Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is creamy, flavorful, and comforting, making it a perfect dish for any night of the week.

I have tried many chicken and pasta recipes, but Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is one of my absolute favorites. This is a dish I like to make for dinner a lot because it’s creamy, flavorful, and so comforting.
The combination of juicy chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and a rich, creamy sauce makes it an irresistible meal. This recipe is my favorite, and I’m not gonna lie, I love the creamy, seasoned sauce—it’s always my first choice when I want something satisfying and quick.
I make this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini with simple ingredients like chicken breasts, cheese tortellini, heavy cream, garlic, and tomatoes.
You can also add some other vegetables, like spinach or mushrooms if you like, and the result is just wow! The combination of the creamy sauce, perfectly cooked chicken, and the cheesy tortellini is out of this world. You’ll love it for sure—it’s the perfect dinner to impress family or guests!
And for a perfect meal, you can serve it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad. Some roasted vegetables, like broccoli or zucchini, would also go wonderfully with this dish. This recipe is super easy to make, and it comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy nights or a special occasion.
Why This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Is Great?
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is great because it’s a one-pan meal that combines all the flavors you love: creamy, savory, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned. The rich cream sauce, with the tender chicken and cheese-filled tortellini, makes it a comforting dish that feels indulgent but surprisingly easy to prepare. The best part is that it’s a versatile recipe—you can adjust the ingredients to your taste and make it your own.
It’s also a crowd-pleaser! This dish will surely impress whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a small dinner gathering. It’s quick to prepare, yet its richness makes it feel like a gourmet meal. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can add your favorite vegetables, proteins, or even a bit of spice.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large Skillet or Pan – To cook the chicken and combine the ingredients.
- Knife and Cutting Board – For chopping the chicken, garlic, and any vegetables you may want to add.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula – For stirring the sauce and mixing everything.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – To measure out the ingredients like cream, broth, and seasonings.
- Ladle or Tongs – To serve the dish grab the tortellini or chicken pieces.

How to make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Step 1:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
Step 3:
Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), heavy cream, chicken broth, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes until it slightly thickens.
Step 4:
While the sauce is simmering, cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 5:
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. Then, add the cooked tortellini and toss everything together until well-coated. Let it cook together for another 2-3 minutes.
Step 6:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and optional mozzarella cheese over the top. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips
- For the best flavor and texture, use fresh cheese tortellini. It cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce better than frozen varieties.
- Throw in some spinach, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes to add more flavor and color to the dish.
- If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Mix in some mozzarella or Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy, gooey texture.
- Fresh basil or parsley can be added at the end for a burst of fresh flavor that complements the richness of the sauce.
- For a juicier, more flavorful option, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Serve your dish with a side of garlic bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
What to Pair with Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?
For serving, always pair Marry Me Chicken Tortellini with a side of garlic bread. The buttery, crispy bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce and adds a satisfying crunch to the meal.
My favorite side to serve with this dish is a simple green salad. A mix of leafy greens with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta and provides a refreshing contrast in both flavor and texture.
Additionally, roasted vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or asparagus go wonderfully with the creamy tortellini. The slight caramelization from roasting adds depth to the meal, making it a more complete and balanced dinner.
Recipe Variations
Add Bacon: Crisp up some bacon and sprinkle it on top of the dish for a smoky, salty flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
Spicy Chicken Tortellini: Add a bit of heat with jalapeños or cayenne pepper for a spicy version of this dish.
Add Pesto: Stir in a tablespoon of pesto for a herby twist and more layers of flavor.
Use Shrimp Instead of Chicken: Swap the chicken for shrimp for a lighter, seafood-inspired version.
Make It Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian dish.
Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of tangy flavor and work wonderfully with the creamy sauce.

How to Store
Allow Marry Me Chicken Tortellini to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, simply microwave the dish or warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce needs to be loosened up.
FAQ
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
- Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly. Just follow the package directions for cooking time.
Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?
- Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
- Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs will give the dish more flavor and stay moist while cooking.
Can I make this dish spicy?
- Yes, you can add crushed red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra heat.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes, feel free to use mozzarella, gouda, or Parmesan cheese if you prefer. They’ll work well in the sauce.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of diced fresh tomatoes?
- Yes, canned diced tomatoes work just fine in this recipe, especially if you’re looking for a quicker option.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
- Yes, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and substitute the chicken with tofu or extra vegetables for a vegetarian version.
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Course: MainCuisine: Italian, AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes30
minutes45
minutesThis Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is creamy, flavorful, and comforting, making it a perfect dish for any night of the week.
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
Directions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), heavy cream, chicken broth, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, until it slightly thickens.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. Then, add the cooked tortellini and toss everything together until well-coated. Let it cook together for another 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and optional mozzarella cheese over the top. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Throw in some spinach, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes to add more flavor and color to the dish.






