Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Name: Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 4 thick-cut bacon slices (5 ounces total), chopped (3/4 cup); 2 (8 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1 inch thickness; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided; 3/4 cup drained julienne-cut sundried tomatoes in oil with herbs (from 1 [8.5 ounce] jar); 1/2 cup finely chopped shallot (from 1 large [3 ounce] shallot); 4 large garlic cloves, finely chopped (about 1 1/2 tablespoon); 1 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1/2 cup lower-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 (20 ounce) pkg. refrigerated cheese tortellini; 2 ounces pre-grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup), plus more for garnish; Torn fresh basil leaves

Cook Time: 50 minutes

This delightful dish transforms the beloved Marry Me Chicken into a hearty, comforting tortellini meal. Tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce blend beautifully with cheese tortellini to create a dinner thats sure to impress.

Ingredients

4 thick-cut bacon slices
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (8 ounces each), pounded to 1-inch thickness
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
3/4 cup julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
1/2 cup finely chopped shallot
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish

Instructions

Fill a large saucepan with salted water and bring to a rolling boil.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels, reserving 3 tablespoons of the drippings in the skillet.
While the bacon cooks, season the chicken with pepper and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Add the chicken to the skillet with the drippings and cook over medium-high heat until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature 165F / 73C), about 5-6 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and let cool, then chop into bite-size pieces.
Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add sun-dried tomatoes and shallots. Saut until softened, about 2 minutes. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring, for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until it deepens in color. Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze, and cook for 1 minute. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 3-5 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the tortellini in the boiling water until tender and floating, 3-5 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water, then drain.
Add the chopped chicken, cooked bacon, tortellini, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss everything in the creamy sauce until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved cooking water 1/4 cup at a time to reach desired consistency.
Divide the tortellini mixture among six bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 744
Total Fat: 37g (47% DV)
Saturated Fat: 18g (88% DV)
Cholesterol: 180mg (60% DV)
Sodium: 1380mg (60% DV)
Total Carbohydrate: 55g (20% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 3g (12% DV)
Protein: 49g (99% DV)
Vitamin C: 17mg (19% DV)
Calcium: 278mg (21% DV)
Iron: 3mg (19% DV)
Potassium: 784mg (17% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrient amounts may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

History and Origins of Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

The Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe is a creative evolution of the original Marry Me Chicken, a dish that gained popularity in the United States in the early 2010s. The original dish features pan-seared chicken breasts in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that is so flavorful it has earned a reputation for being proposal-worthy, hence the playful name. Culinary enthusiasts quickly adapted the recipe by incorporating pasta, creating a hearty, comforting meal that blends Italian-inspired flavors with American home-style cooking.

Regional Variations and Adaptations

While Marry Me Chicken originated in American kitchens, the tortellini variation adds a distinctly Italian twist. In the Midwest and Southern United States, cooks often enhance the dish with local ingredients like smoked bacon or freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Coastal regions sometimes swap traditional chicken for seafood or add seasonal vegetables. In some adaptations, spinach or sun-dried tomato pesto is included, emphasizing regional preferences for fresher or spicier profiles.

Distinctions from Similar Dishes

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini differs from classic Italian chicken pasta dishes by its combination of richness, creaminess, and the signature sun-dried tomato and cream sauce. Unlike Chicken Alfredo, which focuses solely on butter and Parmesan, or Chicken Marsala, which uses wine reduction, this dish balances savory bacon, aromatic herbs, and a slightly spicy kick from crushed red pepper. The tortellini adds a cheese-filled element that transforms the dish from simple chicken pasta into a more indulgent, full-flavored entre.

Where It Is Commonly Served

This dish is versatile in both casual and upscale settings. Home cooks often serve it for family dinners or special occasions, while restaurants may feature it on Italian-American menus as a comforting yet elegant main course. Its creamy, saucy consistency makes it ideal for plated presentations, and it pairs well with light salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. The dishs vibrant colors also make it visually appealing for dinner parties or holiday meals.

Interesting Facts

The Marry Me name was coined because the original chicken recipe is so delicious, it humorously suggests it could prompt a marriage proposal.
The recipes popularity skyrocketed on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, inspiring countless variations including soups, casseroles, and tortellini versions.
Cheese tortellini was chosen for this adaptation to add extra richness and texture, creating a dish that combines protein, carbs, and a creamy sauce in one pan.
The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and cream mirrors the flavor profile of many Italian restaurant favorites while keeping preparation accessible for home kitchens.
Many home cooks report doubling the recipe to accommodate larger families or dinner parties, highlighting its crowd-pleasing qualities.

FAQ about Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently and combine with freshly cooked tortellini before serving.

Yes, you can use shrimp, Italian sausage, or even vegetarian options like mushrooms or plant-based chicken substitutes. Cooking times may vary depending on your choice.

If you want a lighter version, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk and a little cream cheese. For dairy-free options, coconut cream works well but will slightly change the flavor.

The recipe includes crushed red pepper for mild heat. Reduce or omit it for a milder version, or add more if you prefer a spicier dish.

Refrigerated cheese tortellini works best, but you can also use spinach or mushroom-filled tortellini. Frozen tortellini may also be used; just cook it a little longer.

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as cream-based sauces can separate when frozen. However, you can freeze the sauce and cooked chicken separately for up to 2 months and combine them later with freshly cooked pasta.

It pairs well with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. Since the dish is rich, light and fresh sides balance it nicely.

Use unsalted or low-sodium chicken broth, reduce added salt, and choose low-sodium bacon or omit it. You can also add more fresh herbs like basil for flavor without extra sodium.

