Name: Creamy One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb cheese tortellini (refrigerated); 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

I’ve made countless pasta dishes over the years, but this Creamy One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini stole my heart in one bite. Inspired by the viral “Marry Me Chicken,” this cozy twist brings together the richness of cream, the tang of sun-dried tomatoes, and the irresistible tenderness of cheesy tortellini — all cooked in a single pan. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes you want to eat straight from the skillet, and trust me, no one’s judging.

Whether you’re looking to impress someone special or just treating yourself to a no-fuss dinner that feels fancy, this tortellini delivers. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but luxurious enough for a date night. Plus, cleanup is a breeze — because everything, including the sauce and pasta, cooks together in one glorious pan.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini

One pan = less mess — The entire dish comes together in a single skillet.
Rich, creamy sauce — The velvety base is infused with garlic, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Crowd-pleaser — Kids love it, adults rave about it, and leftovers are practically fought over.
Hearty & comforting — Packed with cheesy tortellini and crispy bites of seasoned chicken.
Weeknight friendly — Ready in under 30 minutes without skimping on flavor.

What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

For this Creamy One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini, I highly recommend using refrigerated cheese tortellini. They cook quickly and hold their shape beautifully in the sauce. If you’re shopping the freezer aisle, frozen tortellini will work too — just adjust the cooking time and add a splash more broth or cream to account for the extra moisture they’ll release.

Prefer homemade? If you’re feeling adventurous, fresh tortellini from a local deli or your own kitchen will elevate this dish even more. Just make sure the filling pairs well with the creamy tomato-garlic base — cheese, spinach, or even mushroom are perfect.

Options for Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few swaps you can make without sacrificing the soul of the dish:

Chicken: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, seared chicken thighs, or even plant-based chicken for a vegetarian twist.
Tortellini: Can’t find tortellini? Swap in gnocchi or ravioli, adjusting cook time as needed.
Heavy Cream: Half-and-half or evaporated milk can be used, though the sauce will be a bit lighter.
Parmesan: Grated pecorino romano or asiago makes a good stand-in with a slightly bolder flavor.
Sun-dried Tomatoes: Try cherry tomatoes for a fresh alternative, or roasted red peppers for a smoky edge.
Spinach (optional add-in): Kale or arugula can be stirred in for extra greens.

Ingredients for This Creamy One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini

Each ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role in building rich flavor and luscious texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Cheese Tortellini: The heart of the dish — tender pasta filled with melty cheese that soaks up all the creamy sauce.
Chicken Breast (or thighs): Adds protein and a golden, savory bite. Perfectly seared pieces elevate this beyond basic pasta.
Heavy Cream: This creates the luscious, velvety sauce that ties the entire dish together.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth and umami, thinning the sauce just enough to coat the tortellini beautifully.
Garlic: Aromatic and essential for building flavor from the first sizzle.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Provide tanginess and an intense, sweet-savory punch that balances the richness of the cream.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce, boosting saltiness and umami.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but adds a gentle heat that wakes up the creamy elements.
Salt and Black Pepper: To season everything to perfection.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of brightness to finish — for both flavor and looks.
Olive Oil: Used to sauté the chicken and garlic, creating the flavorful base.

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your diced chicken breast (or thighs) with salt and pepper. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through — about 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and the tomatoes start to release their oils.

Step 3: Pour in the Cream and Broth

Slowly pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add the Tortellini

Toss in the cheese tortellini directly into the creamy broth mixture. Stir gently to coat, then cover the pan and let the tortellini cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until tender and heated through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Return Chicken to the Pan

Once the tortellini is just about done, return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir everything together so the chicken warms through and gets coated in the sauce.

Step 6: Finish with Parmesan and Seasoning

Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Let it simmer uncovered for a couple more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top. Serve straight from the skillet while it’s hot and creamy. A few extra turns of cracked black pepper on top never hurt!

How Long to Cook the Creamy One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini

The beauty of this dish is its quick turnaround. From start to finish, you’re looking at 25–30 minutes total:

Searing the chicken: 6–7 minutes
Sautéing garlic and tomatoes: 2 minutes
Simmering cream and broth: 2–3 minutes
Cooking tortellini in the sauce: 5–7 minutes
Final simmer with cheese and chicken: 3–4 minutes

It’s fast, but nothing feels rushed — each layer gets its moment to shine.

