If you're looking for a rich, flavorful dish that’s sure to win over hearts, then this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is exactly what you need. With a creamy sauce, tender chicken, and delicious tortellini, this dish is love at first bite. Whether you’re cooking for a special date night, a family gathering, or just treating yourself, this recipe has everything you need to make it memorable. Read on to discover how to make this mouthwatering meal, plus expert tips, variations, and answers to common questions to perfect your cooking experience!
What Is Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a combination of two beloved dishes: the famous "Marry Me Chicken," which features tender chicken breasts in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, and tortellini, the delightful pasta stuffed with cheese or meat. The name "Marry Me" comes from the irresistible flavor that supposedly makes anyone who eats it want to propose on the spot! The rich sauce, paired with the pillowy tortellini and juicy chicken, makes this dish truly unforgettable.
Ingredients List for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
To make this delectable dish, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into cutlets)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (for seasoning)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tortellini and Sauce:
- 1 package of cheese or meat tortellini (about 12-16 oz)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for the sauce base)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for the creamy sauce)
- ½ cup chicken broth (to thin out the sauce slightly)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds richness to the sauce)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, for tangy flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for flavor depth)
- ½ teaspoon dried basil (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Spinach (1-2 cups fresh spinach for added nutrients)
- Mushrooms (sliced, to add texture and umami)
Substitutions and Variations
If you're looking to tweak the recipe to fit your dietary needs or preferences, here are some easy substitutions and variations:
Substitutions:
- Tortellini: If you can’t find tortellini, you can substitute it with ravioli or any other stuffed pasta of your choice. Regular pasta like penne or fettuccine can work as well, though you’ll miss that stuffed pasta experience.
- Chicken Breasts: Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier, more tender option. Just ensure you cook them thoroughly.
- Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
- Parmesan Cheese: If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese can be used as a substitute for a similar salty richness.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Simply omit the chicken and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for a hearty, vegetarian meal.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier dish. You could also toss in a few slices of fresh chili pepper for extra heat.
- Bacon Lovers: Add crispy, crumbled bacon to the sauce for a smoky twist that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare the ultimate Marry Me Chicken Tortellini dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Slice your chicken breasts into thin cutlets, and season them with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until both sides are golden brown and fully cooked, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Tortellini
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your tortellini and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet that you used for the chicken, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking to combine. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and dried basil (if using).
- Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue cooking until the sauce is rich and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Tortellini with the Sauce
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces, then add them back into the skillet with the sauce.
- Add the cooked tortellini and gently toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are coated in the creamy sauce.
- If adding spinach or mushrooms, fold them into the skillet during this step and allow them to cook for a few minutes until tender.
How to Cook Marry Me Chicken Tortellini: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking Marry Me Chicken Tortellini can be broken down into four main phases:
- Preparing the chicken – Season and cook your chicken breasts until golden brown.
- Boiling the tortellini – Cook your pasta to al dente perfection while the chicken cooks.
- Making the sauce – Create a creamy, garlicky, and cheesy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes.
- Combining it all – Mix everything together in one skillet, ensuring that the sauce coats the chicken and tortellini evenly.
Following this structured method ensures that your dish will come together smoothly and perfectly every time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Marry Me Chicken Tortellini, keep these tips in mind to avoid common cooking mistakes:
- Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken when it reaches 165°F.
- Skipping the simmer: Allow your sauce to simmer and thicken for a few minutes. This step helps develop the deep flavors that make this dish so irresistible.
- Undercooking the tortellini: Tortellini should be cooked al dente. Avoid overcooking it, as it will become too soft when combined with the sauce.
- Not seasoning the sauce: Taste your sauce as it simmers and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and extra Italian herbs as needed for perfect flavor balance.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is key when serving Marry Me Chicken Tortellini. Here are some tips to make your dish look as good as it tastes:
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
- Serve the dish in shallow bowls to allow the creamy sauce to pool around the pasta and chicken.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for a touch of elegance.
- Pair with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
Presentation Ideas for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
- Plate the dish family-style in a large serving dish and place it in the center of the table for a romantic, shared dining experience.
- For individual servings, arrange a few slices of chicken on top of the tortellini for a polished, restaurant-quality presentation.
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to two days. Just warm it up and combine with freshly cooked chicken and tortellini before serving.
- Extra Creaminess: For an even richer sauce, stir in an extra tablespoon of butter or a splash of cream just before serving.
- Make it Your Own: Don't be afraid to experiment with the ingredients! Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or cheese to suit your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen tortellini? Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly in this recipe. Just cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the sauce.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the tortellini with gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients, like the chicken broth, are gluten-free.
3. How long will leftovers last? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
4. Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Tortellini? It’s not recommended to freeze this dish as the cream-based sauce may separate when thawed. However, if you must freeze it, do so in a freezer-safe container and reheat slowly, stirring frequently to bring the sauce back together.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is the perfect dish to impress your loved ones, whether it’s for a romantic dinner or a cozy family meal. The combination of tender chicken, rich sauce, and stuffed tortellini creates a truly indulgent meal that’s hard to resist. With the easy-to-follow instructions, tips for customization, and answers to common questions, you’ll be able to create this mouthwatering dish with confidence. Try it out tonight, and watch as everyone falls in love—both with you and the food!
Don't forget to bookmark this recipe for your next special occasion!
PrintMarry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe features juicy chicken and cheese tortellini in a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a cozy weeknight meal, it's sure to win hearts. Serve this dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 package cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes, cooking for a minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well. Bring to a simmer, then add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Add cooked tortellini and sliced chicken back into the skillet. Stir to coat everything in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
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