If you’re looking for a dish that just might steal your heart (and your taste buds), this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is the one to try. Picture tender, seasoned chicken chunks nestled in pillowy cheese tortellini, all bathed in a luscious, creamy sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan. This recipe is an irresistible combination of comforting, vibrant, and downright delicious flavors that will have you swooning with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or treating yourself, this dish promises to be a memorable meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Three side-by-side images show a white bowl on a white marbled surface with small pieces of raw chicken. In the first image, the chicken is topped with red tomato sauce and green herbs sprinkled evenly. The second image shows the same chicken mixed with a pile of white flour on top, while the third image shows the chicken fully mixed with the flour, creating a light powdery coating on the pink chicken pieces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward yet vital to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each element—from the spices coating the chicken to the creamy sauce and fresh greens—plays its part in making this dish utterly crave-worthy.

Chicken breast (1 lb): Cubed into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and tender results.
Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle hint of warmth and depth.
Italian seasoning (1 ½ teaspoons): Brings that classic herby, aromatic Italian touch.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Offers a smoky, slightly sweet undertone.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps create a light coating for the chicken to brown beautifully.
Butter (1 tablespoon): Infuses richness and aids in a golden, flavorful sear.
Extra-virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Used for sautéing to add a fruity, earthy quality.
Shallot (1, minced): Provides a mild onion flavor with a touch of sweetness.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Delivers that unmistakable savory aroma that makes everything better.
Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon): Adds just the right hint of heat to keep things exciting.
Sun-dried tomatoes in oil (¼ cup, chopped): Intensely flavorful and chewy, contributing bursts of tangy sweetness.
Tomato paste (3 ounces): Deepens the sauce with rich, concentrated tomato flavor.
Chicken broth (2 cups): Creates the lightly savory base for the sauce’s luscious texture.
Cheese tortellini (1 lb): Soft, cheesy pillows that soak up the sauce perfectly.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
Spinach (3 cups, roughly chopped): Adds freshness and color while balancing richness with a subtle earthiness.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup, freshly grated): Melts into the sauce for an irresistible cheesy finish.
For serving: Fresh basil, extra black pepper, red pepper flakes, and more parmesan to jazz it all up just the way you like!

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

First, cut your chicken breast into small, roughly 1-inch pieces—this helps them cook quickly and soak up more flavor. Toss the chicken in kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Then sprinkle the flour over it and toss gently, ensuring each piece has a delicate coating. This step is key for a beautifully golden and slightly crisp exterior.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt butter along with one tablespoon of olive oil. When they’re hot and shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes, then toss two or three times to brown all sides. Once the chicken is cooked through and golden, transfer it to a bowl. This seared chicken lays the foundation for all the amazing flavors ahead.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet, then toss in the minced garlic, chopped shallot, and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about three minutes while stirring often until everything smells heavenly and softens. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes, a pinch of salt, and pepper to bring a subtle heat and seasoning. Stir in the tomato paste and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift every tasty bit off the surface — this step adds so much depth to the sauce.

Step 4: Add the Tortellini

Pour the cheese tortellini directly into the sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat to maintain a soft simmer and cover the skillet. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring halfway through to make sure every tortellini parcel cooks evenly and absorbs the sauce beautifully.

Step 5: Finish It Up

Remove the lid and fold the chicken back into the skillet along with the chopped spinach, heavy cream, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy and thick. Serve immediately with a sprinkling of fresh basil, extra parmesan, and a dash of black pepper or red pepper flakes if you want a bit more kick. At this point, this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe might just have you ready to propose in admiration!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

A white pan filled with layers of cooked pasta in red sauce and small pieces of seasoned chicken on top. In the next white pan, the pasta in red sauce is topped with a large pile of white shredded cheese and fresh chopped spinach leaves added in the center. The last white pan shows the final mix, creamy orange sauce covering the pasta and chicken, with bits of green spinach evenly mixed throughout the dish, and a black spoon resting in the pan. The pans are set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your dish, scatter torn fresh basil leaves and fresh cracked black pepper over the top just before serving. A little extra parmesan cheese doesn’t hurt either and adds a lovely, nutty contrast to the creamy sauce. These garnishes don’t just add visual appeal; they add layers of fresh and sharp flavor that brighten the entire dish.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables pairs beautifully, adding both texture and freshness. Crusty garlic bread is another fabulous option to soak up every last bit of that luxurious sauce. Whatever you choose, keep your sides simple so the star of the show—the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe—can truly shine.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this creamy pasta in warm, individual ramekins for a cozy presentation that feels personal and inviting. You can also garnish with a drizzle of chili oil if you like a spicy finish or a sprinkling of toasted pine nuts for crunch. It’s a dish that’s as flexible as it is delicious, perfect for impressing guests or spoiling yourself.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, and the flavors often deepen with a little rest, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Freeze in a sealed container, making sure it’s cooled completely before popping it into the freezer. To avoid texture loss, freezing is recommended only if you’re in a pinch.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Stir often until warmed through and creamy again. Alternatively, microwave reheating works well if you cover the dish to retain moisture, reheating in short bursts.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta instead of tortellini?

Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is the perfect pillowy texture for this recipe, you can use other filled pastas like ravioli or even simpler options like penne or rigatoni for a twist.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

You can substitute with fresh cherry tomatoes sautéed until soft or omit entirely if needed, but sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated sweetness that really lifts the sauce.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Try using a dairy-free cream substitute and a vegan parmesan cheese alternative. The sauce will still be creamy and luscious with these swaps.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

You can season and brown the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Assemble and cook the sauce and tortellini just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe has a gentle kick from red pepper flakes, but it’s easy to adjust the heat level by reducing or increasing that amount based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

Making the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is like giving yourself a warm, flavorful hug from the inside out. Its creamy, comforting sauce combined with tender chicken and soft tortellini makes for a dish you’ll want to come back to again and again. So go ahead and try this recipe—you might find yourself falling in love at first bite!