Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a delectable dish that combines tender chicken, rich creamy sauce, and flavorful cheese tortellini. This dish is so irresistible, it’s said to be proposal-worthy! Let’s explore how to make this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
To make this exquisite Marry Me Chicken Tortellini, you’ll need:
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Preparation
Prepping the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Cooking the Tortellini:
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the tortellini and set aside.
Making the Sauce:
- Combining Ingredients for the Sauce:
- In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Perfecting the Sauce Consistency:
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more chicken broth to reach the desired consistency.
Combining the Chicken, Tortellini, and Sauce:
- Mixing Instructions:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked tortellini and gently toss to combine everything.
- Ensuring Even Coating:
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes over low heat, ensuring the tortellini and chicken are well coated with the creamy sauce.
Garnishing and Serving:
- Adding Fresh Herbs:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for added flavor and color.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot, with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini with a crisp green salad, garlic breadsticks, or steamed vegetables. The creamy richness of the pasta is perfectly balanced by lighter side dishes.
Storage Tips
- Keeping Leftovers Fresh:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of cream or milk if needed to restore the creamy texture.
Variations
- Using Different Proteins: Try adding shrimp, turkey, or even sausage for a different twist on this dish.
- Adding Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or peas for added nutrition and flavor.
Tips for Success
- Achieving the Perfect Sauce Consistency: Ensure the Parmesan cheese is fully melted into the sauce for a smooth texture.
- Ensuring Even Coating: Gently toss the tortellini and chicken in the sauce to ensure every piece is evenly coated and the flavors are well distributed.
FAQs
- Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
- Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and cook the tortellini just before serving to ensure it remains tender.
- How Do I Store Leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
- Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, though tortellini works particularly well with this creamy sauce.
- How Do I Adjust the Creaminess?
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, add more heavy cream or Parmesan cheese. For a lighter version, reduce the amount of cream or substitute with half-and-half.
- What If I Don’t Have All the Ingredients?
- You can make some substitutions, like using milk instead of heavy cream, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful tortellini, it’s a perfect meal for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful, homemade pasta dish that’s sure to impress!
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a delectable dish that combines tender chicken, rich creamy sauce, and flavorful cheese tortellini. This dish is so irresistible, it's said to be proposal-worthy! Let’s explore how to make this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 (19 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini
- Chicken
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Marry Me Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and sliced thin)
- 3 tsp garlic (minced)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (finely shredded)
- 2 cups baby spinach (chopped)
Instructions
Season the chicken pieces with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Set aside
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. About 6-8 minutes. Remove cooked chicken and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium-low and melt butter. Saute garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 30 seconds.
Add chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk continuously until the sauce starts to bubble. Slowly whisk in parmesan until completely melted.
Place the chicken, spinach, and tortellini in the skillet. Stir occasionally until the spinach starts to wilt, and let simmer for 5 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese. Enjoy!