Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Instant Pot
If you’re looking for a creamy, comforting dinner that feels gourmet but comes together in under 30 minutes, this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Instant Pot recipe is your new weeknight hero. Imagine tender chunks of seasoned chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a luxuriously creamy sun-dried tomato and spinach sauce all cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup.
The name “Marry Me” comes from its irresistible flavors that are so good, some say they could spark a proposal. With the Instant Pot, this dish becomes even more convenient without losing any of its rich, restaurant-quality taste. Whether you’re cooking for family or planning a romantic meal, this recipe is guaranteed to win hearts.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make this Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Tortellini:
For the Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch chunks
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 shallot, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, finely chopped
- ¼ cup (3 oz) tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken broth
For the Finish
- 1 lb (16 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
For Serving
- Fresh basil
- Black pepper
- Extra Parmesan
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
In a medium bowl, toss chicken chunks with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and flour until evenly coated. This not only seasons the chicken but helps thicken the sauce later.
2. Sauté in the Instant Pot
Turn your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked through). Remove and set aside.
3. Build the Flavor Base
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Stir in the shallot, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up all the browned bits on the bottom.
4. Cook the Tortellini
Add the tortellini to the Instant Pot and stir well. Seal the lid and set to Pressure Cook (Manual) on High for 3 minutes. Once finished, do a quick release of the pressure.
5. Bring it All Together
Turn the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode. Stir in the chicken, heavy cream, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring until spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Ladle into bowls and top with fresh basil, cracked black pepper, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Pair with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
About the Recipe
Why It’s Called “Marry Me” Chicken
The original “Marry Me Chicken” recipe went viral for its creamy, flavorful sauce and comforting appeal. This version swaps plain chicken breasts for hearty chunks mixed with cheesy tortellini, creating a more filling and indulgent dish. The Instant Pot twist makes it weeknight-friendly while keeping the same beloved flavors.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the sear: Browning the chicken first adds a deep flavor base.
- Adjust the tortellini: Packages vary from 12–20 oz. If using more or less, adjust the broth slightly.
- Reheating leftovers: Tortellini absorbs sauce. Add a splash of broth or water before reheating to bring back the creamy consistency.
Variations
- Protein swap: Use boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness, or even turkey breast.
- Spicy kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- Veggie boost: Toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions
This dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with:
- A crisp Caesar salad
- Garlic bread or focaccia
- A light glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay
Nutrition Insights (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 479
- Protein: 32.6g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fat: 19.5g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 902mg
It’s a balanced one-pot dinner that combines protein, veggies, and pasta in a single dish—comfort food you can feel good about.
Conclusion
This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Instant Pot recipe is creamy, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant. With tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a dreamy sun-dried tomato cream sauce, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a special occasion any night of the week.
Try it once, and you might just fall in love with it so don’t be surprised if it becomes a family favorite in your home. Serve it up, enjoy the smiles at the table, and share your experience I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!
