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Home ยป 30 Minute Meals ยป Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Published: Dec 30, 2023 ยท Modified: Apr 19, 2025 by Ryan Allen ยท This post may contain affiliate links ยท 15 Comments

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Looking for a quick, delicious meal that will impress? This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini combines juicy chicken breast, rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce, and cheesy tortellini into a dish thatโ€™s both indulgent and comforting. Itโ€™s the perfect blend of creamy, savory flavors that blend together for the perfect bite.

Whether you're hosting a special dinner or craving a hearty weeknight meal, this marry me tortellini recipe has you covered.

Marry me chicken tortellini in a skillet.
Jump to:
  • Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Variations
  • How To Make Marry Me Chicken with Tortellini
  • Expert Tips
  • Storage Directionsย 
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Recipe FAQ
  • More Delicious Pasta Dishes
  • Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

With tender chicken simmered in a luscious sauce made from garlic, heavy cream, and parmesan, this chicken and cheese tortellini dish is next-level comfort in a bowl.

Youโ€™ll love how easy it is to make, just cook the chicken, whip up the creamy sauce, toss in the tortellini and spinach, and garnish with fresh parsley and parmesan for the ultimate indulgence. Itโ€™s simple, itโ€™s creamy, and itโ€™s guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table!

Tuscan cuisine is all about combining fresh, simple ingredients to create unbelievably delicious dishes! If you're a fan of Marry Me Chicken and tortellini dishes, you'll love mixing things up with Creamy Tuscan Ravioli, Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken,  Tuscan Sausage Pasta, and Creamy Tortellini Soup. Each one brings a taste of Tuscany straight to your table!

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless One-Pot Meal: Everything comes together in one skillet for easy cleanup and rich, layered flavors.
  • Rich, Flavorful Sauce: A blend of sunโ€‘dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan creates a luscious cream sauce that clings to every piece of chicken and tortellini.
  • Family-Friendly Comfort: Tender chicken and cheesy pasta satisfy even picky eaters, making it a weeknight winner.
  • Quick Weeknight Dinner: Ready in about 30 minutes, so you can go from prep to plate in no time.
  • Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Utilizes simple pantry staples and frozen tortellini to create an impressive dish that wonโ€™t break the bank.
A wooden spoon holding a scoop of marry me chicken and tortellini.

Ingredients

  • Frozen Cheese Tortellini: Look for frozen cheese tortellini in the freezer aisleโ€”store brands work fine, but a higherโ€‘end variety (like fresh refrigerated tortellini) will give you an even silkier texture. 
  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose plump, evenly sized breasts so they cook at the same rate; trim off any excess fat or gristle. Cutting into uniform pieces ensures each bite is tender and cooks through in about 6โ€“8 minutes.
  • Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning & Paprika: A simple trio that seasons both the chicken and sauce: freshly cracked black pepper adds warmth, Italian seasoning brings herbal depth, and paprika gives a hint of smokiness. 
  • Butter: Unsalted butter helps build the sauceโ€™s base and adds richness. Let it melt gently over medium heat so it doesnโ€™t brown before you add the garlic and tomatoes.
  • Sunโ€‘Dried Tomatoes in Oil: Found next to the olives or in the gourmet aisle, these concentrated tomatoes bring bright, slightly tangy sweetness. Drain off excess oil to prevent the sauce from becoming too greasy.
  • Minced Garlic: Jarred minced garlic works in a pinch, but fresh garlic cloves, minced yourself, deliver the brightest aroma. Sautรฉ just until fragrant (about 30 seconds) to avoid bitterness.
  • Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium so you can control the salt level. It deglazes the pan, adding savory depth, before the cream makes the sauce rich and smooth.
  • Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is key for a velvety, clingy sauce that coats every tortellini and chicken piece. There's no need to bring it to room temperature; simply pour it in and simmer gently.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded; look for a block of Parmigiano-Reggiano and grate it yourself for the best melt and flavor.
  • Baby Spinach: Adds a pop of color, nutrition, and a light freshness to balance the richness. No need to preโ€‘wash if itโ€™s a โ€œtripleโ€‘washedโ€ bagโ€”just chop and toss in at the end to wilt.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations

