If ever there was a dish worthy of a proposal, this is it. Marry Me Chicken Tortellini combines tender bites of golden-seared chicken with plump, cheese-filled tortellini swimming in a luscious, creamy Parmesan sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach. It’s comforting, indulgent, and—best of all—surprisingly easy to make on a busy weeknight.

Picture this: the aroma of sizzling butter and garlic filling your kitchen, the gentle simmer of cream swirling with sun-dried tomato flakes, and that first silky bite of pasta coated in sauce so rich, it could charm anyone’s heart. This recipe is more than dinner—it’s a love story in a skillet.

Whether you’re cooking for a date night, Sunday dinner, or just need a comforting bowl of pasta at the end of a long day, this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini delivers elegance and flavor without any fuss.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 ½ pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
Salt and black pepper, to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups baby spinach
1 (20-ounce) package cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken:
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Build the Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
Add Cream and Broth:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir gently as the sauce begins to thicken, about 2–3 minutes.
Cook the Tortellini:
Meanwhile, boil the tortellini in salted water according to package directions (usually about 3–4 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Combine Everything:
Add the cooked chicken and tortellini into the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Stir in baby spinach and let it wilt for about 1 minute.
Finish & Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan before serving. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Tips & Tricks

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best creamy texture—pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly.
Want a lighter version? Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
For extra depth, add a splash of white wine when you sauté the garlic and tomatoes.

Variations

Add bacon: Crisp up 2–3 strips of bacon and crumble into the sauce for smoky flavor.
Vegetarian option: Skip the chicken and use sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers.
Spicy twist: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat.

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

A creamy, dreamy pasta with tender chicken, cheese tortellini, and sun-dried tomatoes in a luscious Parmesan sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Servings: 4 people

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1.5 pounds chicken breast, cut into chunks
3 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup chicken broth
0.75 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 cups baby spinach
20 ounces cheese tortellini
2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Equipment

Large skillet
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon
Colander

Method

Heat olive oil and butter in skillet. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; sauté until fragrant.
Stir in cream, broth, Parmesan, and seasonings; simmer to thicken.
Boil tortellini until tender, then drain.
Combine chicken, sauce, and tortellini. Add spinach to wilt. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

For extra flavor, add crispy bacon or a splash of white wine to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions
Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini with garlic bread or a simple green salad. Pair it with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for an elegant touch.

Storage Information
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

FAQ
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Just boil them as directed on the package before adding to the sauce.

Can I make this ahead?
You can cook the chicken and sauce in advance, then add fresh tortellini before serving.

Can I freeze it?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, as the cream sauce can separate when frozen.

History / Fun Facts
The “Marry Me” trend started with a creamy chicken dish so irresistible it was said to inspire proposals. Adding tortellini takes it up a notch—marrying Italian comfort food with American indulgence. Each bite of pasta captures the sauce perfectly, creating a rich, romantic flavor harmony that’s both comforting and luxurious.

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini – A Creamy Pasta So Good, You’ll Fall in Love