Creamy One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini Recipe

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This Creamy One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini is the kind of comfort food that sweeps you off your feet. With tender cheese-filled tortellini, a luscious garlic cream sauce, and crispy golden chicken bits, it’s no wonder this dish has earned the nickname “marry me.” It brings together everything we crave in a hearty dinner: creamy richness, a hint of spice, and one-pan convenience.

The best part? It takes minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or to impress a guest, this recipe is a sure-fire crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for one or planning a date night meal, you’ll want to keep this recipe close.

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What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

Fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini works best for this recipe. It cooks quickly and absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully. If you opt for frozen tortellini, make sure to add a little extra cooking time and possibly some broth to adjust the liquid ratio.

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Ingredients for the Creamy One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini

Cheese Tortellini – This is the heart of the dish, providing a soft, cheesy center that balances the savory flavors of the sauce.

Chicken Breast or Thighs – Diced and seared to golden perfection, the chicken brings protein and texture to the dish.

Garlic – Minced garlic infuses the entire sauce with aromatic depth.

Heavy Cream – This is what makes the sauce rich and velvety, perfect for clinging to every tortellini.

Chicken Broth – Adds savory flavor and thins the sauce just enough for perfect consistency.

Parmesan Cheese – Adds salty umami and helps thicken the sauce.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes – These sweet-tart gems cut through the richness with a concentrated tomato flavor.

Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs like basil and oregano that give the dish its signature flair.

Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, but perfect for adding a slight kick.

Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning every layer.

Fresh Parsley – A sprinkle at the end adds freshness and color.

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How To Make the Creamy One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken breast or thighs, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir gently, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini

Add the cheese tortellini directly into the sauce. Reduce the heat slightly, cover, and let simmer for about 6-8 minutes or until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently fold everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth or cream. Finish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if using, and adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the irresistible combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors.

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Serving and Storing Creamy One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini

This dish is best served hot, right from the skillet. The sauce is at its peak creaminess when freshly made, so plan to serve it immediately after cooking. Pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread to round out the meal.

If you have leftovers, allow the tortellini to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce and warm it on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just extend the simmering time by a few minutes and make sure the tortellini are cooked through before serving.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely. Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could also add mushrooms or spinach for a hearty touch.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

You can experiment with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and vegan Parmesan, but note that the texture and flavor will differ from the original.

How spicy is this dish?

The red pepper flakes give it a mild kick. Feel free to reduce or omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Cream-based sauces tend to separate when frozen and reheated, so it’s not ideal. For best results, enjoy within a few days of making.

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Want More One-Pan Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Creamy One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini, you’ll probably enjoy these other comfort-packed favorites:

• The Best Easy One-Pot Sausage and Rice Recipe for hearty, meaty flavor in every bite.
• Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta with bold spices and creamy texture.
• One-Pot Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Delight Recipe for a citrusy twist on creamy dinners.
• Garlic Butter Steak Bites Creamy Alfredo Tortellini if you’re in the mood for rich, steak-studded pasta.
• Baked Greek Yogurt Chicken Recipe for a tangy and protein-packed oven dinner.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swap the chicken for mushrooms? Add extra spice?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

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