingredients. It’s great to have on hand for quick meals. Both options work well in this dish. Your choice depends on your time and preference. {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook the tortellini, start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add the tortellini to the water. Follow the package instructions for timing, usually around 3-5 minutes. You want them al dente, so be careful not to overcook. Once ready, drain the tortellini in a colander and set them aside. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until it smells great. Be careful not to burn it. Next, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. Then add 1 cup of packed spinach. Stir until the spinach just wilts. Now it’s time to make the sauce. Add ½ cup of heavy cream to the skillet, stirring often. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This helps it thicken a bit. Next, mix in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and blends well. Finally, add the cooked tortellini and toss gently. Make sure every piece is coated in that creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and some red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. To get a great cream sauce, start with medium heat. This way, the sauce won’t burn. Use heavy cream for a rich taste. If you want a lighter option, try coconut cream. Stir the sauce often to keep it smooth. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. This will help it thicken just right. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of pasta water. This will bring it back to the perfect texture. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to eat it again, reheat it gently on the stove. Add a little cream or water to help it loosen up. Never reheat in the microwave; it can make the pasta mushy. To make your dish look fancy, use a big white plate. This highlights the colorful pasta. Add a few fresh basil leaves on top. They add a nice pop of color. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese for a gourmet touch. For a fun twist, serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread. This makes the meal feel complete and special. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tortellini and seasonal vegetables will enhance the flavors of this dish, making it even more delicious. Customize Your Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like ricotta or goat cheese for a unique twist on the creamy sauce. Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely for a milder flavor. Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to the pasta for extra protein. {{image_2}} You can make Marry Me Tortellini heartier by adding proteins. Chicken and shrimp are great choices. For chicken, use cooked, diced pieces. You can sauté them with the garlic first. For shrimp, add them to the pan after the garlic. Cook them until they turn pink. This adds flavor and makes the meal more filling. If you want a vegetarian version, skip the heavy cream and cheese. Use coconut cream instead for a creamy texture. Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast. This gives a cheesy taste without dairy. You can also add more veggies, like mushrooms or zucchini. They boost the flavor and nutrition. To elevate the taste, try adding fresh herbs or spices. Basil and oregano work well, but you can experiment with thyme or rosemary. For a kick, add more red pepper flakes. You could also include lemon zest for brightness. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end adds freshness too. These simple tweaks can turn a good dish into a great one! After enjoying Marry Me Tortellini, store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Let the pasta cool at room temperature before sealing. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Use the leftovers within three days for the best flavor and texture. To freeze Marry Me Tortellini, first, let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw the frozen tortellini in the fridge overnight. For reheating, you can use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of cream or water to keep it moist. Heat over medium until warm. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between. This ensures even heating without drying out the dish. Enjoy your delicious tortellini again! Marry Me Tortellini is a creamy pasta dish that makes hearts flutter. It features cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes. The dish gets its flavor from garlic, herbs, and a rich cream sauce. People say it’s so good that it can lead to proposals! Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the tortellini and make the sauce, then mix them together. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream if it looks dry. You can easily adapt this recipe. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. If you want to add protein, try cooked chicken or shrimp. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add extra veggies. Always check for allergens in your ingredients. In this blog post, we explored the delicious Marry Me Tortellini. We covered the key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips for the perfect dish. You learned how to choose fresh tortellini, create a creamy sauce, and store leftovers. Don’t forget to try various protein and flavor options to make it your own. With these insights, you can impress anyone who shares a meal with you. Enjoy making this dish and happy cooking!$

Marry Me Tortellini 💖💍

A delightful and creamy tortellini dish perfect for a romantic dinner.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Ingredients

10 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup spinach, packed
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
0.5 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan option)
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Fresh basil

Instructions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Incorporate the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Then, add the spinach and cook until just wilted.
Stir in the dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to create a creamy sauce. Allow it to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, tossing them gently to coat them in the creamy tomato sauce. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Divide the tortellini among plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

Use coconut cream for a dairy-free option and nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative.

Keyword creamy, pasta, romantic, tortellini