Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Soup: Quick, Creamy, and Totally Irresistible

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Soup is the kind of cozy meal that makes you fall in love at first bite. Imagine tender bites of chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a silky cream broth kissed with sun-dried tomatoes. It’s rich, it’s romantic, and it’s easy enough to whip up even on a busy weeknight.

The best part? It feels like a restaurant-worthy dish made right in your kitchen—with love (and minimal dishes). Whether you’re cooking for your partner, your family, or just yourself after a long day, this soup gives that warm, “everything’s going to be okay” feeling. And let’s be real, who doesn’t need that every now and then?

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What is Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Soup?

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Soup is a creamy, flavor-packed twist on the classic “Marry Me Chicken” recipe that went viral for its irresistible combination of creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs. This soup version transforms that same magic into a bowl of comfort food heaven.

It’s a love story between cheesy tortellini, tender chicken, and velvety cream broth—all seasoned perfectly with garlic, Parmesan, and a touch of spice. It’s the kind of dish that makes people say, “I need this recipe,” after one spoonful. Whether you’re planning a cozy date night or feeding your crew on a chilly evening, this soup fits every moment beautifully.

Reasons to Try Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Soup

Here’s the thing about Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Soup—it’s not just food, it’s a mood. It’s that feel-good meal that wins over picky eaters, melts stress, and fills your kitchen with that irresistible “something amazing is cooking” aroma.

First off, it’s quick. You’ll have it ready in about 35 minutes, perfect for those evenings when you want something homemade without hovering over the stove for hours. Second, it’s creamy but not heavy—thanks to a balanced combo of broth, cream, and spinach. Lastly, it’s customizable! Want it spicy? Add a dash more crushed red pepper flakes. Prefer lighter fare? Swap in half-and-half. Plus, it pairs like a dream with crusty bread, garlic knots, or a crisp salad.

Ingredients Needed to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Soup

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Soup – Step by Step

When it comes to comfort food, Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Soup is pure magic in a pot. To make sure yours turns out rich, creamy, and irresistible, follow this step-by-step guide that walks you through every delicious detail. This process is simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to impress anyone you serve it to. So grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Sear the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start this step-by-step recipe by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add your diced chicken breast. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Searing the chicken locks in the juices and adds that signature golden-brown color we all love. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken develops a light crust on the edges.
Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pot—if you do, your chicken will steam instead of brown. This simple trick is one I also use in my Creamy Chicken and Spinach Taquitos, where browning makes all the difference in flavor.

Step 2: Build the Aroma with Onions, Garlic, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Now that your chicken is beautifully golden, add diced onion to the pot. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until it starts to soften. Then toss in the minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter fast. Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. These little gems bring a tangy sweetness that elevates the creamy base of this step-by-step soup recipe.
If you enjoy layering flavors like this, check out my Paprika Chicken Soup, where smoky paprika and caramelized onions play a similar role in building depth.

Step 3: Create the Flavorful Broth

Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, scraping up all those golden bits stuck to the bottom of the pot—those are flavor gold! Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes. This allows the chicken to finish cooking through and lets the flavors marry beautifully. At this step-by-step stage, your kitchen will already smell like an Italian restaurant, and that’s a very good sign.
If you want to make this soup gluten-free, you can substitute with a certified gluten-free broth and gluten-free tortellini—just like in my Gluten-Free Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Tortellini for Richness

Next up, pour in your heavy cream and give everything a good stir. Once the soup is gently bubbling again, add in your cheese tortellini. Simmer for about 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and slightly puffy. During this step-by-step process, the tortellini will soak up that creamy broth, becoming melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Tip: Don’t overcook the tortellini. You want them soft but still with a little bite. If you love creamy pasta-based soups, you might also enjoy my Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup, which has a similar luscious texture.

Step 5: Stir in the Greens and Cheese

Once the tortellini are cooked through, it’s time to add the baby spinach. Gently stir in 2 cups of roughly chopped spinach until it wilts into the soup. Then sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely into the broth. This step is where your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Soup step-by-step transformation truly shines—the cheese thickens the soup and ties every flavor together into creamy perfection.
If you want a lighter alternative, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even coconut milk. For more inspiration on dairy swaps, you can visit my guide in the Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup, where I share my favorite creamy-but-light substitutions.

Step 6: Taste, Adjust, and Finish with Love

Now, give your soup a taste. Does it need a little more salt? Maybe a touch of black pepper or red pepper flakes for heat? This is your moment to make it your own. Once everything tastes perfect, turn off the heat and let the soup sit for a few minutes—it will thicken slightly as it cools. This step-by-step patience makes a huge difference in texture and richness.

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan, and add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of color. Serve it with crusty garlic bread or a side salad. If you want to round out your cozy meal, pair it with something simple like my Easy Greek Lemon Rice, which perfectly complements the creamy soup without overpowering it.

Step 7: Enjoy Every Spoonful

Finally, sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labor—because this step-by-step Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Soup was made to be savored. Each bite is creamy, hearty, and comforting, the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re serving it for a romantic dinner, a cozy family night, or just treating yourself after a long day, this recipe hits the spot every single time.

If you fall in love with this one (and I think you will), you’ll also adore the Crock-Pot Shipwreck Stew—another heartwarming one-pot wonder that’s big on flavor and minimal on fuss.

What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Soup

This soup pairs perfectly with sides that soak up its creamy goodness. Think a crusty baguette or buttery garlic bread to scoop up the last drops. For a lighter touch, serve it alongside a crisp Easy Greek Lemon Rice or a simple Caesar salad. If you want another cozy companion dish, try the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Taquitos for a fun twist. And if you’re all about hearty soups, you’ll also love Paprika Chicken Soup—a smoky, soul-soothing cousin to this dish.

Key Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Soup

1. Don’t overcook the tortellini—it should be tender, not mushy.
2. Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for the best flavor and texture.
3. If the soup gets too thick, add a splash of extra broth or milk.
4. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
5. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for color and brightness.
6. Want extra protein? Add white beans or cooked bacon crumbles.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Soup

Leftovers? Lucky you. Store your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat and add a splash of broth or milk to bring back its creamy texture. If you used fresh tortellini, note that it may absorb liquid overnight—so loosening it up with extra broth helps. Freezing isn’t ideal due to the cream, but if you must, freeze the soup before adding tortellini and cream. Then add those fresh when reheating for the best texture.

FAQs

Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
A: Absolutely! Just add it during the simmering stage to warm it through.
Q: What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
A: You can use roasted red peppers for a similar flavor profile.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes—try coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan.
Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: It can be! Just use gluten-free tortellini and check your broth labels.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Soup is that comforting meal you’ll crave again and again. It’s creamy, hearty, and filled with flavors that make you want to cozy up with a bowl on repeat. Whether you’re cooking to impress, to comfort, or just because it’s Tuesday night and you need something delicious—this soup delivers. Try pairing it with another one of my favorites like Crock-Pot Shipwreck Stew for another easy family dinner idea.

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