The total cooking time is about 1 hour, including prep and cooking. If you’re familiar with the steps, you may be able to complete it in about 45–50 minutes.

Yes, simply omit the chicken and bacon. Add more vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Comments

Joshua Hill

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Review: Oh, that first bite was simply delicious! This dish was a definite winner! Don't rely on the listed prep time, as it took longer than expected, even with two pans going. Plan for at least an hour of prep time from cutting board to dinner plates. However, the end result is definitely worth the effort. I doubled the recipe to feed my family of 4 - myself, my wife, and our two teenage boys - and it was just enough for all of us. One of my sons found the spice level a bit too high, as I had doubled the crushed red pepper. Personally, I enjoyed the level of heat, but adjust according to your preference if you prefer it milder. Overall, this dish was fantastic. I accidentally picked up a bag of tortellini instead of ravioli, but it worked perfectly fine with either. Choose your pasta based on your preference. This meal was a hit with everyone! Update: Double the recipe! A family of 4 with 3 hungry men and a woman will devour a double batch without any leftovers.

Stephanie Ramirez

03/30/2024 09:23:18 PM

I can't get enough of the combination of sun-dried tomatoes and chicken—it's a match made in heaven! This dish is simply delightful. To enhance the flavors, I decided to add a generous handful of fresh basil leaves at the end, and I opted to go easy on the salt. Just a pinch is all it needs.

Larry Baker

03/30/2024 11:11:26 PM

I made this recipe without bacon and it turned out delicious! I will definitely make it again and maybe add some extra sun-dried tomatoes next time. Thank you! 😊

Nicholas Ramirez

04/14/2024 01:24:40 PM

The Marry Me Chicken dish quickly became a favorite of mine from the first time I made it. I decided to serve it with some veggies on the side, which paired perfectly with the rich and flavorful sauce. I had some sauce left over, so I froze it for later use. The next time I prepared the dish, I quickly browned some cutlets in a pan as instructed and then added the leftover sauce, along with a little extra cream. The result was absolutely delicious. I then took it a step further by adding pasta to the dish, creating a truly satisfying meal.

Michelle Roberts

09/15/2024 10:57:16 PM

Great recipe, everyone loved it. My little daughter was assisting me and we mistakenly added 4 tablespoons of paste. I ended up adding some extra cream and stock, and it turned out fine. I will give it another go without any errors next time.

Amanda Gonzalez

04/11/2024 12:18:55 PM

I enhanced the dish with onion and hot sauce, generously sprinkled with spices and cheese, and it turned out fantastic. Thanks a lot!

Margaret Mitchell

10/25/2024 01:27:50 AM

I recently tried the Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe and adapted it slightly by serving it over pasta. The result was reminiscent of dining at a high-end restaurant, but at a much more affordable cost per serving. I omitted the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil this time, although I believe they would have added an extra special touch. Nevertheless, the dish was still delicious and a hit with everyone who tried it. I will definitely be making this again! Thank you for the recipe!

Catherine Gonzalez

06/08/2025 06:30:44 PM

Amazing! My husband and I absolutely adored this dish! I decided to double the recipe and threw in a bag of spinach, along with an extra cup of low-sodium broth right at the end when I was mixing everything back together in the pan. This recipe is definitely worth keeping!

Jacob Clark

02/16/2025 12:41:33 AM

I decided to leave out the sundried tomatoes since I'm not a fan of tomatoes, but I followed the rest of the recipe as it is. It was a hit with everyone. I doubled the recipe to serve 4 adults and skipped the side dishes. There's still a bit of lunch portion left over. I'll reduce the amount of red pepper flakes next time as it was a bit too spicy for our midwestern taste buds.

Gary Phillips

01/11/2025 02:46:27 PM

I have tried this recipe twice. The first time, I followed the instructions exactly as written. I thought it was a bit too salty and lacked flavor. The second time, I used gourmet chicken sausages instead of chicken breasts, reduced the amount of salt, and added more red pepper flakes. The result was absolutely delicious!

Kathleen Parker

02/02/2025 05:14:13 PM

This recipe was wonderful and quite simple to prepare! I didn't have chicken or bacon on hand, so I substituted sausage instead, and it turned out absolutely delicious.

Rachel White

07/23/2025 07:42:13 PM

I omitted the bacon, and as a result, the dish lacked depth and umami flavor that the bacon would have provided.

Stephen Wilson

07/20/2025 12:59:42 PM

I followed the recipe exactly as written last night and the dish turned out fantastic! I will definitely be making it again when I have guests over.

Maria Torres

06/16/2025 06:04:21 PM

I absolutely loved this dish! I didn't make any changes to it. Unfortunately, my daughter ended up taking the leftovers home.

Kimberly Gomez

06/11/2025 06:29:08 PM

I would give it five stars if it weren't for changing the pasta. My husband is very particular about thin spaghetti when it comes to pasta dishes. However, once I made that change and followed the recipe, we both absolutely loved it. The flavors in this dish are fantastic - a truly delicious combination. This recipe is definitely a keeper! Huge shoutout to Bailey and Nicole for creating such a wonderful dish.

Kathleen Wright

05/19/2025 01:48:14 AM

So tasty!!!

Emily Young

03/11/2025 11:55:56 PM

Followed the recipe exactly. Simple and full of flavor.

James Davis

02/19/2025 05:51:25 PM

I thoroughly enjoyed this dish. I mostly stuck to the recipe but substituted leftover grilled chicken. I definitely plan on making this dish again.

Dorothy Johnson

02/02/2025 05:14:13 PM

I absolutely loved this recipe! It was simple to make and turned out fantastic. I didn't have chicken or bacon on hand, so I used sausage instead, and it was absolutely delicious.