Marry Me Chicken Tortellini – The Recipe That Might Get You Proposed
There are certain foods that will leave you full, and there are foods that blow your mind—the foods that catch you halfway through chewing, stare at you with all this love, and emit this ginormous sigh, “You made this?” Hi Marry Me Chicken Tortellini.
A combination of silky chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and otherworldly sun-dried tomato cream sauce, it’s five-star restaurant-worthy dinner at weeknight dinner ease. If you’re in the mood to impress your someone special or you simply want to treat yourself, this recipe might just become your new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts : 2 medium
- Olive oil : 2 tablespoons
- Garlic cloves, minced : 3 cloves
- Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) : 1/2 cup
- Chicken broth : 1 cup
- Heavy cream : 1 cup
- Parmesan cheese, grated : 1/2 cup
- Italian seasoning : 1 teaspoon
- Red pepper flakes (optional) : 1/2 teaspoon
- Cheese tortellini (refrigerated or fresh) : 9 oz (1 package)
- Salt and pepper : To taste
- Fresh basil (optional) : For garnish
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
1. Prep and Sear the Chicken
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
- In same pan, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, minced.
- Saute 1–2 minutes or until aromatic.
3. Make Creamy Sauce
- Deglaze pan with chicken broth, releasing browned bits.
- Add heavy cream to pan, then top with Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer and allow it to cook 5 minutes or until sauce thickens.
4. Cook Tortellini
- Submerge raw tortellini directly into sauce.
- Cover and cook 5–7 minutes or until tortellini are cooked through and sauce has thickened.
5. Add Chicken to Skillet
- Shred chicken and add back to pan.
- Spoon the sauce over chicken and let it all simmer for 2–3 more minutes.
6. Serve & Garnish
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan, if desired.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or a green salad.
Variations to Try
- Spinach Tortellini: Add 1–2 cups baby spinach at finishing for color & nutritional kick
- Bacon Twist: Add crunchy bits of bacon into sauce for extra savory flavor
- Mushroom Add-In: Sautéed mushrooms and garlic add a rich earthy flavor
- Pesto Cream Sauce: Add 2 tbsp basil pesto to bring in a fresh herby burst of flavor
Nutrition Breakdown (Approx. per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 620 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbs | 32g |
| Fat | 40g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Sodium | 750mg |
What to Serve With It
- Garlic Bread – Best dipper for the sauce
- Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus – Adds a vegetable component
- Simple Side Salad – A light contrast to the rich sauce
- White Wine – Balances the rich, savory flavor
Storage & Reheating Tips
| Storage | Instructions |
|---|
| Refrigerator | Store in airtight container for up to 4 days |
| Freezer | Not recommended (cream sauce may separate) |
| Reheating | Warm in skillet or microwave with a splash of cream or broth |
Why It’s Called “Marry Me” Chicken
The name references the so-bad-it’s-good Marry Me Chicken original recipe that people jokingly declare a single bite will trigger an offer of marriage. All about rich comfort, rich flavor, and show-stopping looks—something to commemorate milestones, anniversaries, or wowing guests for dinner.
Pro Cooking Tips
- Do not overcook the tortellini: Should be al dente and not mushy at all.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: Melts better, tastes more powerfully.
- Deglaze the pan nicely: It integrates richer flavor from the chicken pieces.
- Let chicken rest: Allow it to rest for a moment before cutting to provide juicier.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is the type of dish that most definitely delivers on the name. Rich and comforting, and full of intense flavor, it’s a dish that will make an ordinary dinner into something that will be recalled for years to come. Cooking for someone special or simply for a soul-soothing dinner, this dish can’t help but get it right.
Need to win over someone’s heart—or merely dinner? This is the recipe to do so.