If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm embrace on a plate, then the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This luscious, creamy chicken and cheese tortellini combo delivers layers of rich flavors with sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic herbs that seem to say, “You’ll want to make this forever.” It’s comfort food elevated, simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to share with someone special. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s easy to see why it’s called Marry Me Chicken Tortellini and why it could very well be the dish that wins hearts over.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing complicated here—just a handful of essentials that come together beautifully. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the creamy tang of Parmesan to the zesty warmth of crushed red pepper flakes. Together, they build a full-flavored dish with great texture and vibrant color.
- Olive oil: This is your cooking base, adding a subtle fruity richness to seal in chicken juices perfectly.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean protein that soaks up the sauce wonderfully.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making sure every bite sings.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth without overpowering.
- Garlic powder: Brings in a mellow garlicky aroma that’s essential for savory dishes.
- Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity to the seasoning mix.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Gives just the right kiss of heat to keep things interesting.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation for your creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce unbelievably silky and indulgent.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp, nutty, and melts perfectly to thicken the sauce.
- Fresh basil: Brightens the dish with herbal freshness.
- Dried oregano: Adds earthy undertones that emphasize the Italian flair.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Introduce a tangy, chewy texture that beautifully contrasts the creamy sauce.
- Cheese tortellini: Pillowy pasta pockets filled with melty cheese, the star carbohydrate here.
- Butter: Enriches and smooths out the sauce, making every bite luscious.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This is your flavor launchpad where the chicken will sear to a golden-brown crust. The olive oil not only prevents sticking but adds a subtle fruity touch that complements the herbs in this dish.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes, then rub them generously on your chicken breasts. This spice blend infuses the chicken with savory depth and a tiny spicy spark that wakes up your taste buds beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken Thoroughly
Place the chicken in the hot skillet and cook for six to seven minutes per side until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F and develops a gorgeous golden color. This step locks juices inside, leaving the chicken tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Set the Chicken Aside
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and set them on a plate to rest. Resting helps the juices redistribute, keeping your chicken moist for when it joins the rest of the dish.
Step 5: Build the Sauce Base
Pour chicken broth into the same skillet, scraping up the browned bits left from the chicken — that’s pure flavor magic! These bits create a savory depth crucial to the creamy sauce.
Step 6: Add Cream and Simmer
Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Then, lower the heat and let the sauce gently simmer for about five minutes. This slow cooking thickens the sauce, turning it into a rich, silky blanket for the chicken.
Step 7: Flavor the Sauce with Cheese and Herbs
Stir grated Parmesan, chopped fresh basil, dried oregano, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce. These ingredients elevate the flavors and add bursts of tangy, cheesy, and herbaceous notes that make this dish unforgettable.
Step 8: Cook the Cheese Tortellini
While your sauce is melding together, cook the cheese tortellini in a separate pot as per the package instructions. This quick step brings soft, cheesy pasta ready to soak up all that creamy sauce.
Step 9: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce
Slice the rested chicken into strips, add it back to the sauce in your skillet, and then fold in the drained tortellini. Gently toss everything together so each pasta piece is luxuriously coated and every chicken strip is wrapped in that delicious sauce.
Step 10: Finish with Butter and Final Seasoning
Stir in butter for a shiny, silky finish and give the dish a taste. Adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you want to dial up the seasoning. This touch rounds everything out perfectly.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Following these steps ensures you nail the balance of creamy, tangy, and savory that defines this recipe. Patience during each stage unlocks incredible layers of flavor.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves make a stunning, fragrant garnish, adding a pop of green and herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan or cracked black pepper for an inviting finish that looks as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This decadent dish pairs beautifully with something light and crisp. A vibrant green salad with limed vinaigrette or steamed asparagus can balance the creaminess perfectly, while warm crusty bread invites dipping into every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this recipe in a rustic cast-iron skillet on the table for cozy family-style dining. Or plate individual servings with a basil sprig and a dash of Parmesan, perfect for impressing guests. Even simple white bowls highlight the colorful tomato and herb flecks!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The sauce will thicken further, so add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to restore its silky consistency.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but for best texture, freeze the sauce and chicken separately from the tortellini if possible. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently warm while stirring.
Reheating
Warm the leftovers slowly in a skillet over low heat, stirring often. Adding a little chicken broth or cream helps rejuvenate the sauce so it’s as creamy and dreamy as the day you made it.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini adds a wonderful stuffed-cheese element, you can swap in other pasta shapes like penne or farfalle. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, half-and-half can work, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut cream, which also provides luscious texture.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a gentle heat from the crushed red pepper flakes, but nothing overwhelming. You can always adjust the amount to suit your personal heat preference, or omit it entirely for no spice.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free cheese tortellini or another gluten-free pasta to keep the dish safe and delicious.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?
The best way is to check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer—it should reach 165°F. Visually, cooked chicken is firm with no pink inside and has a nice golden sear outside.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is one of those special dishes that feels like a homemade celebration every time you make it. Rich, comforting, and bursting with fresh flavors, it’s perfect for cozy nights or impressing a date. Once you try it, you’ll understand why so many people fall in love with this recipe again and again. So go ahead — gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into a dish that just might sweep you or someone you care about off their feet.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, flavorful skillet dish featuring tender seasoned chicken breasts cooked in a rich Parmesan and sun-dried tomato cream sauce, served over cheesy tortellini pasta. This comforting Italian-inspired recipe combines savory herbs and a hint of spice to create an irresistible one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
Pasta
- 9 ounces cheese tortellini
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Season the Chicken: Season four boneless, skinless chicken breasts with one teaspoon salt, half a teaspoon black pepper, half a teaspoon garlic powder, half a teaspoon onion powder, and a quarter teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a well-balanced flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for about six to seven minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a plate and set aside to rest.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour half a cup of chicken broth into the same skillet, scraping the browned bits from the bottom to incorporate flavor into the sauce.
- Add Cream: Stir in one cup of heavy cream to the skillet and combine with the broth for a rich base.
- Simmer the Sauce: Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for about five minutes until it thickens slightly, developing a creamy consistency.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in half a cup grated Parmesan cheese, one tablespoon chopped fresh basil, half a teaspoon dried oregano, and half a cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes to infuse the sauce with herbs and tang.
- Finish the Sauce: Continue cooking the sauce, stirring occasionally until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and luscious.
- Cook the Tortellini: Meanwhile, cook nine ounces of cheese tortellini in a separate pot according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain Pasta: Drain the cooked tortellini and set aside, ready to combine with the sauce.
- Slice Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips for easier mixing and serving.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet with the sauce, then add the cooked tortellini and gently toss everything together to coat evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Add Butter: Stir in two tablespoons butter allowing it to melt into the sauce for a silky, rich finish.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes according to preference.
- Serve: Serve the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil if desired for a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Sun-dried tomatoes can be packed in oil or dry; if dry, consider soaking them in warm water to soften before chopping.
- Use fresh basil for best flavor, but dried can be substituted if necessary.
- Butter adds richness and helps the sauce to achieve a creamy texture; do not skip this step.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
