Marry Me Chicken Tortellini: The Irresistibly Creamy Pasta That Wins Hearts
There’s a reason this recipe is called Marry Me Chicken Tortellini. It’s rich, comforting, and indulgently creamy—just the kind of meal that makes people fall in love at first bite. Imagine tender pieces of chicken simmered in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, tossed with cheese-filled tortellini, and topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil. One forkful, and you’ll understand why this dish has earned its romantic name.
Whether you’re cooking for a date night, family dinner, or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe brings restaurant-level flavor to your table in under 40 minutes. The creamy sauce clings perfectly to the tortellini, creating a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Let’s dive into everything that makes this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini the perfect recipe to fall in love with.
💕 The Story Behind “Marry Me” Chicken
The “Marry Me” chicken craze started with a creamy skillet chicken recipe that quickly went viral on social media. The idea was simple—make a dish so irresistibly good, your dinner date might just propose on the spot. Over time, creative foodies began to adapt it with different twists: casseroles, gnocchi, and now, tortellini!
This version adds a comforting, cheesy pasta twist. Tortellini’s rich, savory filling complements the cream sauce beautifully, making it even more decadent.
🧄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy Sauce: A perfect blend of heavy cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a silky sauce that clings to every bite.
- Easy and Fast: Dinner ready in under 40 minutes with minimal prep.
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes, more flavor.
- Romantic and Cozy: Ideal for a special dinner or a “just because” meal to impress someone you love.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy tortellini, while adults appreciate the deep, rich flavors.
🥣 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-size pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 20 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
- Extra Parmesan for serving
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water. - Season and Sear the Chicken:
Pat the chicken pieces dry and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside. - Make the Sauce Base:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute. - Deglaze and Simmer:
Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow it to simmer for 2–3 minutes. - Add the Cream and Cheese:
Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. - Combine Everything:
Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, then toss in the cooked tortellini. Stir gently until everything is well-coated in the creamy sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. - Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and chopped basil. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook tortellini until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Melt butter in the skillet, sauté garlic, then add sun-dried tomatoes.
- Pour in chicken broth, deglaze, then add heavy cream and Parmesan. Whisk until smooth.
- Return chicken to pan and toss in cooked tortellini. Add pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
- Garnish with basil and Parmesan before serving.
Notes
🌿 Tips for the Perfect Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
- Use Fresh Tortellini: It cooks faster and holds up beautifully in the sauce.
- Don’t Skip the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They add a tangy, slightly sweet contrast that balances the richness of the cream.
- Control the Thickness: If your sauce is too thick, add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Try Spinach or Mushrooms: Add a handful of spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and nutrients.
- Make It Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat lovers.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair Marry Me Chicken Tortellini with:
- Garlic Bread: The perfect way to soak up that luscious sauce.
- Crisp Salad: A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness.
- White Wine: Try a chilled Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio for a restaurant-style pairing.
🧊 Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s silkiness.
- Freeze: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce can separate upon thawing.
❤️ Variations to Try
- Marry Me Shrimp Tortellini: Swap the chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Spinach & Artichoke Version: Stir in chopped artichokes and fresh spinach for a Mediterranean flavor.
- Bacon Lovers: Add crispy bacon bits for smoky depth.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace tortellini with zucchini noodles for a lighter take.
🥰 Why This Recipe Works Every Time
The magic of Marry Me Chicken Tortellini lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient enhances the next—garlic deepens the flavor, cream smooths it out, and Parmesan ties it all together. The dish feels gourmet yet remains approachable for even beginner home cooks.
This is comfort food elevated—perfect for anyone looking to impress without stress. It’s easy, elegant, and undeniably delicious.
🍴 Fun Fact
Did you know tortellini originated in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region? Legend has it that the shape was inspired by Venus’s belly button! Combining that romantic history with “Marry Me” chicken’s affectionate name makes this the most love-filled pasta dish you could ever make.
⭐ Final Thoughts
When it comes to comfort food that speaks the language of love, Marry Me Chicken Tortellini says it loud and clear. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s a guaranteed hit for any occasion—whether it’s a Valentine’s dinner, anniversary night, or just a cozy meal for two.
So go ahead, light a few candles, pour some wine, and let this dish do the talking. Love, after all, might just start in the kitchen.
