Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, comforting dish that brings together tender chicken pieces, cheesy tortellini, and a flavorful tomato cream sauce. This recipe has just the right blend of herbs and spices that make every bite taste deliciously cozy and satisfying. The sauce is rich without being too heavy, and the tortellini adds a nice soft and pillowy texture that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
I love making this dish when I want something easy but special enough to impress friends or family. The name always makes me smile and sparks curiosity at the dinner table! One tip I’ve learned is to let the sauce simmer just a bit so it thickens up nicely before adding in the tortellini. It really brings the whole meal together and makes it extra tasty.
My favorite way to enjoy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is with a simple side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad. It’s the kind of meal that feels warm and hearty after a long day, and yet it’s quick enough to make any night feel special. It’s a recipe that keeps me coming back because it’s both comforting and a little bit fancy all at once. Give it a try—you might just find yourself falling in love with it too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast works best for tender chunks. If you want juicier meat, try chicken thighs instead—they add great flavor and stay moist.
Tortellini: Cheese-filled tortellini adds richness and a soft bite. If you can’t find tortellini, cheese ravioli or even small pasta shapes like gnocchi work well too.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These bring a bit of tang and chewiness that contrast nicely with the creamy sauce. You can swap for roasted red peppers if you prefer a milder, sweeter flavor.
Heavy Cream: It makes the sauce smooth and luscious. For a lighter option, use half-and-half, but the sauce will be less thick and rich.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds sharp, salty depth. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese are good alternatives.
How Can I Get Tender Chicken and Thick, Creamy Sauce?
Here’s how to cook the chicken and sauce perfectly:
- Make sure the chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Cook chicken over medium-high heat without crowding the pan to get a nice golden sear.
- After sautéing garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, add cream and broth and simmer gently. Avoid boiling hard, as it can break the sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan gradually off the heat to prevent clumping and to thicken the sauce smoothly.
- Add spinach toward the end so it wilts but stays vibrant and fresh.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for cooking the chicken and making the creamy sauce all in one pan.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – helps you stir the sauce gently without scratching your pan.
- Medium pot – ideal for boiling the tortellini quickly and easily.
- Colander – to drain the cooked tortellini without losing any pasta in the sink.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for getting your cream, broth, and spices just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for Italian sausage for a spicier, heartier dish.
- Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a bit more texture and earthiness.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to give the sauce a smoky, bold kick.
- Stir in sun-dried tomato pesto instead of chopped tomatoes for deeper tomato flavor.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
For the Pasta:
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes prepping and cooking the chicken, then another 15-20 minutes making the sauce and cooking the tortellini. It’s a quick and tasty meal perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Season your chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes to release their flavor. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
3. Finish the Dish:
Add the Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes to the sauce, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Toss in the fresh baby spinach and cook until it just wilts. Meanwhile, cook the tortellini according to package instructions, then drain.
Return the cooked chicken and tortellini back into the skillet, stirring everything together so the sauce coats it evenly. Let it cook for another 2 minutes to heat through all the flavors.
4. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the dish hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley for a bright finish. Enjoy your creamy, comforting Marry Me Chicken Tortellini!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method for quicker thawing. Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to get a nice sear.
Can I Substitute the Tortellini with Another Pasta?
Absolutely! Cheese ravioli, gnocchi, or even penne pasta work well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta’s package instructions.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce ahead and refrigerate separately from the pasta. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and chicken gently, then toss with freshly cooked tortellini for the best texture.
