Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that’s packed with flavor and super easy to whip up, let me introduce you to Marry Me Chicken Tortellini. This recipe has it all—creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and pillowy tortellini. Plus, it’s got that name that makes everyone curious. Trust me, it’s as good as it sounds. This dish has become a weeknight go-to in my home, and I’m sure it’ll find a place in your regular rotation, too.

Why It’s Called Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

The story behind the name is pretty cute. The idea is that this dish is so good it could inspire a marriage proposal. Whether that’s true or not, it’s definitely one of those meals that leaves a lasting impression. I made it for a family dinner once, and my sister-in-law jokingly asked if I was trying to propose to the whole family. So yeah, the name sticks, and the flavors do, too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best thing about this recipe is that it’s made with simple ingredients you might already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

• 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and chopped)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional but amazing for a little kick)

For the Tortellini:

• 1 package (about 9 ounces) of refrigerated cheese tortellini

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh basil, chopped
• More Parmesan cheese (because why not?)

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook until golden on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. You don’t need to cook it all the way through yet—it’ll finish cooking in the sauce. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, toss in your minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant (there’s nothing better than the smell of garlic cooking, right?). Add the sun-dried tomatoes and stir for another minute.

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those tasty browned bits. Then stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken.

Step 3: Add the Chicken Back In

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini

While the chicken is simmering, cook your tortellini according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, stirring gently to coat it in the creamy sauce. Let it warm through for a couple of minutes. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.

Tips for Success

Use High-Quality Tortellini

Fresh, refrigerated tortellini works best for this recipe. It cooks quickly and has that perfect texture.

Don’t Skip the Sun-Dried Tomatoes

The sun-dried tomatoes add a pop of tangy sweetness that balances the creamy sauce beautifully. If you’re not a fan, you could substitute roasted red peppers, but I highly recommend sticking with the tomatoes if you can.

Make It Your Own

This recipe is super versatile. Want to add spinach or mushrooms? Go for it! Prefer a little more spice? Add extra red pepper flakes. The base recipe is solid, but it’s always fun to make it fit your own tastes.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is rich and hearty, so I like to pair it with something light, like a simple green salad or steamed veggies. Garlic bread is also a winner if you’re feeling indulgent. And don’t forget a glass of white wine—it’s the perfect finishing touch.

Leftovers (If There Are Any!)

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they reheat beautifully. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just warm them up on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce nice and smooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor—what’s not to love? Whether you’re cooking for a date night, a family dinner, or just treating yourself, Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a dish that makes any occasion feel special. And hey, if it leads to a proposal, I’ll take partial credit!