Name: Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp paprika; 2 tbsp butter; 3 tsp garlic, minced; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 2 cups baby spinach, chopped; 1 19 oz bag frozen cheese tortellini, pre-boiled until just tender; Chopped parsley; Extra grated parmesan

Jump to Recipe

If you’re seeking comfort food that feels like a cozy hug and tastes spectacular enough for any special occasion, Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is your answer. This irresistible skillet dish is stuffed with tender bites of chicken, pillowy cheese tortellini, and an ultra-creamy, flavor-packed sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and baby spinach. It’s a swoon-worthy meal that comes together surprisingly quickly, making weeknights feel like a celebration—no marriage proposal required!

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Even though Marry Me Chicken Tortellini wows everyone who tries it, the ingredient list is honestly simple. Each star brings something vital to the table: from tender chicken to velvety cream, there’s not a single extra step or flavor out of place. Here’s what creates that magic:

Chicken breast: The backbone of this dish, juicy chicken breast soaks up all the rich sauce flavors.
Olive oil: Helps the chicken brown beautifully and imparts subtle flavor.
Black pepper: Adds just the right pop of warmth for balance.
Italian seasoning: A blend of aromatic herbs for that signature Italian taste.
Paprika: Offers a gentle smokiness and hints of color to both the chicken and the creamy sauce.
Butter: Gives the sauce a silky richness you just can’t skip.
Garlic (minced): Adds depth and classic flair—sauté until fragrant for the best results.
Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: Their tang, chew, and sweet-savory punch are heavenly in every bite.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Lends body and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
Heavy cream: The secret to that luscious, mouth-coating sauce everyone raves about.
Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Melts right in for umami and adds irresistibly cheesy flavor.
Baby spinach (chopped): Wilts down to add freshness, color, and a touch of veggie goodness.
Frozen cheese tortellini: Cooks up quickly and delivers cheesy comfort in every forkful.
Chopped parsley (optional garnish): A sprinkle of green brings brightness and is perfect for presentation.
Extra grated parmesan (optional garnish): For that final, cheesy flourish before serving.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken pieces with black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning in a large bowl to infuse every morsel with flavor. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high and cook the chicken until it’s golden and cooked through, usually 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate—try to resist sneaking a taste!

Step 2: Build a Flavorful Sauce Base

Lower the skillet heat to medium-low and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, followed by black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir gently, then slowly whisk in the freshly grated parmesan until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and everything smells ridiculously good.

Step 3: Combine and Let the Magic Happen

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, followed by the chopped spinach and the pre-boiled cheese tortellini (undercook the pasta just a touch so it stays tender in the sauce). Give everything a gentle stir, letting the flavors mingle and the spinach wilt—this takes about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and let your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini sit for a couple of minutes so the sauce thickens up and coats every bite.

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Spoon your finished Marry Me Chicken Tortellini into bowls and sprinkle generously with chopped parsley and even more parmesan if you wish. Serve immediately while everything’s hot and creamy. Garlic bread or a crisp salad on the side makes this meal a total showstopper.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra parmesan are all you need to make each serving pop, both visually and in flavor. If you like a little zing, a crack of freshly ground pepper is perfect right before serving. For those who love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, too!

Side Dishes

This dish is dreamy with a side of garlic bread, warm focaccia, or even a simple green salad tossed in Italian dressing. For heartier nights, sautéed asparagus or roasted broccoli round out the plate beautifully without stealing the spotlight from your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini straight from a fancy skillet at the table to keep things cozy and inviting. For date nights or special occasions, plate it in shallow bowls and finish with microgreens or edible flowers for a restaurant-worthy feel. Leftovers also make a perfect portable lunch for work—just pack in a thermos and watch your coworkers get jealous!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Marry Me Chicken Tortellini to an airtight container and stash in the fridge, where it’ll keep well for up to 3 days. The sauce will continue to thicken as it sits (thanks, tortellini!) but a splash of broth or cream will loosen things right up when you reheat.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze cooled portions in individual, tightly sealed containers. Because it contains cream, the sauce may separate ever so slightly once thawed, but it’ll still taste delicious—just mix well when reheating and maybe add a dash of fresh cream.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth, milk, or cream to revive the sauce. Stir gently until everything’s hot and creamy once more. For a quick lunch, microwave in 45-second bursts, stirring after each interval until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great timesaver—just shred or chop and add it into the sauce with the tortellini and spinach. You may want to skip seasoning it since it’s already cooked, but it will still be delicious in your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

It sure is! Omit the chicken and use extra tortellini or some sautéed mushrooms for heartiness. Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ll have a veg-friendly (but still blissful) version of Marry Me Chicken Tortellini.

Will store-bought grated parmesan work?

Freshly grated parmesan melts more smoothly into the sauce and creates that perfect creamy texture. While pre-grated works in a pinch, the flavor and consistency of Marry Me Chicken Tortellini really shine with fresh cheese.

Can I use refrigerated tortellini instead of frozen?

Definitely! Refrigerated tortellini cooks faster, so check them early and undercook slightly so they won’t get mushy in the final simmer. Just be sure to follow the package directions for boiling time and drain well before adding to your sauce.

How do I adjust the sauce if it gets too thick?

If your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini sauce thickens up a bit too much (especially after reheating), just stir in a splash of chicken broth, milk, or cream until you reach your desired consistency—super easy and keeps things luscious!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dinner guaranteed to impress, this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a no-fail pick. It’s hearty, rich, and full of personality, and once you taste that creamy, savory sauce with every cheesy bite, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite in so many kitchens. Give it a try—your taste buds (and your family) will absolutely thank you!

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 29 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe is a creamy, indulgent dish that combines tender chicken, cheese tortellini, and a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or impressing guests with a restaurant-quality meal.

Instructions

Step 1 – Cook the Chicken: In a bowl, season chicken with black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (6–8 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 2 – Build the Sauce: Lower heat to medium-low. Melt butter in the same skillet. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Stir and let it simmer gently. Slowly whisk in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 3 – Combine Everything: Add cooked chicken, baby spinach, and pre-cooked tortellini into the sauce. Stir gently and let simmer for 5 minutes, until spinach wilts and pasta is heated through. Turn off heat and let rest for 2 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Step 4 – Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with parsley and more parmesan if desired. Serve warm with garlic bread or salad on the side.