Creamy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe – Best Italian Comfort Food

Name: Creamy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces; 1 package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen); 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 3 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Posted on December 3, 2025

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Okay, real talk—this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini might just be the most comforting Italian-inspired dish I’ve ever made. Picture perfectly tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich, creamy sauce that’s so good, you’ll wonder why you’ve been eating anything else. The first time I made this, I was trying to impress my partner. Spoiler alert: it worked. And now it’s one of those recipes I pull out when I want to make someone feel extra special—or when I just need a warm, cozy hug in food form.

If you’ve ever had “marry me” chicken, you know it’s all about that dreamy, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan. But adding tortellini takes it to a whole new level of comfort food perfection. Trust me, this recipe is one you’ll be making again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is the ultimate weeknight dinner or date-night showstopper. Here’s why:

One-pan wonder: Everything cooks in the same skillet, so cleanup is basically nonexistent. Perfect for lazy nights.
Restaurant vibes at home: It tastes like something you’d order at a fancy Italian place, but you made it. Bonus points for impressing whoever you’re cooking for.
Comfort food perfection: Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor—this is the kind of dish that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a big bowl and a fork.
Made in under 30 minutes: Yep, you’ll be digging into this deliciousness faster than you can decide what to watch on Netflix.

This dish has become my go-to recipe for everything from weeknight dinners to impressing dinner guests. The best part? You don’t need any fancy ingredients—it’s simple, cozy, and absolutely irresistible.

What Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list is short, sweet, and full of pantry staples. I’ll break them down for you:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-size pieces for quicker cooking. You can use chicken thighs if you prefer—they’re just as tender.
Cheese tortellini: Fresh or frozen works perfectly. I grab mine from the refrigerated section at the grocery store.
Heavy cream: The base of the creamy sauce. You can use half-and-half if you want to lighten it up, but the richness of heavy cream is unbeatable.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated if possible—it melts better and adds more flavor. Please, no shaker cheese here!
Sun-dried tomatoes: The secret ingredient that gives this dish its signature flavor. Look for the ones packed in oil for extra richness.
Chicken broth: Helps thin the sauce and adds depth. You can use vegetable broth if that’s what you have.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable. It’s the backbone of the flavor here.
Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme—it’s a shortcut to big flavor.
Olive oil: For cooking the chicken and adding that signature Mediterranean touch.
Salt and pepper: To season everything to perfection.

Quick note: Don’t skimp on the Parmesan—it’s the key to making the sauce creamy and cheesy. And if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh basil on top for a pop of color and flavor.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need much to pull off this recipe—just the basics:

Large skillet: A deep one works best since you’ll be making the sauce and cooking the tortellini all in the same pan.
Tongs: Perfect for flipping chicken and stirring everything together.
Grater: For fresh Parmesan—trust me, it’s worth it.
Measuring cups and spoons: Because creamy sauces are all about balance, so measure carefully!

If you don’t have a deep skillet, a wide pot or sauté pan works too. Just make sure it’s big enough to hold the sauce and tortellini without spilling over.

How to Make It: Step-by-Step

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini:

Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn!).
Make the sauce: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, and remaining Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the tortellini: Add the tortellini directly into the sauce and stir to coat. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender.
Finish with cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is thick and creamy. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss to combine. Let everything heat through for 2-3 minutes.
Serve and enjoy: Dish it up and garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if you want to be fancy. Serve warm and watch the magic happen!

That’s it! You’re officially a dinner hero.

My Best Tips & Techniques

Here are a few things I’ve learned while making this recipe a hundred times (yes, I’m obsessed):

Don’t rush the sauce: Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken and develop flavor. If it’s too thin, add a little more Parmesan.
Use fresh tortellini if you can: It cooks faster and has a better texture. Frozen works too, but you’ll need to add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.
Season as you go: Taste the sauce before adding the chicken back in and adjust the seasoning. A little extra salt or Italian seasoning can make all the difference.
Don’t overcook the chicken: It should be juicy and tender—not dry. If you’re unsure, cut into a piece to check.

And here’s my favorite tip: If you have leftovers, reheat them gently with a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce creamy.

Ways to Mix It Up

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, here are some fun variations to try:

Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat. My partner loves this version!
Mushroom Twist: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy flavor boost.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add spinach or roasted veggies to the sauce instead.
Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in some shredded mozzarella for an extra gooey, cheesy sauce.
Lemon Herb: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a bright, fresh twist.

Feel free to experiment based on what you have in your kitchen—this recipe is super forgiving!

Serving Ideas & Storage

How to Serve:

Classic: Serve in a big bowl with extra Parmesan and a side of crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.
Fancy: Garnish with fresh basil and pair with a glass of white wine (Chardonnay works beautifully).
Casual: Serve family-style straight from the skillet—less dishes, more fun.

Storage Instructions:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.
Freezer: You can freeze the sauce separately for up to 2 months. Just thaw and heat before adding cooked tortellini.

Pro tip: If the leftovers seem dry, stir in a little extra cream when reheating—it works like magic.

Nutritional Info & Health Benefits

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (about 1 cup):

Calories	430
Protein	22g
Carbs	35g
Fat	20g

Why I love this: It’s packed with protein from the chicken and tortellini, plus the creamy sauce feels indulgent without being over-the-top. Sure, it’s not a “diet” meal, but it’s exactly what I want when I need comfort food.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—Creamy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini, my ultimate Italian comfort food dish. Whether you’re cooking for date night, family dinner, or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

I hope you love it just as much as I do! Make it your own, experiment with mix-ins, and don’t be afraid to get creative. That’s the magic of cooking at home.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @[your handle]. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen tortellini?

A: Absolutely! Just add a couple of minutes to the cooking time. Frozen tortellini works just as well and is a great pantry staple.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can prep the sauce and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Cook the tortellini fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

A: Totally! Thighs are juicier and add even more flavor. Just make sure they’re cooked through before removing them from the skillet.

Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream?

A: You can use half-and-half or even whole milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich. If you want a dairy-free option, try unsweetened coconut milk.

Q: Can I add veggies?

A: Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, or even peas would be delicious additions. Just stir them into the sauce while it simmers.

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