Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, indulgent pasta dish that’s perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners. This flavorful recipe combines tender tortellini, juicy chicken, and a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. It’s easy to make yet tastes like a restaurant-quality meal!

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple and quick: Perfect for busy weeknights while being elegant enough for a dinner party.
  • Rich and creamy: The sauce is packed with flavor, combining cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
  • Versatile: You can customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables or protein.
  • Crowd-pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Cheese tortellini
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Garlic cloves
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Directions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, sautรฉ minced garlic until fragrant. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, stirring for about 1 minute.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
  4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  5. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions, then drain and add to the sauce.
  6. Slice the chicken and place it on top of the tortellini. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  7. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

  • Protein swap: Substitute chicken with shrimp or turkey for a different take.
  • Vegetarian option: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version.
  • Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
  • Cheese options: Experiment with Pecorino Romano or Gruyรจre for a unique twist.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Warm the dish on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauceโ€™s consistency. Avoid microwaving to prevent the cream sauce from separating.

FAQs

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Ensure the cream is at room temperature before adding it to the hot skillet, and avoid boiling the sauce.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, frozen tortellini works just as well; just cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the sauce.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese can be used as a substitute, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance, but cook the tortellini fresh for the best texture.

What side dishes pair well with this?

Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables are great accompaniments.

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?

Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.

Can I use sun-dried tomatoes in oil?

Yes, but drain the oil before using to avoid an overly oily dish.

What kind of tortellini is best?

Cheese tortellini works perfectly, but you can also try spinach and cheese or chicken-filled tortellini for variety.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Youโ€™ll need to use gluten-free tortellini and verify that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas are great additions to boost nutrition and color.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, flavorful dish thatโ€™s bound to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers indulgent comfort food at its best. Customize it to your taste, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: KimEasy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken and cheese-filled tortellini in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. It’s so delicious, it’s said to inspire marriage proposals!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 19 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
  • Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
  • Additional Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken:ย In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika until evenly coated.
  2. Cook the Chicken:ย In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Sauce:ย In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter, minced garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. Sautรฉ for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add Liquids:ย Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan. Then, add heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  5. Incorporate Cheese:ย Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Cook Tortellini:ย If using fresh tortellini, add it directly to the simmering sauce, cooking until tender, about 3-5 minutes. If using frozen tortellini, cook according to package instructions, then add to the sauce.
  7. Combine Everything:ย Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with chopped baby spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and all ingredients are well combined.
  8. Serve:ย Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed.

Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe!

If you love this recipe, please consider giving it a star rating when you leave a comment. Star ratings help people discover my recipes online. Your support means a lot to me, I appreciate you.

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *