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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini, tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a dreamy garlic-Parmesan sauce come together in just 30 minutes!

You know those dinners that instantly make everyone stop talking and just savor? This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is one of those magical meals. I came up with it one night after a long day of errands and laundry, the kind of night where the last thing you want to do is stand in the kitchen forever, but you still want to put something special on the table. I had a bag of frozen tortellini, a few pieces of chicken, and a jar of sun-dried tomatoes sitting in the pantry, and I thought, “Let’s see what happens.”

Well, what happened was creamy, cheesy perfection. The chicken turned golden and tender, the tortellini soaked up all that garlicky cream sauce, and when I sprinkled in the parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes, it was love at first bite. My husband immediately said, “Okay, this one could get you proposed to all over again,” and that’s how it got its name: Marry Me Chicken Tortellini.

Now it’s a regular in our house, one of those dinners that somehow feels both comforting and a little fancy. It’s perfect for when you want something cozy and homemade, but you don’t have the time (or energy) for a long ingredient list or a sink full of dishes. The whole thing comes together in in no time.

My kids love it because the tortellini is soft and cheesy, and I love it because it’s one of those “everyone’s happy” meals. Add a side salad and a slice of garlic bread, and dinner is done. Whether you’re cooking for your family, having a quiet date night at home, or just want to treat yourself, this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini will absolutely live up to its name.

What Is Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, one-pan pasta dish made with bite-sized pieces of seasoned chicken, tender cheese tortellini, and a luxurious sauce of garlic, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s inspired by the viral Marry Me Chicken recipe, known for being so good it could win someone’s heart, but this version adds tortellini for a rich, comforting twist that turns it into a full meal.

Why You’ll Love It

• Ready in 30 minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights.

• Restaurant-worthy flavor: Creamy, garlicky, and full of depth.

• Family-approved: The cheesy pasta wins over even picky eaters.

• One-pan dinner: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

• Perfect balance: Savory chicken, tangy tomatoes, and creamy sauce.

When to Serve It

This dish is a weeknight hero but feels special enough for weekends, too. I make it for cozy family dinners, anniversaries at home, or even those nights when I just need a big bowl of comfort food after a long day. It also reheats beautifully, so it’s great to pack for lunch the next day.

Ingredients 

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken, cut into bite-size pieces, chicken breasts or thighs both work.

• ½ teaspoon pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons butter – helps the chicken brown beautifully.

• 3 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic adds so much flavor to the sauce.

• 1 cup chicken broth – gives the sauce depth and keeps it from being too heavy.

• 1 cup heavy cream – makes the sauce silky smooth.

• 2 cups shredded parmesan cheese – melts perfectly into the cream for a rich, cheesy flavor.

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – add a tiny bit of heat for balance.

• ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes – tangy, savory, and absolutely essential for that signature flavor.

• 1 (19 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini – no need to boil first, it cooks right in the sauce.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

1. Toss the diced chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and add the chicken.

3. Sauté until golden and cooked through, then remove from the pan and set aside.

4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add minced garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet.

5. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer, then add the frozen tortellini.

6. Cover and cook for 7–9 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the tortellini is tender.

7. Return the chicken to the pan and stir in the parmesan cheese.

8. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything beautifully.

9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot.

Substitutions

• Protein swaps: Try shrimp, Italian sausage, or rotisserie chicken.

• Tortellini options: Spinach and cheese, chicken, or even mushroom tortellini all work well.

• Cream swap: Use half-and-half for a lighter version or coconut milk for a dairy-free twist.

• Sun-dried tomato alternative: Roasted red peppers are a delicious backup if you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand.

Variations

• Bacon Lovers: Add crispy bacon or pancetta before serving.

• Spinach Upgrade: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale at the end for color and nutrients.

• Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.

• Baked Version: Transfer to a casserole dish, top with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly.

Tips & Tricks

• Grate your own parmesan for the creamiest sauce, pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.

• Don’t overcook the tortellini; it continues to soften in the sauce.

• If your sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth or cream.

• Leftovers reheat beautifully, just warm gently and stir in a little cream to revive the sauce.

• Garnish with fresh basil, cracked pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes! Just reduce the cook time to 5–6 minutes since fresh pasta cooks faster.

Can I make this ahead?
Definitely, cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then reheat and add tortellini when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze this?
Creamy sauces can sometimes separate when frozen, but this one holds up surprisingly well. Just thaw overnight and reheat gently with a splash of cream.

Is it spicy?
Not unless you want it to be! The red pepper flakes are totally optional.

Serving Ideas

This dish pairs perfectly with garlic bread, roasted broccoli, or a crisp side salad. For date night, serve with a glass of white wine and a little extra parmesan on top.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

 

Try These Next

• Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole – another cozy, creamy family favorite.

• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo – the ultimate comfort side dish.

• Copycat Olive Garden Black Tie Mousse Cake – to finish the meal on a sweet note.

This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini has become one of those go-to dinners that feels like a little celebration every time I make it. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table fast. I love that it looks impressive enough for company but is secretly one of the easiest recipes in my rotation.

It’s also one of those meals that just makes you feel good, the creamy sauce, the cheesy tortellini, the way the sundried tomatoes give it a pop of flavor… it’s everything you want after a long day. Whether you’re cooking to impress someone special or just need something delicious after a busy night, this recipe will absolutely win hearts (and maybe even a proposal or two).

If your family is anything like mine, this one will quickly become a “please make that again” dinner. And honestly, it’s one I never mind making, quick, cozy, and completely irresistible.