If you’re searching for a true weeknight showstopper that feels like a warm, creamy hug, look no further than Marry Me Chicken Tortellini. This dish brings together tender chicken, pillowy cheese tortellini, and the irresistible flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan, all swirled together in a luscious cream sauce. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make over and over, whether to impress company or just treat yourself to something ultra-satisfying on a regular Tuesday. With just the right balance of rich, tangy, and savory notes, Marry Me Chicken Tortellini guarantees there won’t be a single morsel left on the plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of staples to create Marry Me Chicken Tortellini, and each one plays its own important part in building flavor, texture, and gorgeous color. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish pop—and why you’ll love having these delicious components come together in your skillet.
- Olive oil: Adds a silky base for searing the chicken and scented aromatics, helping unlock all those savory notes.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick, even cooking and juicy bites in every forkful.
- Salt and black pepper: The backbone of perfect seasoning—don’t skimp, it’s what lifts every flavor in the dish.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Layer in extra savory depth for the chicken without any effort.
- Fresh garlic: Sautéed until just fragrant, it makes the kitchen smell downright irresistible.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little gentle heat that brightens every bite.
- Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and imparts savory richness to the cream sauce.
- Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its luxurious body and velvety finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce to add sharp, salty depth and beautiful thickness.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Offer tangy-sweet bursts that play perfectly against the creamy background.
- Italian seasoning: Ties everything together with a fragrant, herby finish.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini: The perfect, pillowy pasta that soaks up the sauce in every crevice.
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish): Adds a vibrant pop of green and fresh aroma for your beautiful finished plate.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season those beautifully thin chicken slices with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Lay the pieces into the pan and cook until they’re gorgeously golden and cooked through—usually 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate and keep it warm, as it’s about to be reunited with the rest of the magic.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add your minced garlic and, if you like a subtle kick, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Let them cook for just 30 seconds, stirring constantly—this blooms the garlic and spice without burning them, ensuring every bite of Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is infused with flavor.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up those tasty browned bits from the pan (that’s pure flavor gold!). Lower the heat slightly and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Give it all a whirl together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. You’ll see the cheese melt and the sauce start to thicken—this is where the magic happens.
Step 4: Add the Tortellini
Once your sauce is bubbling gently, add the refrigerated cheese tortellini right into the pan. Let it cook according to the package directions, usually just 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat every piece in that dreamy sauce. The tortellini will become pillowy and flavorful in no time at all.
Step 5: Return the Chicken and Finish
Bring your cooked chicken slices back into the skillet, tossing gently with the sauce and pasta until everything is well coated and heated through. Your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is almost ready! If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle fresh basil over the top just before serving for a fragrant final flourish.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Garnishes
A handful of chopped fresh basil, a dusting of extra Parmesan, or even a twist of freshly ground black pepper will make your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini pop. For even more color, a few extra sun-dried tomato slices on top are both beautiful and delicious. A little touch of green really highlights the creamy sauce as well.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty and deeply satisfying on its own, but a bright, crisp salad or some garlic bread goes wonderfully alongside. Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans add freshness and a little crunch to play off the creamy texture of the main dish. Pick your favorite veggie for a perfect balance.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to take dinner up a notch, serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in shallow pasta bowls with a bit of extra sauce spooned on top. Or, for a cozy gathering, present it family-style in a big skillet at the table—everyone can help themselves and watch those cheesy tortellini disappear with happy sighs. For a date night, try serving with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water garnished with basil.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marry Me Chicken Tortellini will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Because the flavors meld together overnight, you might even find it tastes richer the next day! Just be sure to allow the dish to cool before sealing and refrigerating.
Freezing
While cream-based sauces can be a little tricky to freeze, you can stash this dish in the freezer if you want to make meals ahead. Let the tortellini and chicken cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to one month. For best results, the sauce may separate slightly, but a gentle reheat with a splash of milk or cream brings it right back.
Reheating
To reheat Marry Me Chicken Tortellini, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce if needed. If you’re in a hurry, individual portions also reheat nicely in the microwave—just cover and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to keep everything creamy and evenly warmed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer extra juiciness and a bit more flavor, so they work beautifully in Marry Me Chicken Tortellini. Just slice them thin and cook until fully done.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the chicken and swap in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for hearty texture and flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian.
What’s the best way to store leftover tortellini?
Let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly and enjoy within three days for the best taste and texture.
Can I add extra vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely! Baby spinach stirred in at the end, roasted bell peppers, or even a handful of peas would all work deliciously in Marry Me Chicken Tortellini. Be creative with your favorites.
What type Main Course
Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil give the most robust flavor and a tender bite, but if you only have the dry ones, simply soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping and adding to the skillet.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as smitten with Marry Me Chicken Tortellini as I am! It’s that kind of dish that turns any night into something truly special and is always a hit at my dinner table. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it again and again. Enjoy every creamy, savory, cheesy bite!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Creamy and flavorful, this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a delicious dish that combines tender chicken, cheese tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Tortellini:
- 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, cook garlic and red pepper flakes. Add chicken broth, cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer.
- Cook the Tortellini: Add tortellini to the sauce and cook until tender. Return chicken to the skillet.
- Finish and Serve: Stir everything together, garnish with basil, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts.
- Add spinach for extra greens.
- Use jarred sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
