Name: Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, (sliced into 1/2 cubes); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 tablespoons olive oil (); 3 tablespoons butter; 5-6 large cloves garlic, (minced); 1 large shallots (minced); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1/4 cup white wine; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (chopped ); 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, (optional); 3 cups spinach, (roughly chopped); 1 (19 ounces) bag frozen tortellini; 1 teaspoon chicken flavor “Better Than Bouillon”; 1/4 cup fresh basil, (thinly julienned + divided)

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Creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is everything you love about the viral chicken dinner, transformed into an easy one-pan meal. Juicy chicken, tender cheese tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce come together in just 35 minutes for a restaurant-worthy dinner that’s simple enough for busy weeknights.

If your family loves creamy chicken dinners, be sure to try my Marry Me Chicken Pasta, Chicken Florentine, and Creamy Tuscan Chicken. You can also browse all of my Chicken Dinner Recipes for even more easy weeknight meal ideas.

✨ Before You Begin

✨ Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Fresh Parmesan melts smoothly into the sauce and gives it the rich, silky texture that makes this dish so irresistible. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well and can leave the sauce grainy.

✨ Frozen or Refrigerated Tortellini Both Work: I usually use frozen cheese tortellini because it holds its shape beautifully, but refrigerated tortellini works just as well. Simply reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes.

✨ Don’t Rush the Chicken: Let the chicken develop a deep golden crust before turning it. Those browned bits left in the skillet create incredible flavor for the sauce.

✨ Keep the Sauce at a Gentle Simmer: Once you add the cream and Parmesan, avoid boiling the sauce. A gentle simmer keeps it smooth, creamy, and perfectly velvety.

✨ Finish with Fresh Basil: Stirring in fresh basil right before serving brightens the rich sauce and gives the finished dish a fresh, restaurant-quality flavor.

Ingredients + Key Notes

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and stay wonderfully tender in the creamy sauce. Cut them into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate. You can also substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer.

Cheese Tortellini: Frozen cheese tortellini is my favorite because it holds its shape beautifully while simmering in the sauce. Refrigerated tortellini works just as well—just reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes.

Shallot + Garlic: Shallots add a delicate sweetness that complements the rich cream sauce, while fresh garlic builds the savory flavor that’s signature to Marry Me Chicken.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use the oil-packed variety, drain them well, and give them a rough chop. They add concentrated tomato flavor and a little tangy sweetness that balances the richness of the sauce.

Tomato Paste: Just a tablespoon deepens the tomato flavor and gives the sauce a richer, more developed taste without making it overly tomato-forward.

White Wine: A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc adds wonderful depth. If you prefer not to cook with wine, simply substitute an equal amount of chicken broth.

Chicken Broth + Better Than Bouillon: This combination creates an incredibly flavorful sauce with very little effort. If you don’t have Better Than Bouillon, simply use an additional teaspoon of chicken bouillon powder or a little extra broth.

Heavy Cream: Heavy cream creates the silky, luxurious sauce that makes this dish so comforting. It also holds up well without curdling.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts much more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese and gives the sauce its rich, nutty flavor.

Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts into the sauce in just a minute or two, adding beautiful color and freshness.

Fresh Basil: Stirring fresh basil into the finished dish brightens every bite and gives it a restaurant-quality finish.

🥣 How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season it evenly with the salt and black pepper.

Sear Until Golden: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. Transfer it to a plate while you build the sauce.

Build the Flavor Base: Reduce the heat to medium and cook the shallot and sun-dried tomatoes until softened. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes, cooking just until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and cook briefly to deepen its flavor before pouring in the white wine. Let it simmer for a minute or two, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the chicken broth and Better Than Bouillon until dissolved. Add the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan, stirring until the cheese melts into a smooth, velvety sauce. Keep the heat at a gentle simmer—there’s no need to let it boil.

Cook the Tortellini: Add the frozen tortellini directly to the skillet and simmer until tender. Cooking it in the sauce adds extra flavor while keeping this a true one-pan dinner.

