Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken with cheesy tortellini in a rich, flavorful sauce. The sauce is usually packed with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan, making every bite a perfect mix of creamy and tangy with a little kick of herbs. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but comes together without too much fuss.
I love making this dish when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The sauce is simple to whip up, and the tender tortellini soaks up all the delicious flavors. I find adding a bit of fresh basil or parsley on top really brightens it up and makes it feel like a cozy, homemade meal that’s just a little fancy. Plus, the leftovers taste just as good the next day, which always makes me happy.
This is my go-to when friends come over or when I want a date night dinner at home. I like to serve it with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to balance out the creamy pasta. It’s one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table hungry and smiling, and honestly, it’s pretty hard not to love something with cheese, chicken, and a creamy sauce all in one bowl!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: I like using chicken breast for its lean texture and fast cooking. You can swap it with chicken thighs if you want juicier, more flavorful meat.
Cheese Tortellini: Cheese tortellini adds creamy, cheesy pockets that complement the sauce nicely. You can substitute with spinach tortellini, ravioli, or even penne pasta if preferred.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These bring a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that balances the creaminess. If you can’t find them, roasted red peppers work well too.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and silky. For a lighter option, try half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free twist.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds salty, nutty depth. Pecorino Romano or Asiago are good substitutes if you want a different cheese flavor.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds brightness and color. You can use baby kale or arugula if you prefer a peppery bite.
How Do You Make Sure the Sauce Stays Creamy and Smooth?
Keeping the sauce creamy without breaking it can be tricky. Here’s how I do it:
- After adding cream and broth, bring to a gentle simmer—avoid boiling hard, as that can make the sauce separate.
- Stir constantly as you add Parmesan cheese, so it melts evenly into the sauce.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more broth or cream to loosen it.
- Be careful when adding the tortellini. If frozen, add directly and cook gently to avoid overcooking or sticking.
- Finally, fold in spinach and cooked chicken at the end to keep spinach tender and chicken juicy.
With these steps, your sauce will stay smooth, rich, and ready to impress!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large nonstick skillet – perfect for cooking chicken and simmering the sauce without sticking.
- Wooden or silicone spatula – great for stirring the creamy sauce gently.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep your ingredients balanced for the perfect flavor.
- Knife and cutting board – you’ll use these to chop chicken, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes efficiently.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp for a lighter seafood version that cooks quickly.
- Add mushrooms for an earthy touch that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
- Use fresh basil instead of parsley for a sweeter herb flavor that brightens the dish.
- Mix in a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for an extra hint of warmth and spice.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta and Garnish:
- 1 package (about 9 oz/250 g) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook, making the total time about 25 minutes. It’s a quick and satisfying meal you can enjoy any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Add Cheese and Seasoning:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and dried Italian seasoning. Continue stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and starts to thicken slightly.
4. Cook the Tortellini:
Add the tortellini directly to the sauce (no need to pre-cook if frozen). Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes, or according to the package instructions, until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.
5. Finish with Spinach and Chicken:
Add the fresh spinach leaves and cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and the chicken is heated through.
6. Season and Serve:
Taste the sauce and adjust with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes according to your preference. Remove from heat, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving.
This creamy, cheesy dish pairs wonderfully with a light green salad or some warm garlic bread for a complete and delightful meal. Enjoy your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method in a sealed bag. Pat it dry before seasoning and cooking.
Do I Need to Pre-Cook the Tortellini?
If you’re using frozen tortellini, there’s no need to pre-cook it. Simply add it directly to the sauce and simmer until tender, usually about 3-5 minutes, following the package instructions.
How Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a creamy dairy-free substitute, and use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. This will give you a tasty, creamy sauce without dairy.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth.
