Introduction
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Skillet is one of those “wow” dinners — creamy, cozy, and packed with flavor. Tender chicken cubes are seared to perfection, then simmered with sun‑dried tomatoes in a luscious, Parmesan‑cream sauce. Cheese-filled tortellini cook right in the sauce, absorbing all the richness so every bite is silky and satisfying. A touch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle but noticeable heat, making the dish feel special enough for date night yet simple enough for weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan magic: Everything cooks in a single skillet, cutting down on cleanup.
- Creamy and rich sauce: Heavy cream and Parmesan create a luxurious, silky texture.
- Flavorful accents: Sun-dried tomatoes bring sweet tanginess, while red pepper flakes add warmth.
- Comfort pasta: Cheese tortellini make the meal feel indulgent and hearty.
- Quick to prepare: Ready in about 30 minutes — ideal for busy nights or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients (Serves ~4)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- All‑purpose flour
- Salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder (for seasoning)
- Olive oil and butter (for cooking the chicken)
- Fresh garlic, minced
- Sun‑dried tomatoes, chopped (oil‑packed recommended for flavor)
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes
- Dried oregano and thyme (or a mix of Italian herbs)
- Frozen cheese-filled tortellini
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Dredge the Chicken
Mix together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl. Coat the chicken pieces evenly in this mixture, shaking off any excess. - Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and fully cooked. - Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes
Remove the chicken to a plate temporarily. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped sun‑dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt. - Build the Cream Sauce
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the chicken — that’s where a lot of the flavor is! Reduce the heat, then stir in the heavy cream. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened. - Season the Sauce
Add the red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and thyme to the sauce. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. - Cook the Tortellini
Add the frozen cheese tortellini directly into the simmering sauce. Stir gently to coat all the pasta in the sauce, then cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 3–4 minutes or until the tortellini is tender but not overcooked. - Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the chicken to the skillet, tuck it into the sauce and tortellini, and stir gently to combine. Let everything warm through together for a minute or two so the flavors meld. - Serve
Serve the skillet immediately. For a finishing touch, you can sprinkle some extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if you like.
Tips & Tricks
- Use freshly grated Parmesan — it melts better and gives a smoother sauce.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing; lower the heat if needed.
- If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a little extra chicken broth or cream to loosen it.
- Let the skillet rest off the heat for a minute before serving, so the sauce thickens slightly and everything settles.
- For milder heat, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes — or skip them entirely if you prefer.
Variations & Options
- Chicken thighs: Use boneless thighs instead of breast for juicier meat.
- Spinach or greens: Stir in baby spinach at the end until wilted for extra nutrition.
- Spicy version: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.
- Lighter sauce: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce richness.
- Herb twist: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
A: Yes, fresh tortellini works! Reduce the cooking time slightly, since it will cook faster.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a little chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it’s thick.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Prepare the chicken and sauce, then assemble the dish. When ready to eat, gently reheat and cook the tortellini in the sauce.
Q: Is there a dairy-free alternative?
A: You could try using a plant-based cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, but the texture and richness will be different.
Final Thoughts
The Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Skillet is comfort food elevated. The combination of tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a sun-dried tomato cream sauce makes it feel both special and homey. It’s quick enough for weeknights, but elegant enough to serve for a date. Give it a try — it might just become one of your favorite one-pan meals.