Finish and Serve: Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet, then fold in the spinach until just wilted. Stir in half of the fresh basil, then divide among serving bowls and garnish with the remaining basil, extra Parmesan, and freshly cracked black pepper.

⭐ Pro Tips

⭐ Brown the Chicken Well: Don’t move the chicken around too much while it cooks. Letting it develop a golden crust adds incredible flavor to both the chicken and the sauce.

⭐ Grate Your Own Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into a smooth, creamy sauce, while pre-shredded cheese can leave it grainy.

⭐ Keep the Heat Low: Once you add the cream and Parmesan, maintain a gentle simmer instead of a boil to keep the sauce silky and prevent it from separating.

⭐ Adjust the Sauce if Needed: If the sauce thickens as it sits, simply stir in a splash of chicken broth, half-and-half, or heavy cream until it reaches your desired consistency.

⭐ Serve Right Away: This dish is at its absolute best fresh from the skillet, when the tortellini is tender and the sauce is perfectly creamy.

Storing + Reheating + Freezing + Make-Ahead Tips

Storing: Store leftover Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tortellini will continue to absorb some of the sauce as it sits, making it even more flavorful.

Reheating: Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth, heavy cream, or half-and-half to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture.

Freezing: While you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months, cream-based sauces may separate slightly and the tortellini can become softer after thawing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Make-Ahead: You can prep the chicken, mince the shallot and garlic, grate the Parmesan, chop the sun-dried tomatoes, and measure the remaining ingredients up to a day in advance. When it’s time for dinner, everything comes together in about 35 minutes.

What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Fresh + Crisp Salads: Balance the rich, creamy sauce with a fresh Mediterranean Salad, 1905 Salad, or House Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette.

Vegetable Sides: Round out the meal with Sheet Pan Mediterranean Vegetables or Sautéed Asparagus.

Bread for Sopping Up the Sauce: Don’t let a drop of that creamy Parmesan sauce go to waste! Serve it with Garlic Bread, Olive Garden Breadsticks, or warm crusty bread.

Finish on a Sweet Note: End dinner with a slice of Chocolate Lasagna, Lemon Lush, or Hershey Pie for an easy make-ahead dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

◆ Can I use refrigerated tortellini instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Refrigerated cheese tortellini works just as well. Since it’s already fresh, it cooks more quickly, so reduce the simmering time by about 2–3 minutes.

◆ Can I make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini ahead of time?

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers reheat beautifully. If you’re making it ahead, prepare the recipe as directed, cool completely, and refrigerate. Add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream when reheating to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency.

◆ Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a delicious substitute and stay especially juicy in the creamy sauce. Cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

◆ Can I leave out the wine?

Yes. Simply replace the white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth. The sauce will still be rich, creamy, and full of flavor.

◆ Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?

You can, but cream-based pasta dishes are always best enjoyed fresh. The sauce may separate slightly and the tortellini can soften after thawing. If freezing, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, stirring frequently until the sauce comes back together.

◆ Can I add vegetables?

Definitely! Mushrooms, asparagus, broccoli florets, or peas are all delicious additions. Add heartier vegetables while building the sauce, then stir in more delicate vegetables toward the end of cooking.

Still have questions? Leave them in the comments below—I’m always happy to help!

❤️ More Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes

Looking for another family-friendly dinner? Here are a few more reader favorites to add to your weekly meal plan.

Marry Me Chicken Soup – Everything you love about Marry Me Chicken in a cozy, creamy soup with tender chicken and vegetables.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – Let your slow cooker do the work with this rich, creamy chicken pasta that’s always a family favorite.

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas – Loaded with melty cheese and a creamy filling, these easy enchiladas are perfect for busy weeknights.

Hibachi Chicken – Juicy chicken and vegetables cooked in a savory Japanese-inspired sauce that’s even better than takeout.

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta – Bright lemon, tender chicken, and a silky Parmesan sauce make this an easy dinner that’s both fresh and comforting.

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