Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that promises to wow your loved ones with every bite, the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is your go-to culinary masterpiece. This luscious, creamy meal brings together tender chicken breasts, cheese-filled tortellini, and a dreamy sun-dried tomato sauce laced with fragrant herbs. It’s the kind of recipe that feels special yet is straightforward enough to whip up any night of the week, perfectly combining rich flavors and comforting textures that will truly speak to your heart – and possibly inspire a proposal or two!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, carefully chosen ingredients that work in harmony to create an irresistible flavor profile. Each element, from the creamy Parmesan to the sun-dried tomatoes, lends its unique character to the dish’s vibrant taste and color.

• Olive oil: A good quality olive oil adds a smooth base for sautéing the chicken and developing flavor.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender, juicy protein that absorbs all the seasoning and sauce beautifully.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors throughout the dish.
• Black pepper: Adds a balanced spiciness that warms every bite.
• Garlic powder: Lends a subtle but rich depth to the seasoning mix.
• Onion powder: Provides a gentle sweetness and complexity without overwhelming the chicken.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Introduces a touch of heat that wakes up the palate.
• Chicken broth: Brings savory umami and helps deglaze the pan, capturing those tasty browned bits.
• Heavy cream: Creates the silky, luscious sauce that coats the chicken and pasta.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Intensifies the creaminess with its nutty, salty richness.
• Fresh basil: Adds a fragrant, bright herbal note that lifts the whole dish.
• Dried oregano: Provides a classic Italian warmth to the sauce’s flavor profile.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Impart a sweet tanginess and chewy texture for contrast.
• Cheese tortellini: Pillowy pasta pockets filled with cheese, acting as the perfect complement to the sauce and chicken.
• Butter: Enriches the sauce further and gives it a luxuriously glossy finish.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Chicken

Start by heating two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, getting the pan nicely warmed. Season your chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes for a harmonious blend of savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Perfection

Place the seasoned chicken in the hot skillet and let it cook for around 6-7 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This step locks in the juices while building a caramelized crust that adds irresistible flavor.

Step 3: Set Aside the Chicken

Once cooked, transfer the chicken breasts to a plate to rest. This allows the meat to retain its moisture and helps with easier slicing later.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce Base

Using the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth, scraping up those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Mixing in heavy cream and lowering the heat, let the sauce gently simmer for about five minutes until it thickens slightly and warms through.

Step 5: Add Cheese, Herbs, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, dried oregano, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes into your creamy mixture. Keep cooking while stirring occasionally until the cheese melts fully and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 6: Cook the Cheese Tortellini

While the sauce simmers, cook your cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. The tender, cheesy pasta is essential, creating the perfect bite when combined with chicken and sauce.

Step 7: Combine Chicken, Tortellini, and Sauce

Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips and add them back into your skillet full of sauce. Then, gently toss in the cooked tortellini, making sure each piece is deliciously coated with the creamy, vibrant sauce.

Step 8: Finish with Butter and Season

Swirl in two tablespoons of butter to enrich the sauce, giving it a silky texture and gorgeous shine. Taste your creation, adjusting salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you want a bit more kick or seasoning.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Dish out your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe immediately, garnished with fresh basil or extra Parmesan if desired. Get ready to savor a dish that tastes like a special celebration in every forkful.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves or a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can take this dish over the top, adding vibrant color and those irresistible herbaceous and umami notes. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can offer an extra nudge of warmth for spice lovers.

Side Dishes

To balance the richness of the creamy sauce, consider serving a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also pairs beautifully, perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party vibe, plate the dish individually in shallow bowls and finish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and scattered chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top. Alternatively, serve it family-style in the skillet to keep the dish warm and invite everyone to dive right in together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the feast, cool any leftovers to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, this dish will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making for an easy and satisfying next-day meal.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well in individual portions. Simply pack in freezer-safe containers or bags, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the texture of tortellini may soften a bit after thawing, but the flavor remains wonderful.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess if needed. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and enjoy your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe all over again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?

Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is perfect for this dish’s creaminess, you can swap in other filled pastas like ravioli or simpler options like penne or fettuccine if preferred.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute, and use dairy-free Parmesan alternatives. Keep in mind that flavors and textures will shift slightly, but it will still be delicious.

How spicy is the dish?

The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, but it’s mild and easy to adjust. You can reduce or omit the flakes for a milder flavor or increase them if you like more spice.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

You can make the sauce up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring often to keep it smooth, before adding cooked chicken and tortellini to combine.

What wine pairs well with Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe?

A crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio complements the creamy, herbaceous sauce nicely. If you want red, try a silky Pinot Noir for a lovely balance.

Final Thoughts

There’s something genuinely heartwarming about the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe. It blends ease with elegance, delivering comfort and sophistication all in one skillet. Whether you’re impressing a special someone or just treating yourself, this recipe has the perfect balance of creamy indulgence and savory satisfaction. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become one of your favorite culinary classics to make again and again.

Print