Introduction

Remember those nights when you just crave something comforting, something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, but you’re also short on time? This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe is exactly that. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to curl up on the couch, maybe with a good movie, and just savor every single bite. And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to whip up, proving that truly delicious meals don’t need to be complicated. It’s practically a weeknight miracle!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: We’re talking dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, perfect for those busy evenings.
Easy: Seriously, one pan and a few simple steps. You’ve got this!
Giftable: Imagine bringing this to a new parent or a friend recovering from surgery. It’s pure comfort food love.
Crowd-pleasing: Picky eaters and gourmet palates alike will be asking for seconds. It’s that good!

Ingredients

Gather ’round, my friends, because here’s what you’ll need to create this magic:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I like to slice mine thinly or pound them a bit so they cook up nice and quick.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Our flavor base!
1 tablespoon butter: For that extra richness and gorgeous golden color on the chicken.
6 cloves garlic, minced: Don’t be shy with the garlic, it’s key to that amazing aroma.
1 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped: These little gems add a burst of sweet and tangy flavor.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A little hug of classic Italian herbs.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just a tiny pinch to add a little warmth, but you can skip if you’re sensitive to spice.
1 cup chicken broth: To deglaze the pan and add depth to our sauce.
2 cups heavy cream: This is where the “marry me” magic really happens – pure creamy indulgence!
9 ounces cheese tortellini, fresh or store-bought: Fresh cooks up a bit faster, but either will work beautifully.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For that salty, nutty goodness that melts into the sauce.
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese: Yes, another half cup! Because cheese is always a good idea.
Salt and pepper to taste: The finishing touches to make everything pop.
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish: A little sprinkle of green makes it look as good as it tastes!

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get cooking! Grab your favorite skillet, and let’s dive in.

Prep the Chicken: First things first, let’s season those chicken breasts. A good pinch of salt and pepper on both sides will make them sing.
Sear the Chicken: Heat up your olive oil and butter in a nice, large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, carefully add your seasoned chicken. Let it get beautifully golden brown and cook through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once it’s done, take it out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate. We’ll bring it back later!
Aromatics and Flavor: Now, to that same skillet (don’t wipe it out, all those bits are flavor!), add your minced garlic, chopped sundried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and those little red pepper flakes. Give it a quick stir and let it cook for about 1 minute until it smells absolutely divine.
Build the Sauce Base: Pour in the chicken broth. Use your spoon to gently scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan – that’s pure flavor gold!
Get Creamy: Now for the star of the show – the heavy cream! Stir it in and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for a minute or two.
Cook the Tortellini: Toss your tortellini right into the simmering sauce. Cook them according to the package directions, or until they’re perfectly tender.
Bring it All Together: Slice or cube your cooked chicken and nestle it back into the skillet with the tortellini and sauce.
Cheese, Please! Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce is wonderfully smooth and creamy, coating everything in velvety goodness.
Taste and Adjust: Give it a taste! Does it need a little more salt? A touch more pepper? Make it perfect for your palate.
Garnish and Serve: Spoon this dreamy dish into bowls and finish it off with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley. Doesn’t it look like a dream?

Substitutions & Additions

This recipe is fantastic as is, but I love how versatile it is! Here are some ideas:

Chicken Swap: Feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, or even pre-cooked rotisserie chicken that you shred. For a vegetarian twist, skip the chicken altogether and add extra veggies!
Veggie Boost: Toss in some baby spinach during the last few minutes of simmering the sauce. Sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers are also delicious additions.
Spice Level: If you love a kick, add more red pepper flakes or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Herb Heaven: Fresh thyme or a little fresh oregano can add even more aromatic depth.

Tips for Success

A few little tricks to make this recipe absolutely perfect every time:

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, make sure you have enough space in the skillet. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of browning it, and we want that lovely crust!
Fresh vs. Dried Tortellini: Fresh tortellini cooks much faster, so keep an eye on it. Dried tortellini might need a few extra minutes.
Prep Ahead: You can chop your garlic and sundried tomatoes, and even season your chicken a day in advance to save even more time on busy weeknights.
Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems a little too thick, you can always add a splash more chicken broth or a little water to thin it out to your liking.

How to Store It

Leftovers are a beautiful thing, especially with this recipe! Store any remaining Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. You might need to add a tiny splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened up.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce, cook the tortellini, and then combine everything as directed.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild warmth. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can omit them entirely or use just a tiny pinch. If you love spice, feel free to add more!

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Absolutely! While tortellini is traditional for this dish, other short pastas like penne, rotini, or farfalle would also work well. Just be sure to cook them according to package directions.

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

A creamy, dreamy, one-pan dinner that's fast, easy, and crowd-pleasing.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Servings 4

Equipment

Large skillet
Plate for setting aside cooked chicken
Airtight container for storage

Ingredients

Main ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced thinly or pounded
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
6 cloves garlic minced
1 cup sundried tomatoes chopped
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for warmth
1 cup chicken broth
2 cups heavy cream
9 ounces cheese tortellini fresh or store-bought
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
to taste salt
to taste pepper
fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

Prep the Chicken: First things first, let's season those chicken breasts. A good pinch of salt and pepper on both sides will make them sing.
Sear the Chicken: Heat up your olive oil and butter in a nice, large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's shimmering, carefully add your seasoned chicken. Let it get beautifully golden brown and cook through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once it's done, take it out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate. We'll bring it back later!
Aromatics and Flavor: Now, to that same skillet (don't wipe it out, all those bits are flavor!), add your minced garlic, chopped sundried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and those little red pepper flakes. Give it a quick stir and let it cook for about 1 minute until it smells absolutely divine.
Build the Sauce Base: Pour in the chicken broth. Use your spoon to gently scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan – that's pure flavor gold!
Get Creamy: Now for the star of the show – the heavy cream! Stir it in and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for a minute or two.
Cook the Tortellini: Toss your tortellini right into the simmering sauce. Cook them according to the package directions, or until they're perfectly tender.
Bring it All Together: Slice or cube your cooked chicken and nestle it back into the skillet with the tortellini and sauce.
Cheese, Please! Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce is wonderfully smooth and creamy, coating everything in velvety goodness.
Taste and Adjust: Give it a taste! Does it need a little more salt? A touch more pepper? Make it perfect for your palate.
Garnish and Serve: Spoon this dreamy dish into bowls and finish it off with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley. Doesn't it look like a dream?

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.