If you’re looking for a recipe that is guaranteed to impress, this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is your answer. This dish is a beautiful blend of tender chicken, savory cheese tortellini, and a rich, creamy sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're making it for a special date night or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is bound to make anyone fall in love with your cooking. Read on to discover how you can make this irresistible dish at home, and trust me—you’ll want to savor every last word and flavor!

What is Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a delightful fusion of Italian and American comfort food. It combines the classic, creamy, and flavorful "Marry Me" sauce—a term coined to suggest that the dish is so good it could induce a marriage proposal—with the beloved, cheesy tortellini pasta. The dish is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, and tender chicken pieces. The tortellini, filled with cheese, adds a luxurious, comforting element to the dish, making it a meal that’s both indulgent and satisfying. It's a dish that’s perfect for special occasions, yet easy enough to make any night of the week.
Ingredients List for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Tortellini
- 1 (19 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini: The star of the pasta portion, these cheese-filled tortellinis add a perfect, chewy texture and a burst of cheesy flavor in every bite.
Chicken
- 2 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing the chicken, olive oil adds a subtle richness and ensures the chicken cooks evenly without sticking to the pan.
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces): The protein in the dish, these chicken pieces are tender, juicy, and absorb the flavors of the seasoning and sauce beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that infuses the chicken with a burst of Mediterranean flavor.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Provides a mild smokiness and a touch of warmth to the chicken.
Marry Me Sauce
- 2 tablespoon butter: The base for the sauce, butter adds a rich, creamy texture that complements the rest of the ingredients.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and sliced thin): These tomatoes offer a tangy, sweet flavor that balances the creaminess of the sauce while adding a bit of texture.
- 3 teaspoon garlic (minced): Garlic brings a pungent, aromatic quality to the sauce, making it irresistibly savory.
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Adds depth and a savory backbone to the sauce while helping to thin out the cream.
- 2 cups heavy cream: The main component of the sauce, heavy cream makes the dish rich and velvety, creating a luxurious coating for the tortellini and chicken.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A second addition of this herb blend to ensure the sauce carries the same delicious flavors as the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: This spice is added to the sauce to match the seasoning of the chicken and to balance the creaminess of the dish.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds color and a subtle warmth to the sauce, making it more complex in flavor.
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (finely shredded): This cheese melts into the sauce, adding a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the creaminess of the dish.
- 2 cups baby spinach (chopped): Adds a fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the rich sauce, and also a beautiful green color that brightens up the dish.
Substitutions and Variations
Cooking is an art, and part of the fun is making a dish your own. Here are some substitutions and variations you can consider if you want to tweak the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe:
- Pasta Variations: While cheese tortellini is the traditional choice for this recipe, you can substitute it with spinach or meat-filled tortellini for a different flavor profile. If you don’t have tortellini, other pasta options like ravioli, gnocchi, or even penne would work well.
- Protein Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can substitute it with shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. If you opt for seafood, consider reducing the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: To add more veggies to the dish, consider including mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. These vegetables can be sautéed with the chicken or added to the sauce for extra texture and nutrition.
- Cream Alternatives: If you’re looking to lighten up the sauce, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of cream cheese and milk. For a dairy-free option, try using coconut milk or almond milk, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- Cheese Swap: Parmesan is classic in this dish, but you could experiment with pecorino romano or asiago cheese for a different taste. If you’re avoiding dairy, a vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast could work as a substitute.
- Spice It Up: If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. You can also use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a more intense flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Cooking Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a straightforward process, but following each step carefully will ensure the dish turns out perfectly every time.

How to Cook Marry Me Chicken Tortellini: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Tortellini: Start by cooking the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling a pot of water, adding a pinch of salt, and cooking the tortellini for 4-6 minutes until they float to the surface. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and set them aside.
- Cook the Chicken: While the tortellini cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, then season with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits, and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the Cream: Slowly stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Gradually add the parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat it evenly with the sauce. Then, fold in the chopped baby spinach, cooking just until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
- Mix in the Tortellini: Finally, add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, gently tossing to combine it with the sauce and chicken. Make sure all the tortellini are well-coated in the sauce.
- Serve: Once everything is combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is now ready to serve!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Tortellini: Be careful not to overcook the tortellini as they can become mushy. Follow the package instructions closely and cook them just until they float to the surface.
- Not Draining the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Failing to drain the sun-dried tomatoes properly can make the sauce too oily. Make sure to drain and slice them thinly before adding them to the skillet.
- Using High Heat for the Sauce: Cooking the sauce on high heat can cause the cream to curdle. Keep the heat at medium to low to ensure the sauce stays smooth and creamy.
- Adding the Parmesan Cheese Too Quickly: Add the parmesan cheese gradually and stir continuously to avoid clumping and to ensure it melts evenly into the sauce.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation can take a great dish and elevate it to a memorable experience. Here are some tips for serving and presenting your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini:
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
- Family-Style: Serve the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in a large, shallow serving dish. This allows everyone to see the beautiful combination of ingredients and helps keep the pasta warm during the meal.
- Individual Portions: Plate individual servings in deep bowls, which helps to contain the creamy sauce and ensures that each bite is full of flavor.
- Garnishing: Top the dish with freshly grated parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley, and a few extra sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor.
Presentation Ideas for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
- Elegant Plating: For a more formal presentation, arrange the chicken pieces and tortellini neatly on each plate, then spoon the sauce over the top. Garnish with a small sprig of fresh basil or parsley.
- Rustic Look: Serve the dish directly from the skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation. This approach highlights the homely, comforting nature of the dish.
- Accompaniment: Serve with a side of crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad to complement the richness of the tortellini and sauce.
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then reheat and combine with freshly cooked tortellini just before serving. This makes it a great option for entertaining.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Double the Recipe: This recipe can easily be doubled if you’re feeding a crowd. Just make sure to use a large enough skillet to accommodate the increased quantity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh tortellini. Simply adjust the cooking time as fresh tortellini cooks faster, usually in 2-3 minutes.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the tortellini with gluten-free pasta and ensure that all other ingredients, like the chicken broth and seasonings, are gluten-free.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk is a good substitute, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a bit of broth or cream to thin the sauce if needed.
Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?
While you can freeze it, the cream-based sauce may change in texture after freezing. If you plan to freeze, consider making the dish up until the point where you add the cream, then freeze the chicken and sauce base. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat, and add the cream, spinach, and tortellini.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a dish that’s not only delicious but also carries a certain charm that makes it special. The combination of tender chicken, rich sauce, and cheesy tortellini creates a meal that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re cooking to impress or simply want to treat yourself and your loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch as your guests fall head over heels for this irresistible dish!
PrintMarry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe is a comforting dish combining tender chicken, cheese tortellini, and a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Packed with flavor, it's an ideal dinner option. Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Tortellini, creamy chicken pasta, tortellini with chicken, sun-dried tomato sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Tortellini: 1 (19 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini
- Chicken:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Marry Me Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and sliced thin)
- 3 tsp garlic (minced)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (finely shredded)
- 2 cups baby spinach (chopped)
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken, seasoning with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook until browned and fully cooked, then remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
- Return the cooked chicken and tortellini to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Substitute fresh tortellini for frozen if preferred.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1¼ cups)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
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