Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a luscious sun-dried tomato sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make, with a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and hearty flavors that have everyone asking for seconds.
I love making this dish when I want something cozy but also a little fancy without spending hours in the kitchen. The sauce is super simple but packs so much flavor, especially with the sun-dried tomatoes and a splash of cream that makes everything feel rich and smooth. I usually toss in some fresh basil or parsley at the end for a pop of color and fresh taste.
One of my favorite ways to serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies on the side to balance out all the creaminess. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner but impresses just as well if you’re hosting friends or a date night in. I always look forward to leftovers the next day because the flavors only get better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well here, staying tender when cooked properly. You can swap with chicken thighs if you prefer juicier meat or want a richer flavor.
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini adds a creamy, cheesy bite that matches the sauce perfectly. If you want, use spinach tortellini or even ravioli as alternatives.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These bring a tangy, slightly sweet depth. Oil-packed are my favorite since they’re softer and more flavorful, but dry ones work after rehydrating in warm water.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce rich and smooth. For a lighter version, try half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be as creamy.
Parmesan Cheese: It melts into the sauce adding a salty, nutty kick. If needed, Romano or Asiago make great substitutes.
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach adds color and a mild, fresh taste. You can use frozen spinach but make sure to thaw and drain excess water first.
How Can I Get the Creamy Sauce Just Right Without It Splitting?
One common challenge is keeping your cream sauce smooth and rich without curdling. Here’s how I do it:
- Use medium to low heat when adding cream to prevent it from boiling too hard, which can split the sauce.
- Add the Parmesan cheese slowly and stir constantly so it melts evenly and thickens the sauce gently.
- Don’t rush—let the sauce simmer gently to thicken before adding the delicate spinach and tortellini.
- If your sauce looks too thick, stir in a little extra chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
Following these tips helps the sauce stay velvety and perfectly coats the chicken and tortellini every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – I use this to cook everything in one pan, making cleanup easier and flavor better.
- Soup spoon or slotted spoon – perfect for removing cooked chicken without breaking apart.
- Measuring cups and spoons – helps keep the ingredients accurate for the best results.
- Cooking pot – used to boil the tortellini until tender.
- Colander – for draining the cooked tortellini easily.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for stirring the sauce and combining ingredients gently.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes for different tangy flavors.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini to introduce earthy or veggie goodness.
- Use cooked shrimp or cooked bacon bits for extra protein and smoky flavor.
- Spice it up with more red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for heat.
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 package (9-12 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed recommended)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes preparing and cooking the chicken and sauce, another 10-12 minutes cooking the tortellini, and a few minutes combining everything for a delicious finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside for now.
2. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until you can smell the garlic and the tomatoes are warmed through. Then, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer.
3. Add Cheese and Pasta:
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce thickens a bit. While the sauce is simmering, cook the tortellini according to the package directions, then drain. Add the cooked tortellini and fresh spinach to the sauce, stirring gently until the spinach wilts.
4. Combine and Serve:
Return the chicken to the skillet and mix everything well. Taste and add extra salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top, and serve your creamy, flavorful Marry Me Chicken Tortellini right away!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method for quicker thawing. Pat it dry before cooking to get a nice sear.
Can I Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the chicken and sauce ahead, then refrigerate separately from the cooked tortellini for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a little extra cream or broth helps refresh the sauce’s texture.
Can I Substitute the Tortellini?
Yes! If you don’t have cheese tortellini, you can use cheese ravioli, gnocchi, or any stuffed pasta you like. Just adjust cooking times according to the package instructions.
