Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, comforting dish that feels like a loving hug on a plate. Tender chicken and soft cheese-filled tortellini come together in a rich, buttery sauce bursting with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a little kick of red pepper flakes. It’s the kind of meal that’s both simple and special, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to treat yourself without too much fuss.
I love making this dish when I want to impress but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The sauce is so creamy and flavorful, it almost makes itself while you finish up the chicken and tortellini. One little tip I always follow is to stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end—it adds a nice pop of color and a fresh touch that balances the richness perfectly.
For serving, I like to sprinkle a good amount of grated Parmesan on top and pair it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to soak up all the sauce. Every time I make this, people ask for seconds and wonder where I learned to make something that tastes like it’s from a cozy Italian restaurant. To me, Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is just a reminder that simple ingredients with a bit of love can make a meal unforgettable.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cheese Tortellini: Fresh or refrigerated tortellini works best for a soft, tender bite. If you can’t find tortellini, ravioli or even gnocchi make good substitutes.
Chicken: Thinly sliced chicken breasts cook quickly and stay juicy. Boneless thigh meat could be used if you want a moister, more flavorful option.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They add a nice tang and chewiness. If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers can add a different but tasty twist.
Heavy Cream: It makes the sauce rich and smooth. For a lighter option, use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a salty depth to the sauce. Pecorino Romano or Asiago are great alternatives.
How Do You Make the Sauce Creamy and Flavorful?
Getting the sauce just right is key. Here’s how I do it:
- After cooking the chicken, use the same skillet to keep all the flavors from the browned bits on the pan.
- Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes gently to release their aroma without burning.
- Add heavy cream and chicken broth slowly, stirring to combine.
- Stir in Parmesan off the heat or on low to avoid clumping and help the sauce thicken smoothly.
- Add spinach last, letting it wilt quickly in the warm sauce so it stays bright and fresh.
- Toss tortellini gently to coat without breaking the pasta.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling the tortellini quickly and easily without crowding.
- Large skillet or sauté pan – perfect for cooking the chicken and making the creamy sauce all in one pan.
- Tongs or slotted spoon – to move the chicken and toss the pasta without breaking it.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – great for stirring without scratching your skillet.
- Knife and cutting board – for slicing chicken and chopping sun-dried tomatoes and parsley.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for Italian sausage for a spicier, heartier meal.
- Use roasted red peppers instead of sun-dried tomatoes for a sweeter flavor.
- Add mushrooms or artichoke hearts for extra texture and earthiness.
- Stir in fresh basil or oregano for a brighter, herb-forward twist.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing and cooking the tortellini and chicken, then another 15-20 minutes making the creamy sauce and combining all the ingredients. Perfect for a tasty weeknight meal that comes together quickly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Once done, drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
While the tortellini cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, turn the heat down to medium. Add the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently.
4. Add Cheese, Chicken & Spinach:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue cooking the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the fresh baby spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Combine & Serve:
Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet. Gently toss everything together so the tortellini is coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and add extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as you like. Serve warm, topped with fresh parsley and more Parmesan cheese if you wish.
Enjoy this creamy, comforting Marry Me Chicken Tortellini any night when you want something rich, flavorful, and so satisfying!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini for This Recipe?
Yes! Just cook the frozen tortellini a minute or two longer than the package suggests until tender. No need to thaw—just add it straight to boiling water.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, try using half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese. Keep in mind the sauce may be less rich and creamy.
Can I Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce seems thick.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken and stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth.