The Heartfelt “Marry Me Tortellini” Recipe That Seals The Deal

Pasta nights just got a serious upgrade with this marry me tortellini that promises to steal hearts at the dinner table.

Rich, creamy sauce hugs perfectly cooked pasta shells like a warm embrace.

Each bite delivers layers of decadent flavors that dance across your palate with remarkable complexity.

Tender tortellini swim in a velvety mixture that balances herbs, cheese, and subtle spices.

The recipe combines simple ingredients to create something extraordinary and deeply satisfying.

Fresh herbs and quality cheese elevate this dish from ordinary to memorable.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this irresistible meal that could genuinely spark romance.

Why Creamy Chicken Pasta Stands Out at Dinner

• Whip Up Quickly: Minimal steps and straightforward ingredients make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: Swap out tortellini for other pasta, adjust spice levels, or add extra vegetables to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Creamy, flavorful sauce and tender chicken create a universally appealing dish that both adults and kids will enjoy, making mealtime stress-free.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup and simple cooking technique mean less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Creamy Chicken Pasta – Everything You Need

• Chicken: A tender protein that provides the main substance and flavor for the dish.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Create a rich and luxurious sauce that coats the pasta with a smooth, creamy texture.

• Oil, Butter: Help develop golden color and provide a rich, smooth base for cooking chicken and sautéing ingredients.

• Garlic, Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add depth and intense savory notes to the overall dish.

• Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Contribute a warm, spicy kick and traditional Italian herb profile.

• Tortellini: A filled pasta that adds substance and completes the creamy chicken pasta meal.

• Chicken Broth: Helps create a balanced and flavorful sauce.

• Fresh Herbs, Extra Parmesan: Provide a final fresh touch and additional layer of flavor to the completed dish.

Chicken Pasta – Directions for Creamy Goodness

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Pan

Grab a large skillet and drizzle in olive oil and butter.

Let the pan heat up until the butter melts and starts to sizzle softly.

Step 2: Transform the Chicken into Golden Perfection

Place chicken pieces into the hot pan.

Cook each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown, which should take about 4-5 minutes.

The chicken should look crispy and appetizing.

Step 3: Temporary Chicken Rest

Move the perfectly cooked chicken onto a separate plate.

We’ll bring it back later for the grand finale.

Step 4: Aromatic Flavor Boost

• Minced garlic
• Sun-dried tomatoes

Stir and cook until the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrant aroma.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce Magic

• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Whisk everything together until well combined.

Step 6: Sauce Transformation

Let the sauce simmer and bubble gently.

Watch it thicken and become rich and creamy, which takes about 5-7 minutes.

Step 7: Pasta Preparation

Cook tortellini following the instructions on the package.

Aim for that perfect al dente texture.

Step 8: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Slide the cooked chicken back into the skillet, nestling it into the luxurious sauce.

Step 9: Final Pasta Toss

Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet.

Gently mix everything so each pasta piece gets coated with the delicious sauce.

Step 10: Serve with Flair

Sprinkle fresh herbs and extra Parmesan cheese on top.

Your creamy chicken pasta is ready to dazzle!

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Pasta Texture

• Pound chicken to an even thickness before cooking to ensure uniform doneness and juiciness.
• Toast Italian seasoning in the pan for 30 seconds before adding liquids to enhance its aromatic profile.
• Slowly whisk Parmesan cheese into the sauce to prevent clumping and create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a tender bite and prevent mushiness.
• Finish the dish with fresh basil or parsley for a vibrant color and bright, fresh flavor boost.

Chicken Pasta: Fun Ways to Switch It Up

• Vegetarian Pasta Swap: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted tofu cubes for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free tortellini and replace wheat-based ingredients with certified gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add kalamata olives, increase red pepper flakes, and sprinkle feta cheese for a more intense Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the creamy sauce's rich taste.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pasta with Flair

• Pasta Night Delight: Serve this creamy chicken tortellini with a crisp side salad for a balanced meal.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Choose a light white wine like Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, creamy sauce and enhance the dish's flavor profile.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread works perfectly for soaking up the delicious sauce, adding extra texture and enjoyment to your dinner experience.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle extra fresh basil or parsley just before serving to brighten the dish and add a pop of color and fresh aromatics.

Storage for Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Store leftover creamy chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dish sealed tightly to maintain its flavor and prevent moisture loss.
• Warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore its creamy texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent the sauce from separating or becoming grainy.
• For longer storage, freeze the pasta without tortellini for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute tortellini with other pasta like fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. You can adjust the amount or omit them completely for a non-spicy version.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, but cook tortellini right before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.

• What can I do if the sauce is too thin?

Let the sauce simmer longer to reduce and thicken, or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to help it thicken quickly.

Marry Me Tortellini Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy marry me tortellini brings Italian romance to dinner tables with its irresistible blend of cheese, herbs, and tender pasta. Comfort meets passion in this quick, indulgent dish that promises to steal hearts and satisfy hungry souls.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 9 oz (255 grams) cheese tortellini

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until butter melts completely.
2. Sear chicken pieces until they develop a golden-brown exterior, approximately 4-5 minutes per side, ensuring thorough cooking.
3. Transfer chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm and preserving its juicy texture.
4. Lower heat and introduce minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing until aromatic and slightly softened, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Incorporate Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet, stirring to create a smooth, cohesive sauce.
6. Allow sauce to simmer and reduce, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and develops a rich consistency, roughly 5-7 minutes.
7. Simultaneously, prepare tortellini in a separate pot according to package instructions, ensuring pasta reaches an al dente texture.
8. Reintroduce cooked chicken into the sauce, gently coating each piece with the creamy mixture.
9. Carefully fold the drained tortellini into the skillet, delicately tossing to distribute sauce evenly without breaking the pasta.
10. Finish the dish by sprinkling fresh chopped herbs and additional Parmesan cheese over the top, creating a vibrant and appetizing presentation.

Notes

• Swap protein easily by using shrimp, tofu, or turkey for varied dietary preferences.
• Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or completely omitting for milder palates.
• Choose whole wheat tortellini to boost nutritional value and fiber content.
• Reduce sauce calories by substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg