Nora
Imagine twirling pillowy tortellini drenched in a velvety garlic cream sauce, peppered with crispy golden bits of seared chicken and finished with a generous scattering of parsley. That’s exactly what you get with this Creamy One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini. It’s indulgent, comforting, and packs an irresistible combination of flavors that feel like a warm hug in every bite.
Inspired by the viral “Marry Me Chicken” concept, this one-pan tortellini version simplifies the magic into a fuss-free weeknight dinner without sacrificing a shred of elegance. The sauce is rich with heavy cream and sun-dried tomatoes, and the tortellini soak it up perfectly, creating a luxurious, restaurant-worthy meal from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients for this Creamy One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini Recipe
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan, for topping (optional)
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release the flavorful bits. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Add Tortellini
Add the cheese tortellini directly into the simmering sauce. Stir to coat, cover the pan, and let cook for 4-5 minutes (or according to package instructions) until the tortellini are tender.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the seared chicken to the skillet and stir everything together. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but the dish remains creamy and balanced. Feel free to omit them for a milder version.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Just add a few extra minutes of cooking time and ensure the tortellini are tender before serving.
What can I use instead of chicken?
Italian sausage, shrimp, or mushrooms all make great substitutes and bring their own unique flavors.
Is it okay to make this ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce and cook the chicken a day ahead. Reheat and add the tortellini just before serving to keep them perfectly textured.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Skip the chicken and use veggie broth. Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a hearty meatless version.
What pairs well with this tortellini dish?
A crisp green salad and crusty bread are perfect companions to mop up the delicious sauce.
Creamy One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
If you’re searching for an easy dinner recipe that feels gourmet but takes minimal effort, this Creamy One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini is your answer. A quick dinner idea that wraps cheesy tortellini, seared chicken, and a garlic-sun-dried tomato cream sauce into one delicious skillet. This dish is perfect for a cozy date night, a family dinner, or when you’re just craving rich, comforting food ideas.
Each bite is filled with creamy, savory bliss, enhanced by tender pasta and a silky sauce that clings to every corner. It’s one of those easy recipes that brings restaurant-style indulgence to your table in under 30 minutes. Ideal for pasta lovers or anyone hunting for new dinner ideas that don’t compromise on flavor or time.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
2 chicken breasts, diced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Extra Parmesan, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add tortellini and stir to coat. Cover and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until tortellini are tender.
- Return chicken to the pan and simmer another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Garnish with parsley and extra cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner