If you have been searching for a dish that combines rich flavors, creamy textures, and a little bit of romance in every bite, then this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is your dream come true. Bursting with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and pillowy cheese tortellini smothered in a decadent Parmesan cream sauce, this recipe is the perfect way to impress anyone at your dinner table—or just indulge yourself. Each ingredient works together in harmony to create a dish that’s comforting yet elegant, robust in flavor but incredibly simple to prepare. Trust me, once you try this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe, it might just become your new favorite weeknight superstar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the perfectly seasoned chicken to the luscious cream sauce loaded with fresh herbs and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, culminating in a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious.
- Olive oil: A good quality olive oil helps sear the chicken perfectly, adding subtle fruity richness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The tender star protein of the dish that soaks up all those incredible seasonings.
- Salt and black pepper: The essential seasoning duo to enhance every other flavor in the recipe.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: These simple spices add a deep savory foundation without overpowering the dish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: A hint of heat that brings a lively kick to the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth to the cream sauce and helps deglaze the skillet for maximum flavor.
- Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its signature luscious, velvety texture that coats every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty undertones and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
- Fresh basil: The bright herbal note that lifts the entire dish with freshness.
- Dried oregano: Introduces a subtle earthy hint that complements the tomatoes and cheese.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Bursts of sweet and tangy flavor that add unforgettable complexity.
- Cheese tortellini: The creamy, cheesy pasta that perfectly carries the sauce and chicken.
- Butter: Added at the end to enrich the sauce with silkiness and creaminess.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to ensure a perfect sear that locks in juices. Season four boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes for a flavorful crust. Cook each side for about six to seven minutes until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F internal temperature. This step is critical to building the dish’s rich base of flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Sauce
Once your chicken is resting, pour half a cup of chicken broth into the same skillet, scraping up all those delicious browned bits left from the chicken to enhance the sauce. Add one cup of heavy cream and stir to combine, then reduce heat to let the sauce gently simmer and thicken for about five minutes, developing that silky consistency that defines the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe.
Step 3: Add Flavorful Ingredients
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, dried oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes into the simmering cream sauce. These ingredients infuse the sauce with layers of nutty, herbal, and tangy notes, making every bite unforgettable. Keep the sauce on low heat, stirring occasionally until the cheese melts smoothly into the mix.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
While your sauce is coming together beautifully, cook nine ounces of cheese tortellini according to package instructions until tender but firm. Drain them well and set aside; these pasta pillows will soak up every bit of that heavenly cream sauce.
Step 5: Combine Chicken, Tortellini, and Sauce
Slice your rested chicken breasts into strips and add them back into the skillet with the sauce. Then fold in the cooked tortellini, gently tossing to ensure every morsel is generously coated. Finally, stir in two tablespoons of butter to melt into the sauce, giving it a rich, silky finish that brings the whole Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe together in perfect harmony.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
Taste your creation and adjust seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes if you crave a bolder flavor. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra fresh basil for a really beautiful presentation and brightness to the dish.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves work wonders as a garnish, adding a pop of vibrant green color and a fragrant herbal note that complements the creamy richness. You can also sprinkle extra grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil to enhance the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve this dish alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for added texture and color. Garlic bread is another fantastic side that’s perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the chicken and tortellini over a bed of sautéed spinach or nestling it inside hollowed-out roasted tomatoes for beautiful, edible bowls. Pair it with a glass of chilled white wine to elevate your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe to special occasion status.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe to cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days—this is perfect for easy lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare it ahead. Place the cooled food in freezer-safe containers and it will keep for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive its creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of tortellini?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is traditional here, you can substitute with other filled pastas like ravioli, or even simple shapes like penne or farfalle. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Yes, definitely! The Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe comes together quickly, making it an impressive yet manageable dish for busy nights when you still want something comforting and flavorful.
How spicy is the dish with the red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a subtle warmth that awakens your taste buds without being overpowering. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
Fresh tomatoes can be used, but they will change the flavor profile slightly, making it lighter and less intense. For best results, use ripe Roma tomatoes and reduce the liquid slightly in the sauce.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses regular cheese tortellini, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free option, try substituting with gluten-free tortellini or another alternative pasta.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe enough if you want a dish that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make. Every bite offers creamy, cheesy joy with just the right balance of savory and fresh flavors that make you want to come back for seconds. Whether it’s a cozy night in or an occasion to impress, this recipe will quickly become one you reach for again and again.
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Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender seasoned chicken breasts simmered in a rich Parmesan and sun-dried tomato cream sauce, served over cheese tortellini for a comforting and elegant dinner option.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
Pasta
- 9 ounces cheese tortellini
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Season the chicken: Season four boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes evenly on both sides.
- Cook the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for about six to seven minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove chicken: Take the cooked chicken breasts out of the skillet and set them aside on a plate to rest.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour half a cup of chicken broth into the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to incorporate flavor into the sauce.
- Add cream: Stir in one cup of heavy cream with the chicken broth mixture.
- Simmer the sauce: Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for about five minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add seasoning and cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, dried oregano, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes until well combined.
- Finish the sauce: Continue cooking the sauce, stirring occasionally, until the cheese melts fully and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Cook tortellini: While the sauce simmers, cook the cheese tortellini in a separate pot according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain pasta: Once cooked, drain the tortellini and set it aside.
- Slice chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips for easier mixing and serving.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet with the prepared sauce.
- Add pasta to skillet: Gently toss the cooked tortellini into the skillet to coat it thoroughly with the sauce and chicken.
- Add butter: Stir in two tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt into the sauce, enriching its texture and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the dish and add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired to suit your preference.
- Serve: Plate the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini immediately and garnish with additional fresh basil if desired for a fresh touch.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safely cooked.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy depth; use oil-packed ones for extra richness.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream.
- Fresh basil garnish enhances the flavor and presentation but is optional.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor results.
