Marry Me Chicken Tortellini: A Creamy, Crowd-Pleasing Pasta Worthy of Its Name

“Marry Me Chicken” is one of those iconic internet-famous dishes that skyrocketed to popularity because of its luscious cream sauce, bold sun-dried tomato flavor, and irresistible richness. Now imagine pairing that beloved flavor profile with pillowy cheese tortellini — the result is Marry Me Chicken Tortellini, an unforgettable dish that checks every box: creamy, savory, satisfying, romantic, and easy enough for a weeknight.

This recipe takes the classic flavors of Marry Me Chicken and elevates them into a hearty pasta dish that feels restaurant-worthy. Tender pieces of seared chicken breast are simmered in a garlic-infused cream sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, and a kiss of heat from red pepper flakes. Tossed with delicate cheese tortellini, the entire dish becomes a velvety, comforting bowl of pure indulgence.

Whether you’re cooking to impress, meal-prepping for the week, or treating yourself to a cozy bowl of pasta, this dish won’t disappoint. And the best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes, yet tastes like it simmered all afternoon.

Let’s dive into everything that makes this the dinner you’ll crave again and again.

Why You’ll Love Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

If you’ve ever wished dinner could feel effortless yet luxurious, this dish delivers. Here’s what makes it special:

1. A Cream Sauce That Dominates the Flavor Game

The combination of garlic, Parmesan, heavy cream, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a sauce that’s balanced and irresistible — savory, tangy, slightly smoky, and silky smooth.

2. Tortellini: The Ultimate Pasta Upgrade

Cheese-filled tortellini doesn’t just complement the sauce — it enhances it. The filling adds richness and depth without any added effort.

3. Quick and Easy for Busy Nights

The entire recipe comes together in a single skillet with minimal prep and no complicated techniques.

4. Restaurant Quality at Home

The flavors feel elevated, but the cooking process remains simple. This makes it a go-to recipe for at-home date nights or when hosting friends.

5. Family Friendly

Kids devour this dish thanks to the creamy sauce, and adults appreciate the sophisticated flavor pairing.

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Below is the full ingredient list you need to bring this dish to life. These are pantry-friendly items, and many are staples you may already have.

• 1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
• 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed and drained)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼–½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust heat to liking)
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish
• Extra Parmesan for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the tortellini
   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook cheese tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Season and sear the chicken
   Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate.
3. Build the flavor base
   In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Create the creamy sauce
   Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 4–5 minutes. Mix in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes.
5. Combine everything
   Add cooked chicken back to the skillet. Fold in the tortellini. Toss until everything is coated in the creamy sauce.
6. Finish and serve
   Garnish with basil and extra Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy.

Pro Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Use freshly grated Parmesan

Pre-grated cheese can clump and may not melt smoothly into the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan ensures a velvety finish.

Don’t rush the simmer

Let the cream sauce reduce just slightly — it thickens beautifully and clings to the tortellini.

Reserve some pasta water

In case your sauce thickens too much, a splash of starchy pasta water can loosen it while maintaining the creamy texture.

Shred or slice chicken thinly

Smaller pieces blend seamlessly with the tortellini and allow each bite to include both pasta and protein.

Variations You Can Try

1. Marry Me Chicken Tortellini with Spinach

Add 2 cups of fresh baby spinach when adding the tortellini. It softens perfectly into the warm sauce.

2. Spicy Version

Increase red pepper flakes or add Calabrian chilies.

3. Swap the Protein

This recipe works incredibly well with:

• Shrimp
• Italian sausage
• Rotisserie chicken
• Turkey cutlets

4. Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Twist

Stir in 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato pesto to intensify the tomato flavor.

5. Lightened-Up Version

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini pairs well with:

• Garlic bread or toasted baguette
• Roasted vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts)
• A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• A glass of chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

Fun Facts and Cultural Context

The original Marry Me Chicken recipe is believed to have earned its name because the dish is “so good, it could inspire a marriage proposal.” The creamy, indulgent flavor profile certainly reinforces that bold claim. While its exact origin is debated, its internet fame is unquestionable — cooks everywhere have adapted it into soups, casseroles, and pastas.

The tortellini version has gained popularity because it transforms the classic dish into a satisfying one-pan pasta meal. Tortellini, originating from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, is traditionally stuffed with cheese or meat and shaped to resemble a belly button — a detail rooted in local folklore.

The fusion of Italian tortellini with American-style creamy chicken sauce results in a dish that feels both comforting and gourmet. It’s the perfect example of how food evolves when cultural traditions blend creatively.

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

A rich, creamy tortellini skillet dish featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and a luscious sauce that makes every bite irresistible.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 610

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb cheese tortellini fresh or refrigerated
• 1 lb chicken breasts sliced thinly
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes or more to taste
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• salt and pepper to taste
• fresh basil for garnish

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method

 

1. Cook tortellini according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. Add butter to the skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant, and stir in sun-dried tomatoes.
5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer until slightly thickened.
6. Stir in Parmesan and red pepper flakes.
7. Return chicken to skillet and fold in cooked tortellini. Toss to coat.
8. Garnish with basil and serve warm.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.