Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that practically begs for second helpings, you just found your soulmate: Marry Me Chicken Tortellini. This irresistible dish pairs juicy, golden-seared chicken with tender cheese tortellini, all swimming in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with a hint of spice, fresh basil, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. Comfort food? Absolutely. Impressive enough for date night? 100%. There’s a reason it’s called Marry Me Chicken Tortellini—this meal could win anyone’s heart with just one bite!

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the all-star lineup that makes Marry Me Chicken Tortellini sing! Every ingredient plays a starring role, from the sun-dried tomatoes (hello, savory pops of flavor) to the luscious heavy cream. It’s a straightforward list that brings maximum flavor and just the right texture—it’s all about balance, color, and pure deliciousness.

  • Olive Oil: The foundation for browning the chicken and infusing the whole dish with a subtle richness.
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Bite-sized pieces mean every forkful gets a hearty, juicy bit of chicken.
  • Salt: Enhances every other flavor—don’t skip it!
  • Black Pepper: Adds background warmth and balances out the richness.
  • Italian Seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that gives unmistakable Mediterranean flavor notes.
  • Garlic: Fresh, minced cloves release an aromatic punch that makes the sauce irresistible.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Just a touch for gentle heat that keeps things exciting without overpowering.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chopped bits deliver tangy, intense flavor and a beautiful pop of color.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and builds out the sauce base.
  • Heavy Cream: The creamy heart and soul of this pasta, tying everything together.
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty, and melts gorgeously into the sauce—don’t skimp here.
  • Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini: Plump pasta pillows filled with cheesy goodness, ready in minutes.
  • Fresh Basil: Chopped and sprinkled over, it brings fresh, fragrant vibrancy to every bite.
  • Extra Parmesan: For serving, because in a dish like this, more cheese is always better.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—don’t rush this step, because a sizzling hot pan guarantees those lovely golden edges. Toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning so every bite is flavorful. Spread the chicken in one layer, and let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping. In about 6 to 7 minutes, you’ll have irresistible, caramelized chicken—be sure to set it aside so you get to build flavor right in the same pan.

Step 2: Sauté and Build the Sauce

Using all those tasty browned bits on the pan’s bottom, add in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir these around just until fragrant—this is where the aroma makes everyone in the house wander into the kitchen! Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up the flavor from the bottom, and then bring everything to a gentle simmer. When it’s heated through, whisk in the Parmesan cheese until your sauce turns glossy, slightly thickened, and totally drool-worthy.

Step 3: Cook the Tortellini

While your sauce is coming together, cook the cheese tortellini according to the package directions. Salty, rapidly boiling water is best—taste for doneness so they stay tender but not mushy. Drain well, but don’t worry about being too fussy; a little pasta water clinging to the tortellini actually helps the sauce.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Now for the magic! Add your cooked chicken back into the skillet, then pile in the hot drained tortellini. Gently toss everything around so each morsel is glossy and coated in creamy sauce. Right before serving, scatter over fresh basil and, of course, an extra flourish of Parmesan. The kitchen will smell like the best Italian trattoria you can imagine.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Giving your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini the right finishing touches takes it from comforting to restaurant-worthy. A shower of freshly grated Parmesan is essential—let’s be honest, there’s never such a thing as too much cheese here. Strewing torn or chopped fresh basil leaves over the top brings incredible aroma and a pop of green that catches the eye. If you love a touch of heat, one last pinch of red pepper flakes goes a long way!

Side Dishes

This dish loves good company. Think of a crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or a bowl of garlicky sautéed broccoli on the side. Crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia is practically mandatory—you’ll want something to mop up every last spoonful of that dreamy sauce. And if you’re feeling festive, a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon rounds it all out beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get playful! Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini family-style in a big, shallow serving bowl for maximum wow-factor, or try plating individually for an elegant touch. For a cozy, rustic Italian vibe, bring the whole skillet to the table and let everyone dig in. Want to impress for date night? Sprinkle extra basil and set out parmesan curls for a little drama at the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (as rare as that may be!), Marry Me Chicken Tortellini stores surprisingly well. Cool everything down to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. The textures stay on point for up to 3 days—just know the flavors will meld and become even richer overnight!

Freezing

While creamy sauces can be tricky to freeze, you can extend the love affair with this dish by freezing it in single-serve portions. Spoon the pasta and chicken into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It’ll keep for up to 2 months, but let it thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results. The tortellini may soften slightly, but you’ll still get all those signature flavors.

Reheating

For that just-made taste, reheat Marry Me Chicken Tortellini gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life. If you’re using the microwave (hey, we all need quick lunches!), try heating in short bursts and stirring often so everything warms up evenly and stays creamy without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Definitely! While cheese tortellini is classic in Marry Me Chicken Tortellini, you can swap in ravioli, penne, or even rotini for a different twist. If you want another stuffed pasta, try spinach ravioli—it soaks up the sauce in all the right ways.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want to lighten things up, half-and-half works as a solid swap. You can also try whole milk, but the sauce will be a bit thinner—adding a pat of butter helps boost the silkiness if you go this route.

How spicy is this dish?

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini has just a gentle, subtle heat thanks to the red pepper flakes. If you prefer it completely mild, simply reduce or omit the pepper. For heat-lovers, increase the red pepper flakes or grate in a pinch of fresh black pepper for even more warmth.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can cook the sauce and chicken in advance, then cook the tortellini and combine everything just before serving. This way, the pasta stays perfectly firm and the flavors remain vibrant.

Can I add vegetables to Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?

Yes! Baby spinach, peas, or even sautéed mushrooms would be delicious stirred in at the end. Just add your favorites in the last couple minutes before serving so they keep their color and bite while soaking in that luscious sauce.

Final Thoughts

On the hunt for a feel-good, flavor-packed meal that brings everyone to the table? Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is destined to become a family favorite in no time. Give it a try, and let yourself fall in love—one creamy, cheesy forkful at a time!

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Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe


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4.6 from 15 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in the creamy, flavorful goodness of Marry Me Chicken Tortellini – a dish that combines tender chicken, cheese tortellini, and a rich, velvety sauce for a truly satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Sauce:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Others:

  • 1 package (20 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
  • Extra Parmesan for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, season chicken, and cook until golden brown.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: Sauté garlic, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Add broth, cream, and Parmesan; simmer.
  3. Cook the Tortellini: Cook tortellini, drain, and set aside.
  4. Combine: Add chicken and tortellini to the sauce, toss to coat.
  5. Serve: Garnish with basil and extra Parmesan.

Notes

  • For extra richness, add a tablespoon of butter to the sauce before serving.
  • You can substitute half-and-half for the cream for a lighter version.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 690 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg

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