Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

The Perfect Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe For Love Birds

Love can bloom in unexpected places, just like this marry me chicken tortellini recipe that promises to sweep you off your feet.

Passionate flavors dance together in a delightful culinary embrace that feels both comforting and exciting.

Tender chicken mingles with soft tortellini, creating a dish that whispers romance with every bite.

Creamy sauce coats each delicate pasta pocket, infusing every forkful with rich, irresistible taste.

Simple ingredients combine to create something magical and memorable on your dinner plate.

Fresh herbs and perfectly seasoned chicken elevate this meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Come explore a recipe that might just make someone fall head over heels for your cooking skills.

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini: A Romantic Dinner

  • Quicken Your Weeknight Dinner: This recipe transforms a simple meal into a restaurant-worthy experience with minimal cooking steps and maximum flavor impact.
  • Create Comfort on a Plate: Creamy tortellini combined with tender chicken delivers a hearty, satisfying dish that feels like a warm culinary hug for the whole family.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like adding different proteins or adjusting spice levels makes this recipe flexible for various taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Impress Without Stress: Professional-looking results come together in just a few simple steps, making you look like a kitchen pro without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender protein that provides the main body of the dish and absorbs the rich, creamy sauce.
Pasta:
  • Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that adds a delicious, hearty element to the creamy chicken dish.
Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Combination of fats that helps create a rich base for sautéing and building flavor.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a deep, savory undertone to the sauce.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated tomato flavor that adds a tangy and slightly sweet note to the dish.
  • Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that brings traditional Mediterranean flavor complexity.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy element that adds a subtle heat to the creamy sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Luxurious base that creates a smooth and rich sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Liquid that helps thin and enhance the sauce's depth.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Salty, umami-rich cheese that adds depth and helps thicken the sauce.
Finishing Touches:
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for final flavor adjustment.
  • Fresh Basil, Parsley: Herbs that provide a fresh, bright garnish to the finished dish.

How to Prepare Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

How to Prepare Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Step 1: Sizzle The Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook chicken pieces until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are completely cooked through.

Transfer the perfectly seared chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Awaken The Aromatics

In the same skillet, drop in garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.

Saute until the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrance that makes everyone’s mouth water.

Step 3: Create Magical Cream Sauce

Add these ingredients to create a luxurious sauce:
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Parmesan cheese

Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce becomes rich and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Cook The Tortellini

Prepare tortellini following package directions.

Drain the pasta completely.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Return the golden chicken back to the skillet.

Gently combine the chicken with the creamy sauce.

Add cooked tortellini and toss everything until perfectly coated.

Step 6: Final Flavor Boost

Sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance the taste.

Finish by scattering fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve immediately and watch everyone fall in love!

Tips for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Success

  • Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a golden-brown crust and lock in juicy flavors.
  • Simmer sauce slowly to thicken naturally, preventing separation and ensuring a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, starting with a small amount and adding gradually.
  • Cook tortellini just until al dente to prevent a mushy texture and maintain its delicate pasta structure.
  • Chop fresh basil or parsley right before serving to maximize aromatic flavors and add vibrant color to the dish.

Variations for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

  • Vegetarian Marry Me Tortellini: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using same seasoning method for rich flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain creamy texture.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add kalamata olives, extra red pepper flakes, and swap basil for fresh oregano to create a more intense Mediterranean-inspired dish.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi, keeping the signature sun-dried tomato cream sauce intact.

Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

  • Romantic Date Night Delight: Perfect for an intimate dinner with your special someone, creating a memorable meal that sparks conversation and connection.
  • Comfort Food Upgrade: Transform this dish into a cozy family-style dinner by serving with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread on the side.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the creamy, rich flavors with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay to enhance the overall dining experience.
  • Quick Meal Prep Hero: Prepare extra portions for easy lunch leftovers or freeze individual servings for a convenient future meal that tastes just as delicious.

Storage Advice for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Keep chicken and tortellini together to maintain moisture and flavor.
  • Place cooled dish in freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing to prevent tortellini texture from becoming mushy.
  • Transfer portion to microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water or extra cream to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed thoroughly.
  • Warm gently in skillet over low-medium heat, stirring frequently. Add splash of chicken broth or cream to restore sauce consistency and prevent sticking.

FAQs

  • Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil?

Yes, you can substitute dried basil or parsley. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs, which provides similar flavor intensity to fresh herbs.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. You can adjust the spiciness by reducing or eliminating the red pepper flakes for a milder version.

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance. Reheat gently and add tortellini just before serving to maintain texture.

  • What if I can't find sun-dried tomatoes?

Regular cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers work as good alternatives. They’ll provide a slightly different but still delicious flavor profile to the dish.

Print
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Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Marry me chicken tortellini combines creamy sauce with tender pasta in a romantic Italian-inspired dish. Garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese create irresistible flavors you’ll want to savor again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 9 oz (250 g) cheese tortellini

Dairy and Cream:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Warm a large skillet with olive oil and butter over medium heat, creating a golden sear on chicken pieces until fully cooked, then transfer to a separate plate.
  2. Using the same skillet, introduce minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing until aromatic and releasing their intense flavors.
  3. Incorporate Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, creating a robust base before pouring in heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the mixture to simmer and thicken for approximately 5 minutes.
  4. Prepare tortellini following package guidelines, ensuring precise cooking time, then thoroughly drain to prevent wateriness.
  5. Reintroduce seared chicken into the creamy sauce, gently folding to coat each piece, then add cooked tortellini and carefully toss to ensure even distribution of sauce and ingredients.
  6. Delicately adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, creating a balanced flavor profile, and finish by garnishing with fresh chopped basil or parsley for a vibrant, aromatic touch before serving immediately.

Notes

  • Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, creamy flavor profile.
  • Use gluten-free tortellini to make this dish celiac-friendly without compromising taste and texture.
  • Pat chicken dry before searing to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and develops deep flavor.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes quantity based on personal spice tolerance, allowing customization for heat-sensitive palates.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 570 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 39 g
  • Cholesterol: 125 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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