Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a dreamy tomato cream sauce. It’s packed with flavors like garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs that make every bite feel special but still easy to enjoy on any weeknight.
I love making this dish when I want something that feels fancy but doesn’t take forever to prepare. The sauce is rich and silky, which coats those little pillows of tortellini perfectly, and the chicken stays juicy and flavorful. It’s one of those meals that always seems to impress guests or just make me feel cozy while eating.
My favorite way to serve it is with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce. Somehow, the combination of creamy sauce and tender chicken with cheese-filled pasta hits all the right spots. If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and a little bit special without complicated steps, this one’s a go-to for me every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Using boneless and skinless chicken breasts keeps the dish lean and tender. You can swap chicken breasts for thighs if you want juicier meat with more flavor.
Cheese tortellini: Fresh or frozen tortellini work great here. If you can’t find cheese-filled, spinach or meat tortellini make tasty alternatives.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These bring a sweet and tangy punch. Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes have better flavor and texture, but dry-packed can work if you rehydrate them first.
Heavy cream: It’s the secret to that creamy sauce. You can substitute half-and-half or use coconut cream for a dairy-free twist, but the sauce might be lighter.
Parmesan cheese: This adds a nice salty richness. Try Pecorino Romano if you want a sharper flavor.
How Do You Make the Sauce Creamy Without It Splitting?
The sauce uses heavy cream and cheese, which can split if overheated. To keep it smooth:
- Simmer the sauce gently over medium to medium-low heat, don’t boil.
- Add the Parmesan cheese after the sauce is hot but not boiling to avoid curdling.
- Stir constantly while the sauce thickens to keep everything combined.
- If it gets too thick, thin it with a splash of chicken broth or pasta water.
These tips will help you get a velvety, dreamy sauce that clings perfectly to both chicken and tortellini.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for cooking the chicken and making the sauce all in one pan.
- Pot for boiling tortellini – makes cooking pasta easy and keeps things separate from the sauce.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – great for stirring without scratching your skillet.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the right amounts of cream, broth, and spices for the sauce.
- Colander – for draining the cooked tortellini quickly and easily.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for Italian sausage for a spicier, richer flavor.
- Add mushrooms along with the garlic for an earthy note and extra texture.
- Stir in fresh basil or oregano instead of parsley for a fragrant herbal twist.
- Include roasted red peppers to boost sweetness and color in the sauce.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 package (9-12 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and cooking the chicken and sauce, 10 minutes boiling the tortellini, and a few minutes combining everything together and warming it up. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but special enough for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Boil the tortellini according to the package instructions, then drain and set it aside for later.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until they’re golden and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce Base:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes to bring out their flavor.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently so it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Add Greens and Combine:
Stir fresh spinach into the sauce until wilted. Return the cooked chicken and tortellini to the skillet. Toss everything together so the sauce coats every tasty bite. Warm through for 2-3 minutes, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if you like.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh parsley if you want a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve right away and enjoy your comforting, creamy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen tortellini, just cook it according to package instructions without thawing. Fresh tortellini works too, but frozen is a convenient option.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any 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 chicken broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick.
Can I Substitute Chicken with Another Protein?
Yes! Italian sausage, shrimp, or even tofu make great substitutes. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your protein is fully cooked.
Is There a Dairy-Free Version?
You can swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a creamy dairy-free alternative, and use vegan Parmesan cheese to make this recipe dairy-free. The texture might be a little different but still delicious!
