Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in 30 Minutes

Name: Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in 30 Minutes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil

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You know those dishes that make you close your eyes and just savor every bite? That’s exactly what this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini does—it’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary Tuesday into something special. I first made this creamy, dreamy pasta for my husband on a whim, and let’s just say the name stuck for a reason. The tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and that rich, garlicky sauce come together in under 30 minutes, but it tastes like you’ve been cooking all day. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s called “Marry Me” chicken—it’s downright irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

This dish is a total winner, and here’s why:

Creamy perfection: The rich, velvety sauce coats every bite of tender chicken and cheesy tortellini.
Bursting with flavor: Garlic, herbs, and Parmesan come together for a taste that’s unforgettable.
Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Comfort food at its best: Hearty, satisfying, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy.

Trust me, once you try this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini, it’ll become a regular in your rotation!

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dreamy dish—trust me, every ingredient plays a starring role!

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I like to slice them into thin cutlets for faster cooking)
1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini (the refrigerated kind works best for that perfect al dente bite)
1 cup heavy cream (this is what gives the sauce that luscious, velvety texture)
1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium so you can control the salt level)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated melts so much better than the pre-shredded stuff)
2 cloves garlic, minced (don’t skimp—this is where the magic starts!)
1 tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh if you’ve got it)
1 tsp dried oregano (the earthy flavor is key)
Salt and pepper to taste (I always do a generous pinch of both)
2 tbsp olive oil (for that perfect golden sear on the chicken)

See? Nothing too fancy—just good, honest ingredients that come together to create something truly special.

Equipment Needed

Don’t worry—you don’t need anything fancy to make this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini! Just grab:

A large skillet (I use my trusty 12-inch stainless steel one)
A sharp knife (for slicing that chicken nice and thin)
Measuring cups and spoons (because eyeballing cream is risky business)
Tongs or a wooden spoon (for stirring that dreamy sauce)
A pot (for boiling the tortellini—nothing special!)

That’s it! Now let’s get cooking.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t let the fancy name fool you—this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini comes together in just four simple steps. I’ll walk you through each one, because trust me, you’ll want to get every detail right for that perfect creamy bite.

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

First things first: get a pot of salted water boiling—it should taste like the sea! Toss in your cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions (usually about 3-4 minutes for fresh, 7-8 for frozen). Drain them gently—no need to rinse!—and set aside with just a drizzle of olive oil to keep them from sticking together.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

While your pasta water’s heating up, take those chicken breasts and slice them into thin cutlets (about ½ inch thick). Rub them all over with dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper—really massage those seasonings in! Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set them aside on a plate—but don’t you dare wash that pan!

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

Here’s where the flavor builds: in that same skillet (with all those tasty browned bits!), sauté minced garlic for just 30 seconds until fragrant—careful, it burns fast! Pour in chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up all those delicious browned bits with your wooden spoon. Then stir in heavy cream and let it bubble gently for 2 minutes before whisking in Parmesan until smooth and silky. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Slice your rested chicken into strips—see how juicy it stayed?—and add it back to that luscious sauce along with your cooked tortellini. Gently toss everything together over low heat for about 2 minutes until heated through and perfectly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning—maybe an extra sprinkle of Parmesan?—then serve immediately while it’s piping hot!

Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

After making this dish more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks for next-level results every time:

Fresh herbs make all the difference! Swap dried basil and oregano for fresh if you can—just triple the amount (1 tbsp fresh = 1 tsp dried). The flavor pops so much more.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken. Give each piece space to get that perfect golden crust—it’s worth cooking in batches!
Baby spinach lovers? Toss in a couple handfuls with the sauce—it wilts beautifully and adds color.
Heat your plates before serving. This keeps the creamy sauce from seizing up too fast.
Reserve some pasta water! If your sauce thickens too much, a splash of the starchy cooking water brings it back to life.

Little touches like these take this dish from great to “marry me now” amazing!

Variations of Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

One of the best things about this dish is how easily you can make it your own! Here are some of my favorite twists:

Sun-dried tomato magic: Toss in a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes with the sauce—their tangy sweetness plays so well with the creamy Parmesan.
Herb swap: Try fresh thyme or rosemary instead of basil and oregano for a cozier, wintery vibe.
Mushroom lover’s dream: Sauté some cremini mushrooms right after the garlic—they soak up all that delicious sauce.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat cutting through the richness.

The basic recipe is perfection, but don’t be afraid to play around—that’s how kitchen legends are born!

Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Oh, let me tell you how I love to serve this dish—it’s all about balancing that rich, creamy goodness! A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. And garlic bread? Non-negotiable in my house—those crusty edges are made for soaking up every last drop of sauce. For something lighter, roasted asparagus or steamed green beans work beautifully too. Trust me, with sides this simple, the star of the show (that dreamy tortellini!) really gets to shine!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving—it can make the tortellini rubbery!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on what’s in each serving of this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini—but keep in mind, these numbers are just estimates! Depending on your exact ingredients (like how much Parmesan you sprinkle on top), the values might change a bit. Each delicious bowl packs about 520 calories with 32g of protein to keep you satisfied. It’s got 28g of fat (14g saturated) from all that creamy goodness, and 35g of carbs to fuel your day. Just remember—good food isn’t just about numbers, it’s about joy, and this dish delivers both!

Frequently Asked Questions

I get asked about this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini all the time—here are the answers to the questions that pop up most often!

Can I Use Frozen Tortellini?

Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just fine—just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time. The key is to undercook it slightly since it’ll finish in the sauce. My trick? Taste one at the minimum package time—it should be al dente with a tiny bite in the center.

How Long Does This Dish Last in the Fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini will stay delicious for about 3 days. The sauce thickens as it sits, so when reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to bring it back to life. Pro tip: store tortellini separately if you can—it helps prevent mushiness!

Can I Substitute Heavy Cream?

In a pinch, yes! Half-and-half works (though the sauce won’t be quite as rich), and for a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk adds lovely creaminess. Avoid milk—it tends to separate when simmered. Whatever you use, whisk constantly while adding Parmesan to prevent clumping!