Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a cozy, comforting dish that's creamy, cheesy, and full of tender chicken and soft tortellini pasta. It’s all brought together with a flavorful garlic and…
Tip: save now, cook later.Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a cozy, comforting dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and full of tender chicken and soft tortellini pasta. It’s all brought together with a flavorful garlic and sun-dried tomato cream sauce that really makes this meal feel special without any fuss. This dish is perfect when you want something that tastes like a treat but comes together in one skillet.
I love making this when I want to impress someone without spending hours in the kitchen. The sauce feels fancy, but it’s really simple to put together, and the tortellini cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all that amazing flavor. I always find myself going back for seconds, and sometimes even thirds, because it’s just that good. Plus, using sun-dried tomatoes gives it a little twist that makes every bite interesting.
When I serve this dish, I like to toss a handful of fresh basil or parsley on top to add a pop of color and fresh taste. It’s also perfect with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. I’ve found this recipe is a big hit with friends and family alike—no one can believe how creamy and satisfying it is. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone smile and ask for the recipe right away.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts is great because they cook quickly and stay juicy. You can substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor and more tenderness.
Tortellini: Cheese-filled tortellini is classic here, but you can swap for spinach or mushroom tortellini for a twist. Fresh or frozen both work well.
Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky crunch that balances the creamy sauce. For a lighter option, try turkey bacon or omit it altogether.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These give a tangy, slightly sweet punch. If you don’t have these, roasted red peppers or roasted tomatoes can be good alternatives.
Heavy Cream & Parmesan: Heavy cream makes the sauce silky. For a lighter sauce, half-and-half can work, but won’t be as thick. Parmesan cheese adds nutty, salty depth – grate it fresh for best flavor.
How Can I Get the Chicken Tender and the Sauce Creamy Without Overcooking?
Cooking the chicken just right and making the sauce perfect can be tricky.
- Chicken: Patting it dry before seasoning helps get a nice brown crust. Cook in batches if your pan is crowded, so pieces sear instead of steam.
- Sauce: After adding cream and broth, let it simmer gently—not boil—to avoid curdling. Stir often and reduce the heat if needed.
- Tortellini: Add the tortellini last and cook it in the sauce to soak up flavors. Frozen tortellini might need a few extra minutes, but keep an eye so it doesn’t get mushy.
- Combining: Add chicken and bacon back at the end to warm gently without overcooking. This keeps everything tender and tasty.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large nonstick or stainless steel skillet – perfect for cooking chicken and making the sauce all in one pan.
- Slotted spoon – helps you lift out the crispy bacon without taking excess fat.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – good for stirring the sauce gently without scratching the pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your cream, broth, and seasonings just right.
- Grater – for fresh Parmesan cheese to top off the dish with best flavor.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for Italian sausage for a spicier, heartier meal.
- Add baby spinach or kale near the end for a pop of green and extra nutrition.
- Use sun-dried tomato pesto instead of plain sun-dried tomatoes for more intense tomato flavor.
- Stir in a handful of mozzarella or fontina cheese at the end for extra melty cheesiness.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 package (about 9 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for chicken)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional but recommended)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the chicken and other ingredients, 15-20 minutes cooking the dish from start to finish, and then it’s ready to serve. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any night you want something special without a long wait.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain. Keep the bacon fat in the skillet — it will add great flavor to the chicken and sauce.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning over the chicken. Add olive oil to the skillet with the bacon fat and heat it up. Add the chicken pieces in batches if needed, so they sear nicely without crowding. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
4. Cook the Tortellini:
Add the tortellini directly into the sauce. If using frozen tortellini, cook according to package instructions but finish cooking it in the sauce so it soaks up the flavors. This usually takes around 3-5 more minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Finish and Serve:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining Italian seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet. Gently toss everything together, warming through for a couple more minutes.
Serve your delicious Marry Me Chicken Tortellini hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley or basil if you like. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s guaranteed to impress!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents extra moisture that can affect the sauce.
Can I Substitute Tortellini with Another Pasta?
Absolutely! Cheese tortellini works best for this creamy dish, but you can use other filled pastas like ravioli or regular pasta like penne or farfalle. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
You can try using dairy-free cream alternatives and a plant-based cheese substitute, but keep in mind the sauce may be less rich. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor if you omit the Parmesan.