  • Chicken Thigh Upgrade: Swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Their extra fat makes each bite richer and more succulent.
  • Pesto Cream Sauce: Stir in 2โ€“3 tablespoons of basil pesto at the end, right before adding the tortellini. It will add a fresh, herby flavor that gives it a unique twist.
  • Mediterranean Medley: Fold in chopped roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, and artichoke hearts along with the sunโ€‘dried tomatoes. They add depth, brightness, and a little Mediterranean flair.
  • Low-Carb Version: Skip the tortellini and use zucchini ribbons or spiralized squash as a substitute. The sauce clings well to the veggies, providing you with all the creamy, savory satisfaction while containing far fewer carbs.
Marry me chicken tortellini on a white plate and skillet.

How To Make Marry Me Chicken with Tortellini

Gather your ingredients and have everything chopped, measured, and ready to go. This marry me tortellini recipe comes together quickly in one pan!

  1. Step 1: Brown the Chicken. Season biteโ€‘sized chicken pieces with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over mediumโ€‘high heat, then add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through (about 6โ€“8 minutes). Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  1. Step 2: Sautรฉ the Tomatoes & Garlic. Reduce the heat to medium. Melt the butter in the same skillet, then add the minced garlic and thinly sliced sunโ€‘dried tomatoes. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant.
  1. Step 3: Whisk Up the Cream Sauce. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Stir constantly as the sauce comes to a gentle boil. Slowly whisk in the Parmesan until it melts completely, creating a smooth, velvety sauce.
  1. Step 4: Finish with Tortellini & Spinach. Return the chicken to the pan, then stir in the frozen tortellini and chopped spinach. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the spinach wilts and the pasta is tender. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Hint: Let the sauce thicken first

Allow the cream and Parmesan mixture to come to a gentle simmer and reduce for 1 to 2 minutes before stirring in the tortellini. This ensures the sauce clings to each piece without becoming too runny.

A fork holding a tortellini covered in sun-dried tomato sauce.

Expert Tips

  • Even-Sized Chicken Bites: Cut your chicken into uniform pieces so they brown and cook evenly, ensuring perfectly tender bites every time.
  • Donโ€™t Crowd the Pan: Work in batches if needed, and spread the chicken in a single layer so it sears instead of steaming, locking in flavor.
  • Gentle Simmer for Creaminess: Keep the heat at mediumโ€“low when you add the cream and cheese. A gentle boil helps the sauce thicken without separating.
  • Fresh Parmesan Only: Grate your own Parmesan from a block; pre-shredded cheese often contains antiโ€‘caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
  • Let It Rest: After cooking, remove the skillet from the heat and let the tortellini sit for a couple of minutes. This brief rest allows the sauce to set and intensify the flavor.

Storage Directions 

  • Storing & Freezing: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then pack it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce is too thick. For single servings, microwave on medium power in 30โ€‘second intervals, stirring between each, until hot.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken and tortellini recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether youโ€™re feeding the family or entertaining guests, itโ€™s sure to impress!

  • Pair it with a light salad like this strawberry and pecan salad for a crisp, light contrast to the creamy richness.
  • Make for date night or a relaxing dinner at home with a side of garlic knots or homemade biscuits to scoop up all the delicious sauce.
  • Serve it at a potluck, itโ€™s an easy crowd-pleaser! Complement it with roasted potatoes and carrots for a veggie-packed side.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra parmesan for a finishing touch that adds color and flavor to this chicken and cheese tortellini.
Tortellini with sun-dried tomato sauce on a white plate and skillet.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use fresh tortellini instead of the frozen variety?

Yes, fresh tortellini can be used in this recipe! Just be sure to cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the sauce.

Can I substitute the chicken for a different protein?

Absolutely! You can swap the chicken for boneless turkey, shrimp, or even plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

ย Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time! Cook the chicken and sauce, and store them separately from the tortellini and spinach. Reheat everything together when you're ready to serve.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

ย If you're not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute them with roasted red peppers or even a bit of tomato paste for a rich, savory flavor.

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Marry me chicken tortellini in a skillet.

