Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, dreamy dish that brings together tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a luscious tomato-cream sauce. It’s cozy, comforting, and feels special without any fuss. The sauce is packed with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and just enough spice to keep things interesting, making every bite feel like a warm hug.
I love making this recipe when I want something that tastes fancy but still comes together quickly on a weeknight. The chicken stays juicy, and the tortellini soaks up all that rich sauce perfectly. I always find myself going back for seconds, and sometimes thirds — it’s just that good! Plus, it’s a great dish to impress friends or family without spending hours in the kitchen.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is with a simple green salad and crusty bread to scoop up all the creamy sauce. It feels cozy and complete, a perfect meal to share at the dinner table. Whenever I make it, there’s a little buzz around the kitchen because everyone knows it’s going to be a delicious, hearty treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken works best for quick cooking. You can swap in chicken thighs for more juiciness, just adjust cooking time slightly.
Sun-dried tomatoes: They add tangy sweetness and texture. If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers make a nice substitute.
Heavy cream: This is key for the rich and smooth sauce. For a lighter version, use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as thick or creamy.
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is classic here. If preferred, try spinach or mushroom-filled tortellini, or use ravioli instead.
Baby spinach: Adds freshness and color. You can use kale or arugula if you want a different leafy green taste.
How Do You Get the Sauce Creamy and Well-Blended?
To make the sauce smooth and creamy, the key is to start with sautéing garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to build flavor, then gently simmer the cream and broth together before adding cheese. Here’s how:
- After cooking the chicken, use the same pan to get all those tasty browned bits mixed into the sauce.
- Sauté garlic just until fragrant—about 30 seconds to 1 minute—to avoid burning and bitterness.
- Simmer cream and broth on low-medium heat; don’t boil vigorously to prevent curdling.
- Gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese off the heat or on very low heat so it melts smoothly without clumping.
- Combine sauce with tortellini and chicken last to keep the pasta from getting overcooked.
These little steps help keep the sauce luscious and rich, making every bite comforting and flavorful.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – Perfect for cooking the chicken and making the sauce all in one pan.
- Medium saucepan – Ideal for boiling the tortellini to the right tenderness.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – Great for stirring sauce without scratching your pan.
- Chef’s knife – Useful for chopping chicken, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes quickly and safely.
- Colander – Needed to drain the cooked tortellini easily.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for Italian sausage for a richer, spiced flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
- Add mushrooms along with garlic to bring an earthy note and extra texture.
- Use fresh basil or oregano instead of spinach for a fresh, herb-forward twist.
- Mix in a handful of sun-dried tomato pesto to deepen the tomato flavor and add a hint of basil and garlic.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil, drained)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1 (9 oz/255 g) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 30 minutes total. It includes about 10 minutes to prep the ingredients, 15 minutes to cook the chicken and make the sauce, and 5 minutes to cook the tortellini and combine everything. It’s a quick, tasty meal perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook chicken in the skillet until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let it gently simmer.
Add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
3. Cook Tortellini and Combine:
Cook tortellini in a separate pot according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
Add tortellini and cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Stir everything together to coat well.
Toss in fresh baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Season with extra salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the dish warm, topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful Marry Me Chicken Tortellini!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw overnight in the fridge or quickly in cold water to ensure even cooking and to avoid extra moisture in the pan.
Can I Substitute the Cheese Tortellini?
Absolutely! Feel free to use ravioli, gnocchi, or even your favorite pasta shape. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for best results.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! Cook the chicken and sauce, then cool and store separately from the tortellini. When ready to eat, reheat everything together on the stove, adding the spinach at the end to keep it fresh and vibrant.