Tips for Perfect Creamy One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini

Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken — give it room to brown instead of steam.
Use room-temperature cream to avoid curdling when it hits the hot pan.
Stir gently once the tortellini goes in so they don’t break apart.
Let the sauce simmer uncovered for the last few minutes to reduce slightly and intensify flavor.
Taste before seasoning at the end. The Parmesan and broth add salt, so you may need less than expected.
Add extra broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much before serving — it should be rich but still spoonable.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even simple one-pan recipes have their quirks. Here are the common missteps to avoid with Creamy One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini:

Overcooking the tortellini: These little pasta pillows cook quickly — going too long will make them mushy and cause the filling to ooze out.
Adding cheese too early: If you stir in Parmesan before the cream has simmered a bit, it can clump. Wait until the end for a silky finish.
Using cold chicken: Throwing cold-from-the-fridge chicken into hot oil cools down the pan and prevents browning. Let it rest at room temp for 10–15 minutes first.
Skipping the simmer: Letting the sauce bubble just a bit helps marry the flavors (pun intended) and thickens things up.
Not scraping the pan: After sautéing garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, scrape up all those brown bits — they’re full of flavor gold.

What to Serve With Creamy One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini?

This dish is rich and satisfying, but it pairs wonderfully with lighter, crisp sides and simple starters to balance the creaminess. Here are a few ideas:

Simple Arugula Salad

Peppery greens dressed in lemon juice and olive oil offer the perfect counter to the rich sauce.

Garlic Bread

Crunchy, buttery slices for swiping up every last drop of that creamy tomato-Parmesan sauce.

Roasted Broccoli

Crispy, charred broccoli tossed with a bit of sea salt adds texture and an earthy bite.

Sautéed Spinach

A healthy green that takes 5 minutes to make — wilted with a little garlic and olive oil.

Parmesan Roasted Asparagus

Fresh asparagus spears roasted with garlic and a touch of lemon zest feel fancy but are low effort.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves on a stick — no-cook and crowd-pleasing.

A Glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

The acidity of white wine cuts through the richness and complements the sun-dried tomatoes.

Storage Instructions

Creamy One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day indulgence.

Refrigerator: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens in the fridge.
Freezing: Not recommended. Cream sauces tend to separate and the tortellini texture can turn mushy after thawing.

For best results, enjoy it fresh or within a couple of days — though it rarely lasts that long!

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)

Here’s a general estimate — exact values may vary depending on brands and portion size:

Calories: ~580
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 850mg
Cholesterol: 120mg

It’s a hearty, comforting meal — rich and indulgent, perfect for when you’re craving something extra satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the chicken and make sure your tortellini is cheese-filled (not meat-stuffed). You can also add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra heartiness.

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Yes, you can — just increase the cooking time by a few minutes. You may also want to add a bit more broth to keep the sauce from getting too thick.

What’s the best pan to use?

A deep, nonstick skillet or sauté pan works best. It needs to be wide enough to hold everything and deep enough for simmering the sauce without splashing.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely. Baby spinach, mushrooms, or chopped kale are great add-ins. Stir them in with the tortellini or near the end of cooking.

How do I prevent the cream from curdling?

Let the cream sit at room temperature for a bit before adding it to the hot pan, and don’t boil the sauce — a gentle simmer is all you need.

Is it spicy?

Not unless you add red pepper flakes. If you like a little heat, start with ¼ tsp and adjust to taste.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just make sure your pan is large enough to handle everything evenly. You may also need to extend simmer times slightly to accommodate the extra volume.

What cheese can I use besides Parmesan?

Grated Romano, Asiago, or even sharp white cheddar can work. Just avoid pre-shredded blends with additives that won’t melt smoothly.

Conclusion

Creamy One-Pan Marry Me Tortellini is the kind of dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s rich without being fussy, fast without sacrificing flavor, and just indulgent enough to make any dinner feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re wooing someone or just feeding your favorite people (yourself included), this tortellini will absolutely win hearts — and maybe even spark a few proposals.