Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Casserole

If there were ever a recipe to fall head over heels for, this is it! Creamy, dreamy “Marry Me” chicken sauce meets tender, cheesy tortellini in a bubbly baked casserole that feels like a warm hug. This dish is perfect for a cozy date night, impressing guests, or just treating yourself to something extra special. Bonus: It’s ridiculously easy to make and comes together in under an hour!

Ready to meet your new favorite dinner obsession? Let’s dive in!

📋 Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6

🛒 Ingredients

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Casserole

• 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned

For Garnish

🥘 How to Make It

1. Parboil the Tortellini (Optional):
   • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the refrigerated tortellini for 2–3 minutes, just until softened. Drain and set aside. (This step ensures tender tortellini but can be skipped if you’re short on time.)
2. Sear the Chicken:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear until golden on both sides (about 4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside to rest.
3. Make the Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
   • Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, oregano, and thyme. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, combine tortellini (parboiled or straight from the package), sun-dried tomatoes, and the creamy sauce.
   • Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and stir it in.
5. Top It Off:
   • Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake to Perfection:
   • Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Sprinkle with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

🧑‍🍳 Tips & Tricks

1. Time Saver: Use rotisserie chicken to skip cooking the chicken breasts!
2. Cheese Upgrade: Swap mozzarella for fontina or Gruyère for extra melty goodness.
3. Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, then bake when ready.
4. Spice Level: Love heat? Add a pinch more red pepper flakes to the sauce.
5. Leftover Love: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.

🌟 Variations

• Protein Swap: Use cooked shrimp or Italian sausage for a fun twist.
• Veggie Version: Substitute chicken with roasted veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortellini and double-check labels on all other ingredients.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This

• Quick & Easy: Minimal prep and one casserole dish for easy cleanup!
• Crowd-Pleasing: Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor—everyone will want seconds.
• Customizable: Perfect for picky eaters or adapting to dietary preferences.

📌 Pinterest Pro Tip

This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Casserole is a match made in dinner heaven! Save it now to impress on date night or wow at your next potluck. 🥰 #MarryMeChicken #CasseroleGoals #EasyComfortFood