If you love creamy pasta dishes with irresistible flavors, Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is going to absolutely win your heart (and everyone else’s at the dinner table!). This luxurious yet simple pan dinner combines tender chicken, pillowy cheese tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, and a Parmesan-infused cream sauce that tastes like something you’d get in a cozy Italian bistro. Best of all, it comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal that feels like a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Although Marry Me Chicken Tortellini might taste like a labor of love, all the ingredients are easily found at any grocery store, and each one brings something unique to the final dish—whether it’s richness, tang, creaminess, or that irresistible golden color.
- Olive oil: Adds a hint of fruitiness and helps the chicken sear to golden perfection.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Sliced thin for maximum tenderness and flavor absorption.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors together and seasons the chicken just right.
- Black pepper: Gives the dish a subtle warmth and depth without overpowering it.
- Garlic powder: Layers in even more savory, fragrant flavor so every bite sings.
- Paprika: Adds mild heat and a lovely pop of color to both chicken and sauce.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh minced garlic boosts the aromatic base and intensifies every savory note.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): Delivers a tangy, slightly sweet punch and chewy texture that enlivens the whole skillet.
- Heavy cream: Turns the sauce sumptuously smooth and rich—this is where the comfort comes in!
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, lending salty, nutty character and velvety body.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that rounds out the sauce with classic Mediterranean notes.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini: The ultimate creamy pasta shortcut—these cook fast and soak up all that glorious sauce.
- Fresh basil (optional for garnish): Brings a final flourish of freshness and color just before serving.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your sliced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Once the oil shimmers, lay the chicken strips in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes per side to develop a beautiful golden crust and seal in all the juices. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside—you’ll be welcoming it back soon enough!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Now, in that same skillet (no need to wash!), toss in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté them for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant and softened. This step packs your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini with those deep, mouth-watering aromas that signal something wonderful is on the way.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of your pan—they’re flavor gold! Stir in the grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer on medium-low for about 3–4 minutes, so it thickens slightly and all the flavors melt together. The aroma right now deserves its own round of applause.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
Add your refrigerated cheese tortellini right into the simmering sauce. Let them bubble gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring every so often, until they’re tender and hot. The tortellini will soak up all the creamy sauce, marrying those irresistible Italian flavors together (hence the name!).
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return your cooked chicken strips (and any juices they released) to the skillet. Toss everything together gently and let it simmer for another 2 minutes, just so the chicken heats through and mingles with the pasta and sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. This is the moment where Marry Me Chicken Tortellini becomes an unforgettable meal!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, sprinkle your finished dish with a generous shower of freshly chopped basil, if using. It adds color, fragrance, and a burst of herbaceous brightness to the rich, creamy flavors.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Garnishes
Top each bowl of Marry Me Chicken Tortellini with extra fresh basil, a few cracks of black pepper, and maybe a flourish of freshly grated Parmesan for extra flair. If you have a drizzle of good olive oil or chili flakes, now’s the time to let your inner artist shine! These little touches make the dish feel even more special.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta begs for something crisp and fresh alongside. A simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly, as does garlicky roasted broccoli or asparagus. And if you’re feeling indulgent, serve with warm, crusty bread to swipe up every last drop of sauce—you won’t regret it.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner, pile the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini high in shallow bowls and fan the chicken pieces on top. Hosting brunch? Serve it family-style in a large, colorful platter with lemon wedges on the side. For a more casual night, pass the skillet right to the table and let everyone help themselves—it’s the ultimate comfort food centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will keep nicely for up to three days without losing that dreamy texture or flavor. The tortellini will continue to absorb the sauce but that just makes it even more luxurious the next day!
Freezing
While the sauce may separate a bit after freezing because of the cream, you can absolutely freeze Marry Me Chicken Tortellini if needed. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to restore the original richness.
Reheating
To reheat, transfer the pasta and chicken to a skillet and warm over medium-low heat, adding a little extra cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir gently and heat just until warmed through—avoid boiling or overcooking the tortellini, so it stays pillowy. Microwave works in a pinch; just use short bursts and stir between each to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken makes this dish even faster. Simply slice or shred, warm it through in the sauce during the final step, and you’ll still have classic Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in record time.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
Yes, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk if you prefer a lighter sauce. Just keep in mind the final texture will be slightly less rich and thick, but still delicious.
Are other types of tortellini okay?
Definitely! Cheese tortellini is classic here, but spinach or mushroom-filled tortellini also work beautifully and add an extra flavor dimension. Just adjust cook time as needed so the pasta is perfectly tender.
How can I add more vegetables?
Feel free to throw in a handful of baby spinach, sliced mushrooms, or even chopped bell peppers along with the sun-dried tomatoes. These veggies will cook down quickly and add color, nutrition, and extra character to your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini.
Is Marry Me Chicken Tortellini spicy?
No, the dish is flavorful but not spicy as written. If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or use a pinch of cayenne with the other spices for just the right kick!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try Marry Me Chicken Tortellini for yourself. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner that tastes like a restaurant meal but comes together in one skillet, right in your own kitchen. With every bite, you’ll see why it’s such a favorite—so go ahead and make it for someone special (or just because you deserve an incredible meal tonight)!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and flavorful Marry Me Chicken Tortellini, a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, cheese tortellini, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a perfect choice for a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Tortellini:
- 9 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook chicken until fully done, then set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Add cream, broth, Parmesan, and seasoning. Simmer until thickened.
- Cook Tortellini: Add tortellini to the sauce, cooking until tender. Return chicken to the skillet and combine. Simmer briefly.
- Serve: Garnish with basil and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Feel free to add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Grilled or rotisserie chicken can be a time-saving substitute.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
