Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is one of those dishes that not only satisfies your hunger but also ignites a passion for food. It’s creamy, indulgent, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. This recipe earned its name because it’s said that once you try it, you’ll fall in love with it, just like the story of a romantic proposal.
I remember the first time I made this dish for a small dinner gathering. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes made my guests’ eyes widen with delight. By the end of the meal, they were asking for seconds and the recipe! The flavors are so well-balanced rich, creamy, and slightly tangy with the perfect amount of savory chicken and cheesy tortellini that it becomes a meal you’ll want to repeat again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a reason Marry Me Chicken Tortellini has become a fan favorite: It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and truly satisfying. The combination of juicy, seasoned chicken breast, rich heavy cream, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes creates a sauce that coats the cheese tortellini perfectly, making every bite a little slice of heaven.
First, the chicken is seasoned with a blend of garlic powder and Italian seasoning, bringing out all the natural flavors. The cream-based sauce with chicken broth adds a silky texture, while the sun-dried tomatoes introduce a burst of intense flavor and a hint of tanginess that takes the dish to another level. The best part is that it all comes together in one skillet, making the cleanup a breeze.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding vegetables, adjusting the level of creaminess, or even trying different types of cheese tortellini. If you’re looking for something a little lighter, you can swap the heavy cream for a lighter version of your choice or add spinach for extra color and nutrition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini, cooked
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
- Cook the Tortellini: Start by boiling a pot of water. Once it’s boiling, add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions. Drain the tortellini and set it aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts to the skillet and season them with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s browned on both sides and fully cooked through. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and allow the sauce to cook for about 3-4 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked tortellini and chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce. Allow it to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the tortellini is heated through and coated with the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Once everything is well combined, garnish the dish with freshly chopped basil for a burst of freshness. Serve it immediately while it’s hot and creamy.
Variation
One of the best things about this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe is how easy it is to adjust based on your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few creative variations you can try:
- Vegetarian Version: If you’re vegetarian or just want a meat-free option, swap the chicken for grilled or roasted vegetables. Zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms work great in this dish and will add a nice, earthy flavor to the creamy sauce.
- Add Spinach or Kale: For an extra boost of greens, stir in some fresh spinach or kale right before adding the tortellini to the pan. The spinach wilts down beautifully and adds color and nutrients to the dish.
- Low-Carb Option: To make the dish a little lighter, try replacing the cheese tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. The creamy sauce will still make these substitutes delicious and satisfying.
- Extra Protein: If you’re looking for a protein-packed variation, try adding bacon or sausage to the dish. Crumbled crispy bacon adds a smoky flavor, and sausage gives the meal more depth and richness.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, stir in some crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the dish an extra zing.
- Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of the Parmesan cheese for a cheesy, plant-based alternative.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a few sides can take it to the next level and create a well-rounded dining experience. Here are some great serving suggestions:
- Salad: Pair this creamy dish with a simple green salad. A crisp salad made with arugula, spinach, or mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic Bread: Serve this dish with garlic bread or breadsticks for a classic pairing. The bread will soak up the creamy sauce, adding extra flavor with every bite.
- Roasted Vegetables: Complement the dish with some roasted vegetables, like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus. Roasting them enhances their natural sweetness and adds a great texture to the meal.
- Cheese Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan or a few extra basil leaves on top for an extra burst of flavor and color.
By serving Marry Me Chicken Tortellini with these sides, you’ll create a well-balanced, delicious meal that will leave everyone satisfied and coming back for more.
Recipe Tips
To ensure you get the most out of this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe, here are some handy tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooking chicken can make it dry. Make sure to cook the chicken just until it’s no longer pink in the center. You can check doneness by cutting a piece open or using a meat thermometer (the internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Use Fresh Tortellini: If possible, use fresh tortellini instead of frozen. Fresh tortellini will have a better texture and cook more evenly. If using frozen tortellini, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Season the Chicken Well: The chicken is the star of this dish, so make sure to season it generously with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This will infuse the meat with flavor and make it more delicious.
- Make the Sauce Creamier: If you like your sauce extra creamy, add more heavy cream or a bit of cream cheese to the sauce for additional richness.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the tortellini, reserve some of the pasta cooking water. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a little of this water to thin it out while maintaining a nice, silky texture.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat with a little bit of extra cream or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce.
Cooking Note
When making Marry Me Chicken Tortellini, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best results:
- Use a Large Skillet: The sauce and tortellini will need room to mix and coat evenly, so make sure you use a large skillet or pan. A 12-inch skillet works perfectly for this recipe.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Chicken: When cooking the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure it gets a nice sear. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam instead of brown.
- Simmer the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes to thicken and concentrate the flavors before adding the tortellini. This will help create a richer, more flavorful sauce.
- Stir Gently: When mixing the chicken and tortellini into the sauce, stir gently so you don’t break up the delicate tortellini. A wooden spoon or spatula works best for this.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best served immediately, while it’s hot and creamy. If you’re serving it later, gently reheat it on the stove with a splash of cream to keep the sauce smooth.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 590 per serving
- Protein: 38g
- Sodium: 800mg
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of pasta in this recipe?
Yes! While cheese tortellini works wonderfully in this dish, you can substitute it with other types of pasta like penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni. However, if you switch the pasta, you may need to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.
2. Can I make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish up to the point of adding the tortellini. Store the chicken and sauce mixture in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat it and then stir in the cooked tortellini.
3. How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce. You can also add a few dashes of hot sauce to the cream mixture to give it an extra kick.
4. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
While fresh chicken is best for even cooking, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before slicing and cooking. If you’re in a hurry, you can also cook the chicken directly from frozen, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe, as written, is not gluten-free due to the cheese tortellini. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free tortellini. There are many great gluten-free pasta options available at most grocery stores.
6. Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can freeze the sauce and chicken mixture without the tortellini. To freeze, let the mixture cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and cook fresh tortellini to add to the dish.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is the perfect dish for any occasion whether you’re cooking for a family weeknight dinner or a special celebration, it’s sure to become a favorite. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes create a satisfying and indulgent meal that everyone will enjoy. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up this restaurant-quality dish in no time.
This recipe’s versatility allows you to make it your own, whether you’re adding vegetables, substituting ingredients for dietary preferences, or experimenting with different flavors. It’s a dish that encourages creativity in the kitchen while delivering on taste. And with its balanced flavors, it’s a meal that feels both comforting and exciting.
I hope this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini becomes as beloved in your home as it has in mine. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and experience with this recipe I love hearing how you make it your own! If you’re craving more comforting pasta dishes, be sure to check out the other recipes on my site. There’s always something new and delicious to try!
Happy cooking!
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Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini, cooked
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the Tortellini: Start by boiling a pot of water. Once it’s boiling, add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions. Drain the tortellini and set it aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts to the skillet and season them with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s browned on both sides and fully cooked through. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and allow the sauce to cook for about 3-4 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked tortellini and chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce. Allow it to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the tortellini is heated through and coated with the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Once everything is well combined, garnish the dish with freshly chopped basil for a burst of freshness. Serve it immediately while it’s hot and creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 590
- Sodium: 800
- Protein: 38