BEST Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

If you’re a fan of bold flavors and creamy pasta dishes, this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe will steal your heart (and your taste buds)! Inspired by the beloved Marry Me Chicken, this twist on the classic pairs tender, juicy chicken with cheese-stuffed tortellini in a rich, sun-dried tomato cream sauce. It’s an indulgent, one-pan meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or romantic date nights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy: The sun-dried tomato cream sauce is luxuriously smooth and flavorful.
2. Restaurant Quality: With minimal effort, you can serve a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a fine dining restaurant.
3. Easy to Make: Made in one pan, this recipe minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor.
4. Versatile: Customize with your favorite veggies or switch up the protein.
5. Crowd Pleaser: Whether for family meals or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season and Dredge: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge the chicken lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes to release their flavor.
3. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits.
4. Incorporate Creaminess: Lower the heat and add heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Season: Add red pepper flakes (if using) and half of the fresh basil. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Cook the Tortellini

1. Simmer in the Sauce: Add the tortellini directly into the skillet with the sauce. Ensure the tortellini is fully submerged in the sauce.
2. Cook: Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Return Chicken to the Skillet: Nestle the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Allow it to warm through for 2-3 minutes.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle the remaining basil over the dish and add extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
3. Serve Hot: Plate the chicken alongside the creamy tortellini and enjoy!

Perfect Pairings

To elevate your meal, pair this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini with:

1. Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
2. Side Salad: A crisp Caesar or arugula salad balances the richness of the dish.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Try asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for added texture and nutrition.
4. White Wine: A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Tortellini: Fresh or refrigerated tortellini cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the sauce better than dried varieties.
2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken juicy, sear it until just cooked through and avoid prolonged reheating.
3. Grate Your Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamier texture.
4. Control the Heat: Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference or omit them altogether.
5. Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce.

Variations and Customizations

1. Protein Swaps: Substitute chicken with shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for a unique twist.
2. Add Vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers make delicious additions to the sauce.
3. Cheese Alternatives: Mix in other cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or Fontina for added flavor.
4. Pasta Options: Use gnocchi, penne, or fettuccine if you don’t have tortellini on hand.
5. Herbal Enhancements: Incorporate thyme, oregano, or parsley for a fresh herbaceous kick.

Why It’s Called “Marry Me” Chicken Tortellini

The term “Marry Me Chicken” comes from the idea that the dish is so good, it could inspire a marriage proposal! Its rich, indulgent flavors make it an irresistible comfort food that’s also elegant enough for special occasions. Adding tortellini to this classic takes it to a whole new level, making it even more of a crowd-pleaser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Store-Bought Alfredo Sauce Instead?

Yes, you can use store-bought Alfredo sauce as a shortcut. Simply heat it with sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth for added flavor.

What’s the Best Way to Keep the Sauce from Splitting?

Use room-temperature cream and stir it in slowly over low heat. Avoid boiling the sauce once the cream is added.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead?

Yes! Prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time but cook the tortellini just before serving to keep it fresh and tender.

Make It a Complete Meal

For a full dinner experience, pair this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini with appetizers like bruschetta or stuffed mushrooms, and end on a sweet note with tiramisu or chocolate lava cake.

This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe combines the best of creamy pasta dishes with bold, flavorful chicken for an unforgettable meal that’s easy to prepare and impossible to resist. Whether you’re

Yield: 4

BEST Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

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If you’re a fan of bold flavors and creamy pasta dishes, this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe will steal your heart (and your taste buds)! Inspired by the beloved Marry Me Chicken, this twist on the classic pairs tender, juicy chicken with cheese-stuffed tortellini in a rich, sun-dried tomato cream sauce. It’s an indulgent, one-pan meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or romantic date nights.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup sundried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (optional, for thickening)
• 9 ounces fresh cheese tortellini
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thin cutlets. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2. Sear the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.

3. Build the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and sundried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, letting it simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Cook the Tortellini

1. Add the tortellini directly into the sauce and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and cooked through.
2. If the sauce is too thin, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes until thickened.

5. Combine and Serve

1. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the tortellini and sauce. Spoon some sauce over the chicken to coat.
2. Sprinkle with fresh basil and parsley for garnish.
3. Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.

Tips for Success

• Tortellini Options: Use refrigerated tortellini for the best texture, or substitute with ravioli if preferred.
• Sundried Tomatoes: Ensure they are well-drained if using oil-packed tomatoes, or hydrate dried tomatoes in warm water.
• Cheese Choices: Add shredded mozzarella for extra cheesiness or substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
• Meal Prep: Make the sauce ahead of time and reheat before adding the tortellini and chicken for a quick weeknight meal.

Notes

Sides: Serve with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a fresh Caesar salad.