Marry Me Cheese Tortellini: An Easy 30-Minute Meal
Marry Me Cheese Tortellini is a creamy, comforting pasta dish filled with cheese tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce.
This recipe puts a lighter spin on classic Marry Me pasta by using fat-free half-and-half, Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth instead of heavy cream.
You still get a creamy, flavorful sauce without relying on as much fat, making this a delicious option for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ready in about 30 minutes, this creamy tortellini recipe is dimple enough for busy evenings but special enough to serve for a date night or family dinner. Serve it on its own or pair it with a fresh green salad and roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal.
The Ingredients
Cheese Tortellini: Cheese tortellini provides carbohydrates for energy along with protein from the cheese filling. Choosing a measured portion helps keep the meal balanced, and the cheese filling adds plenty of flavor without needing extra cheese in the sauce.
Olive Oil: Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats, which can support heart health when used in place of saturated fats. A small amount is enough to sauté the garlic while adding flavor to the dish.
Garlic: Garlic adds bold flavor and contains sulfur-containing compounds that have been studied for their potential health benefits. It also helps make the sauce taste rich and savory without relying on butter or heavy cream.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes provide concentrated tomato flavor along with antioxidants, including lycopene. They also contain vitamin C and potassium, although the exact amounts vary depending on how they are processed.
Fat-Free Half & Half: Fat-free half & half gives the sauce its creamy consistency with less fat than traditional heavy cream. It helps create a lighter version of the classic creamy pasta sauce while keeping the dish comforting and satisfying.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds savory flavor and helps create a smooth sauce without needing additional cream or butter. Choosing a lower-sodium variety can also help reduce the overall sodium content.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese provides protein and calcium, which are important for muscle function and bone health. Its strong, savory flavor means a modest amount can go a long way in the sauce.
Italian Seasoning: Italian seasoning combines herbs such as oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. These herbs contribute flavor and plant compounds with antioxidant properties, allowing you to enhance the dish without relying entirely on salt.
Fresh Baby Spinach: Spinach is rich in vitamins A and K and provides folate, iron, and other nutrients. Adding it to the tortellini increases the vegetable content of the meal while bringing freshness, color, and texture to the creamy sauce.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce without requiring extra cream, butter, or cheese. Only a small amount is needed, and it helps the sauce cling to the tortellini.
Click here to track the points on your Weight Watchers app. The full nutrition information can be found at the bottom of the recipe card.
How to Make Marry Me Cheese Tortellini
Cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
Stir in the fat-free half & half, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring until the sauce begins to thicken. Avoid boiling vigorously.
Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. If the sauce needs thickening, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer briefly.
Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and gently toss to coat. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Cook it according to the package directions, then drain and add it to the sauce. The total cooking time may vary slightly.
Can I use regular half-and-half instead?
Yes, but regular half-and-half contains more fat and calories, which will affect the Weight Watchers points.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh because the sauce thickens as it sits. If you have leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
Can I add chicken?
Absolutely! Add about 8 ounces of cooked, diced, skinless chicken breast when you combine the tortellini and sauce.
Marry Me Cheese Tortellini
Ingredients
- 10 oz. cheese tortellini
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup fat-free half-and-half
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
- Stir in the fat-free half & half, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring until the sauce begins to thicken. Avoid boiling vigorously.
- Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. If the sauce needs thickening, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer briefly.
- Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and gently toss to coat. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
Here are some more Weight Watchers friendly recipes:
Are you looking for a meal plan that’s low carb and Weight Watchers friendly? I have over 300 meal plans that you can choose from and I post a new one each week. Click here to check them out!
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