Marry Me Chicken Tortellini – Creamy, Savory, and Irresistibly Good

If you love rich, comforting pasta dishes loaded with flavor, this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is about to become a new favorite. Tender cheese tortellini is tossed in a silky, creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian herbs, and perfectly seasoned chicken. Everything comes together in one pan, making this dish not only delicious but incredibly easy to prepare.

Inspired by the viral “Marry Me Chicken,” this version elevates the classic by adding hearty tortellini that soaks up every drop of the savory cream sauce. It’s the perfect meal for date nights, family dinners, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort. Rich, flavorful, and unbelievably satisfying — this dish absolutely lives up to its name.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

1. One-pan convenience
Everything cooks in a single skillet — easy to make, easy to clean.

2. Restaurant-quality flavor
Creamy sauce, savory chicken, and tender tortellini create a dish that feels indulgent and special.

3. Perfect for busy nights
Ready in 30 minutes with simple, accessible ingredients.

4. Comforting and rich
The combination of cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes gives the sauce depth and irresistible richness.

5. Customizable
Use spinach, mushrooms, or different tortellini fillings to make it your own.

6. Date-night worthy
A romantic, impressive dish without complicated steps.

What You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced or cubed
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1–2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

3–4 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed)
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4–1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional but recommended)
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

18–20 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)

Optional Add-Ins:

2 cups fresh spinach
Sautéed mushrooms
Extra Parmesan for topping
Fresh basil

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry and season with Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden on the edges and fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.

Transfer the chicken to a bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Add heavy cream and stir well to combine.

Season with Italian seasoning, a pinch of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.

Step 3: Cook the Tortellini in the Sauce

Add the tortellini directly into the sauce. Stir to coat and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Fresh tortellini cooks quickly, and allowing it to simmer in the sauce makes it extra flavorful.

If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or cream.

Step 4: Add the Chicken Back In

Once the tortellini is tender, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir gently to combine everything.

Add Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce, making it creamy and velvety.

If using spinach, add it now and stir until wilted.

Taste and adjust seasoning — add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Serve the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini while hot, with extra Parmesan and fresh basil on top if you like.

It’s rich, creamy, and perfect for slow, indulgent bites — the kind that make this dish truly unforgettable.

Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Slice chicken thinly.
It cooks quickly and blends better into the creamy sauce.
Let the tortellini simmer in the sauce.
This adds flavor and helps the sauce cling better.
Use quality Parmesan.
Freshly grated Parmesan gives the sauce a smoother finish.
Don’t boil the sauce.
Keep it at a gentle simmer to prevent the cream from separating.
Adjust thickness easily.
Add broth to lighten or more Parmesan to thicken.
Sauté the sun-dried tomatoes.
This infuses their flavor into the base of the sauce.

Flavor Variations

Creamy Spinach Version

Stir in 2–3 cups of fresh spinach for color and added nutrients.

Mushroom Lover’s Version

Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding garlic for a richer, earthy depth.

Spicy Version

Increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of chili oil.

Tomato-Boosted Version

Stir in a spoonful of tomato paste for a deeper, more robust sauce.

Bacon Twist

Crisp up bacon first, remove, and use its fat to sauté garlic — then crumble bacon back in at the end.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is rich and creamy, so pair it with:

Simple green salad
Garlic bread or toasted baguette
Roasted vegetables
Steamed broccoli
A crisp side of asparagus

It stands as a complete meal on its own, but sides help balance the richness beautifully.

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerate:

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
The sauce will thicken as it cools, but reheats well.

Reheat:

Warm gently in a skillet over low heat.
Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Freezing:

Not recommended.
Cream-based pasta dishes with tortellini don’t freeze well due to texture changes.

Make-Ahead Tips

Cook the chicken and slice it ahead of time.
Prepare the sauce (without tortellini) up to a day in advance — reheat gently and add tortellini when ready.
Chop garlic and sun-dried tomatoes ahead to speed things up.

Troubleshooting

Sauce too thick:
Add more broth or cream until silky.

Sauce too thin:
Simmer longer or add extra Parmesan.

Tortellini not cooked through:
Add 1–2 tablespoons of water or broth and continue simmering until tender.

Chicken turned tough:
Use thin slices and avoid overcooking during the initial sear.

Cream curdling:
Keep heat medium to medium-low and avoid boiling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes — simmer a few extra minutes until tender.

Can I use half-and-half instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.

Can I substitute chicken thighs?
Absolutely. They stay juicy and add extra flavor.

Can I make this without sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, but they add depth. Substitute with a few cherry tomatoes sautéed in oil.

Is this dish very heavy?
It’s rich and creamy, but you can lighten it by using half-and-half and adding vegetables.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 620
Protein: 34g
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 55g

(Values vary depending on tortellini brand and cream amount.)

Why This Recipe Works

This dish layers flavors intentionally — searing seasoned chicken, sautéing garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, and simmering tortellini directly in the cream sauce ensures every bite is rich and cohesive. The Parmesan melts into the sauce to create a velvety texture, while the Italian seasoning brings warmth and depth.

Cooking the tortellini in the sauce allows the starchy coating to naturally thicken the dish, ensuring it clings beautifully to the chicken and pasta. The result is a luxurious, comforting meal that tastes far more complex than it is.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is everything a comforting pasta dish should be — creamy, flavorful, and unforgettable. Even with simple pantry staples, you can create a meal that feels elegant and special, perfect for both everyday dinners and cozy nights at home.

With its rich sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked tortellini, it’s a guaranteed hit for anyone who tries it. One pan, minimal effort, maximum flavor — this recipe is the kind you’ll want to make again and again.