Marry Me Chicken Tortellini: A creamy, flavorful dish with chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and tortellini. Perfect for family dinners or quick meals!
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini combines the creamy richness of sun-dried tomatoes, lean protein, and comforting cheese tortellini, making it a universally loved dish. Inspired by the viral Marry Me Chicken recipe that took over TikTok and social media, this version adds vibrant spinach and juicy chicken breasts, all smothered in a luscious, creamy sauce for a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
This one-pan recipe is straightforward and perfect for busy evenings. It’s versatile enough for a family dinner or when hosting friends and pairs beautifully with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted broccoli. Adding Parmesan and the umami-rich sun-dried tomatoes elevate the dish, making it both comforting and luxurious.
Cooking this dish is a creative process. Lightly floured and sautéed chicken, combined with a tomato-forward sauce and tender tortellini, guarantees flavor in every bite. The balance of comforting carbs and fresh spinach makes it both wholesome and satisfying.
A personal favorite for batch cooking, it reheats well and offers quick meals or fun variations like a Marry Me Chicken Chopped Salad Sandwich. Whether fresh or leftover, it’s a go-to recipe for any day that calls for warmth, comfort, and unforgettable flavor.
Why This Dish Will Steal Your Heart:
- Quick and Simple Dinner Solution
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is the answer if you’re short on time but want a meal that delivers bold flavors. This quick-to-make recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for a busy evening or when you just need a reliable meal for yourself, friends, or your family. With less washing up and everything made in one pan, it’s a lifesaver after a long day. The dish features a creamy sun-dried tomato pan sauce paired with cheese tortellini, creating a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
- Fully Customisable to Suit Your Taste
One of the best things about this recipe is how customisable it is. You can choose your favorite tortellini flavors, such as spinach, ricotta, mushroom, ham, and mascarpone. You can also adapt the dish to suit your spicy preferences or add extra veggies like spinach for more nutrients and vibrant color. The versatility of this dish is what makes it such a good choice for any night of the week.
- All the Best Flavours in One Dish
This recipe combines the best parts of the classic Marry Me Chicken—think tender chicken, crispy bacon, and an umami-packed creamy sauce. The rich and indulgent flavors make this an excellent option for a comforting dinner. It’s also a one-pot meal, which makes cooking and cleanup simple. This tortellini version transforms the traditional dish into something even more unique, with cheese-filled tortellini adding an extra layer of heartiness.
- Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or want a relaxing meal for yourself, this dish works for all occasions. It’s similar to other delicious dishes like Marry Me Chicken Ramen, Marry Me Chicken Soup, or even pasta classics like Ragu Bianco, White Ragu, or Beetroot Pink Pasta. Pair it with recipes like Honey Harissa Chicken or One Pot Tomato Orzotto for a complete meal experience.
- A One-Pan Meal That Saves the Day
A one-pan meal is all you need to get through the day when life gets hectic. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. It’s the ultimate lifesaver for busy nights with less washing up, minimal prep, and bold flavors. Plus, it’s part of a growing collection of super simple pasta recipes that always deliver satisfaction, like Zhoug-Inspired Rigatoni or Baked Mozzarella Pasta.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 thick-cut bacon slices
- 2 (8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1-inch thickness
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
Sauce and Tortellini
- ¾ cup julienne-cut sun dried tomatoes in oil with herbs (drained)
- ½ cup finely chopped shallot
- 4 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup lower-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
Garnish
- ½ cup pre-grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Torn fresh basil leaves
Tip:
- For extra flavor, reserve a bit of bacon grease after cooking and use it when sautéing the aromatics.
Directions To Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Cook the Bacon
Gather all ingredients. Start cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it turns crispy and golden brown. It should take about 6-8 minutes. Once the bacon is ready, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool, then crumble it into pieces. Keep 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the skillet, as it adds a smoky depth to the dish.
Prepare and Sear the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and the black pepper. Place them in the skillet with the bacon drippings over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage; it will finish cooking later in the sauce. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Build the Sauce
Add the finely chopped shallots and garlic to the skillet. Cook them over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the sun dried tomatoes, dried Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper (if using), followed by the tomato paste. Cook for another 2 minutes to develop a rich base for the sauce. Deglaze the pan by adding the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom, and simmering for a minute.
Add Cream and Finish the Sauce
Slowly stir the heavy cream into the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3 minutes until slightly thickened. Return the crumbled bacon and seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
Cook the Tortellini
While the chicken simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cheese tortellini per the package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes). Drain the tortellini and set it aside.
Combine and Serve
Add the cooked tortellini and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with the remaining salt if needed. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving.
Tips for Variations, Substitutions, and Modifications
- Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood variation.
- Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes.
What to Serve With
This rich and creamy dish pairs beautifully with light and refreshing sides.
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: The buttery garlic flavor complements the creamy sauce and helps you mop up every last bit.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with a zesty dressing offers a bright contrast to the rich pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli for a healthy balance.
- Wine Pairing: A dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc enhances the flavors of the dish.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed.
- Freezer: The sauce (without the tortellini) freezes well for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before adding freshly cooked pasta.
- Reheating: To revive the sauce’s creaminess, heat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or chicken broth.
Tools to Eat
- Forks and spoons for easy eating
- Large bowls to hold the creamy pasta and sauce
- A serving ladle for even portions
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Description
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini: A creamy, flavorful dish with chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and tortellini. Perfect for family dinners or quick meals!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Sauce and Tortellini
Garnish
Tip
Directions
-
- Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble. Reserve drippings.
- Season and sear chicken in bacon drippings. Set aside.
- Sauté shallots, garlic, and sundried tomatoes. Add seasonings and tomato paste.
- Stir in chicken broth and cream. Simmer and return the chicken to the pan.
- Boil tortellini, then toss with sauce, Parmesan, and garnish.
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 580kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 33g51%
- Total Carbohydrate 35g12%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Protein 38g76%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
