Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
If you’re searching for a meal that’s guaranteed to impress, let me introduce you to Marry Me Chicken Tortellini. This creamy, sun-dried tomato–studded pasta toss combines juicy bites of chicken and tender cheese tortellini in a dreamy Parmesan sauce that’s practically made for weeknight romance (or really, for any evening when you want dinner to feel extra special). Every bite has the warmth of Italian comfort and just enough spice to keep you reaching for more, and thanks to its quick stovetop method, you’ll have it ready in under 30 minutes. Seriously—once you try this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe is carefully chosen to bring out big flavor with minimal fuss. From juicy chicken to punchy sun-dried tomatoes, each staple adds its unique character for a truly unforgettable dish.
- Olive oil: A touch of olive oil helps sear the chicken and infuses the sauce with a rich, unmistakable aroma.
- Chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces of boneless, skinless chicken cook quickly and absorb every drop of the savory sauce.
- Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika: This quartet of seasonings lays the foundation for bold flavor before you even add the sauce.
- Fresh garlic: Minced garlic is absolutely essential for aromatic depth—be generous!
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy, sweet intensity that makes this dish stand out.
- Heavy cream: For that signature creamy texture that envelops each piece of pasta and chicken.
- Chicken broth: A splash of broth lightens the sauce, balancing the richness and adding savory notes.
- Italian seasoning: This dried herb blend delivers that classic Mediterranean essence.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: A sprinkle of heat wakes up the sauce—adjust to your spice preference.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Whenever possible, grate your own Parmesan for an ultra-silky, flavorful finish.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini: Tender, cheesy tortellini are the perfect pasta for soaking up every drop of sauce.
- Fresh basil: Chopped basil adds a fragrant, fresh pop right at the end—don’t skip it!
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the pan warms up, season your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, tossing them until evenly coated. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken in a single layer. Sear for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until each piece is golden and cooked through. This important step locks in flavor and creates those irresistible browned edges that make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini so good.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Lower the heat slightly and stir in the minced garlic. Let it cook for about 30 seconds—just until it’s fragrant, but not browned—then toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Let them mingle with the chicken for another minute or two to plump up and infuse the oil with their amazing flavor.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes. Use a wooden spoon to gently scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (that’s major flavor!). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce just slightly. The whole kitchen will smell incredible at this point—trust me!
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
While the sauce simmers away, go ahead and cook your cheese tortellini in a big pot of salted boiling water, following package directions. Drain it well—nobody wants watery pasta—then add the cooked tortellini directly to your skillet.
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
Gently toss the chicken, tortellini, and all that creamy sauce together right in the skillet until every cheesy pillow is coated. Just before serving, fold in the fresh chopped basil. Serve your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini immediately, while it’s gloriously hot and the sauce is at its silkiest.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Garnishes
For a restaurant-worthy finish, shower each bowl with extra Parmesan cheese and a fresh sprinkle of chopped basil. A little cracked black pepper adds a subtle kick and highlights the creaminess of the sauce together with fragrant basil. If you like spice, don’t hesitate to add a pinch more red pepper flakes right before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish is super rich and creamy, so pair it with something bright and crisp, like a fresh arugula salad, steamed green beans, or roasted asparagus. A hunk of warm, crusty bread is also perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce—don’t let any go to waste!
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in shallow pasta bowls with a drizzle of olive oil or a few whole sun-dried tomatoes on top for extra color. Hosting a party? Spoon the pasta into individual ramekins and bake for a few minutes under the broiler with more Parmesan until bubbly. You can even toss in a handful of baby spinach or roasted mushrooms for a fun twist that still lets the original flavors shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftovers of Marry Me Chicken Tortellini cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days—the flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a crave-worthy lunch or easy dinner.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for a future craving, spoon the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, try to undercook the tortellini just a bit before freezing to avoid mushiness when reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, place the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of chicken broth or cream. Cover and microwave in short bursts, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through. You can also rewarm gently in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, adding extra cream as needed to restore the silky sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of tortellini?
Absolutely! You can swap the cheese tortellini with spinach, mushroom, or even chicken-filled tortellini for a unique twist. Just use the same amount and cook according to package instructions.
Is there a way to reduce the calories?
Try using half-and-half in place of heavy cream, or choose a light Parmesan cheese to cut back on richness. You’ll still get plenty of creamy indulgence, but with a slightly lighter touch.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
If you’re out of sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute with a handful of cherry tomatoes (halved) or even a bit of roasted red pepper for a touch of sweetness and color. The flavor profile will change a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but the dish isn’t overly spicy. Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes up or down to suit your spice preference, or omit them altogether for a milder taste.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken portion ahead of time and store in the fridge, then cook the tortellini just before serving. Simply reheat the sauce gently and toss with freshly cooked tortellini and basil for best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to fall in love with dinner all over again, it’s time to give Marry Me Chicken Tortellini a try. Creamy, packed with flavor, and quick enough for a weeknight, it’s a recipe that wins hearts every time. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite comfort meal—pour yourself a glass of wine and enjoy every cheesy, sun-dried tomato–laced bite!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe is a creamy and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, cheese tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Pasta:
- 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet; cook for 1–2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer gently, then add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and sauce thickens slightly.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and add to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss gently to coat.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- You can substitute spinach or mushroom tortellini for extra flavor variety.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 760 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
