Marry Me Chicken Tortellini – Easy Creamy Skillet Dinner

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is the kind of skillet meal that brings everyone running to the table. From the first time I tried this recipe, I knew it was going to be one of those dishes that instantly became a family favorite. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy tortellini come together in one pan for a dinner that feels both comforting and a little bit special. It is easy enough for a busy weeknight yet impressive enough for a romantic dinner, which is exactly why it has earned its “marry me” name.

I still remember the first evening I made this dish at home. The aroma of garlic, Parmesan, and sun dried tomatoes simmering in a silky cream sauce filled the kitchen, and everyone gathered around before I even called them to dinner. That is the kind of magic this recipe brings. It is not just food, it is a memory. Skillet meals like this one remind me that the best dinners do not need to be complicated. They only need the right balance of flavor and love.

Why You Will Love This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

This recipe has quickly become one of my favorites, and here is why you will love it too:

• One pan skillet meal: minimal cleanup and all the flavors develop in one pan.
• Quick and easy: ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Rich creamy sauce: Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and sun dried tomatoes create irresistible flavor.
• Family friendly: a cozy comfort food dish that kids and adults both enjoy.
• Customizable: add spinach, bacon, or make it spicy with extra red pepper flakes.
• Restaurant quality at home: elegant enough for date night, simple enough for beginners.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

The beauty of this marry me chicken tortellini recipe is how it turns everyday pantry staples into a rich, comforting skillet meal. Each ingredient plays an important role in building flavor and texture, so let’s break down what you will need:

• Chicken breasts: boneless, skinless, cut into cubes for quick cooking.
• Flour mixture: seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to dredge the chicken and create a golden crust.
• Olive oil and butter: the base for searing chicken and creating depth of flavor.
• Garlic and sun dried tomatoes: essential for that signature savory and slightly tangy sauce.
• Chicken broth: balances the creaminess while adding depth.
• Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese: make the sauce rich, cheesy, and indulgent.
• Red pepper flakes, oregano, thyme: bring a touch of heat and herbaceous flavor.
• Frozen cheese tortellini: cooks right in the sauce, soaking up every bit of creamy goodness.

This ingredient list makes a family friendly dish that is both hearty and elegant. If you want to switch things up, you can use refrigerated tortellini instead of frozen or swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Cooking this creamy marry me chicken tortellini is simple when you break it down step by step. This one pan method ensures maximum flavor without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. Here is how to make it perfectly every time:

Searing the Chicken for Flavor

Start by dredging your cubed chicken in the seasoned flour mixture. This little step creates a golden crust that locks in flavor and gives the sauce extra body. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet, then sear the chicken until it is browned and reaches 165°F inside. Remove it from the skillet and set aside. This process makes the chicken tender and juicy, which is key to the best marry me chicken and tortellini recipes.

Building the Cheesy Cream Sauce

Now comes the heart of the recipe. In the same skillet, sauté garlic and sun dried tomatoes to release their aroma. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, then stir in heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan. Add red pepper flakes, oregano, and thyme to create a sauce that is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. This is what makes it more than just pasta, it is truly cheesy marry me chicken tortellini.

Finishing with Tortellini and Chicken

Add frozen tortellini directly to the sauce, cover, and let it cook until tender. The pasta absorbs the flavors while thickening the sauce, making it taste like you spent hours cooking. Finally, return the chicken to the skillet and stir everything together. This lazy marry me chicken tortellini technique saves time without cutting corners on taste.

In under 30 minutes, you will have a skillet full of easy marry me chicken tortellini ready to serve. It is creamy, indulgent, and guaranteed to be a new favorite on your dinner table.

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Noor

A creamy one pan skillet dinner with juicy chicken, cheese tortellini, and a rich sun dried tomato Parmesan sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or date night.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 620 kcal

Equipment

• large skillet
• mixing bowl
• tongs or spatula
• measuring cups & spoons
• cutting board and knife

Ingredients

  

• 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into cubes
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp each salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1/3 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes
• 1 (19 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini

Instructions

 

• Mix together flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
• Dredge chicken cubes in the seasoned flour mixture.
  
• Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
• Cook chicken 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and 165°F. Remove and set aside.
  
• Add minced garlic, sun dried tomatoes, and chicken broth to the skillet and stir.
  
• Lower heat. Add heavy cream and Parmesan. Stir until smooth.
• Add red pepper flakes, oregano, and thyme. Simmer gently.
• Add frozen tortellini. Cover and cook a few minutes until tender.
• Return chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat and serve hot.
  

Notes

• Grate Parmesan from a block for the creamiest sauce.
• Adjust red pepper flakes for a mild or spicy version.
• Use fresh tortellini if preferred, but reduce the cooking time by 2–3 minutes.
• Add spinach or bacon for a tasty variation.
• For meal prep, cook chicken and sauce ahead of time, then add tortellini before serving.

Nutrition (per serving, 6 servings total)

• Calories: 620
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Cholesterol: 135mg
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and meant as an estimate. If you follow a special diet, please double-check using your own calculations.

Variations of Marry Me Chicken Tortellini You Need to Try

One of the best parts about this marry me chicken tortellini recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily adapt it to match your family’s tastes or the ingredients you already have on hand. Here are some delicious variations to keep things exciting:

• Marry Me Chicken Tortellini with Spinach: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach right before serving. The greens wilt into the sauce and add freshness that balances the richness.
• Cheesy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini: Double the Parmesan or add mozzarella for an extra gooey version that kids especially love.
• Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Soup: Thin the sauce with extra chicken broth to create a creamy tortellini soup version. It is cozy, hearty, and perfect for colder months.
• Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Tortellini: For a hands off option, cook the chicken and sauce in a slow cooker, then stir in tortellini near the end so it does not overcook. This is one of the easiest ways to make lazy marry me chicken tortellini on a busy day.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta Tortellini: Want to switch it up? Use penne, rigatoni, or gnocchi instead of tortellini for a twist on the classic.

Serving, Storing, and Reheating Marry Me Chicken and Tortellini

This skillet dinner is best served hot right out of the pan, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil. Pair it with a crisp salad or warm garlic bread for a complete meal.

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream in a skillet to loosen the sauce while warming through. This keeps the tortellini tender instead of mushy.

For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce and chicken separately for up to 2 months, then add freshly cooked tortellini when ready to serve. This trick keeps the texture perfect while still letting you enjoy the full flavor of marry me chicken and tortellini whenever you crave it.

Noor’s Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Over the years I have learned a few tricks that take this skillet meal from good to unforgettable. Here are my favorite tips to make your marry me chicken tortellini turn out perfectly every time:

• Grate your own Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts smoothly and gives the sauce a creamier, silkier finish than pre-shredded.
• Adjust the heat level: Start with a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you prefer mild flavors, then add more for a spicy kick. This way the whole family can enjoy.
• Choose the right tortellini: Frozen tortellini holds its texture better while simmering in the sauce, while refrigerated tortellini cooks faster if you need dinner on the table quickly.
• Prep ahead for busy nights: Make the sauce and chicken in advance, then add tortellini just before serving so the pasta stays tender. This is one of my favorite time-saving tricks for easy marry me chicken tortellini.
• Go for a lazy version: Skip dredging the chicken if you are short on time. A quick seasoning and sear still deliver great flavor with less effort.
• Serve straight from the skillet: Place the pan in the center of the table and let everyone scoop their own portion. It creates a cozy family dinner atmosphere and keeps the pasta piping hot.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marry Me Chicken Tortellini