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Author: Ryan Allen
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini features tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheesy tortellini, all simmered in a creamy, flavorful sauce. It's an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for weeknights or special occasions!
5 from 19 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 6
Calories 540 kcal

Equipment

  • My Favorite Skillet

Ingredients
  

Tortellini

  • 1 (19 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini

Chicken

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1ยฝ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
  • ยฝ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ยฝ teaspoon paprika

Marry Me Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ยฝ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and sliced thin)
  • 3 teaspoons garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese (finely shredded)
  • 2 cups baby spinach (chopped)

Instructions
 

  • Season the chicken pieces with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Set aside
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. About 6-8 minutes. Remove cooked chicken and set aside.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and melt butter. Saute garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 30 seconds.
  • Add chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk continuously until the sauce starts to bubble. Slowly whisk in parmesan until completely melted.
  • Place the chicken, spinach, and tortellini in the skillet. Stir occasionally until the spinach starts to wilt, and let simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Cut the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly and soak up the flavorful sauce.
  • For a hint of heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes when making the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
  • Let the tortellini rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and gives the flavors time to settle in.
  • To help with meal prep, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately from the tortellini. When ready to serve, simply reheat and combine for a quick, easy meal.

Nutrition

Calories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 34gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 23gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 174mgSodium: 466mgPotassium: 774mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2644IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 285mgIron: 2mg

*All nutrition information provided is automatically calculated and is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact numbers on your ingredients, I would recommend calculating them with your prefered nutrition calculator.

Keyword Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    5 from 19 votes (11 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating





  1. Dana

    March 11, 2024 at 12:55 pm

    5 stars
    The entire family loved it. It was so easy to put together. I will say it's probably one of my favorite dishes I've made.

    Reply
    • Ryan Allen

      April 08, 2024 at 7:10 pm

      This make us so happy to hear. It is one of our family's favorites too.

      Reply
  2. Sarah

    March 28, 2024 at 3:35 pm

    5 stars
    Do you have to cook the tortellini before or just combine it in frozen?

    Reply
    • Ryan Allen

      April 08, 2024 at 7:09 pm

      No need to cook the tortellini just add it in frozen.

      Reply
  3. Dana

    April 25, 2024 at 6:17 am

    5 stars
    I could eat this every day! Absolutely delicious! I added more spinach just to sneak it in.

    Reply
  4. Sean

    May 20, 2024 at 6:12 pm

    5 stars
    Tried this recipe tonight, added salt to taste and used chicken thighs instead.. 10/10.

    Reply
    • Ryan Allen

      April 19, 2025 at 9:42 am

      Love that you used chicken thighsโ€”such a great choice! So glad it was a 10/10 for you!

      Reply
  5. Kelly Dodson

    July 09, 2024 at 7:35 pm

    5 stars
    Iโ€™ve made this a couple times and itโ€™s so easy and great. The whole family loves it. One thing that I added to give some additional flavor was juice from 1 lemon. Thought Iโ€™d throw it out there in case anyone else wanted to try!

    Reply
    • Ryan Allen

      July 23, 2024 at 7:42 pm

      The addition of the lemon would be so good.

      Reply
  6. Erin

    August 23, 2024 at 6:11 pm

    5 stars
    This was SO good. One of my kids is an extremely picky eater and even she loved it. Will be making often thank you for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Ryan Allen

      April 19, 2025 at 9:40 am

      That makes me so happy to hear! Winning over a picky eater is the ultimate compliment. So glad your family enjoyed it!

      Reply
  7. Katrina

    September 22, 2024 at 3:49 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious!!!

    Reply
    • Ryan Allen

      September 30, 2024 at 7:00 am

      Thanks, we are glad you enjoyed it.

      Reply
  8. Gina Shugarts

    January 04, 2025 at 3:42 pm

    5 stars
    I make this all the time in one form or another, your recipe is very quick & delicious. I sautรฉ the chicken in a butter & the oil from the sundried tomatoes tho, so good! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Ryan Allen

      April 19, 2025 at 9:39 am

      That sounds so good! I bet the butter and sundried tomato oil gives it the perfect flavor boost. Love that youโ€™ve made it your own! Thanks for the sweet comment!

      Reply

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