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| Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe |
The Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe is more than just a meal it's a creamy, comforting, and utterly romantic dish that lives up to its name. With tender pieces of chicken, plump cheese tortellini, and a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, this dish is so good it might just inspire a proposal. Whether you're cooking for date night, Sunday dinner, or a special occasion, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen.
The phrase “Marry Me Chicken” gained popularity for being a dish that was so delicious it could make someone pop the question. Add tortellini to the mix, and you elevate it to a hearty, unforgettable pasta dinner that’s both indulgent and soul-warming.
In this guide, you’ll find a complete breakdown of how to make this recipe step-by-step, essential equipment, ingredient breakdowns, delicious variations, cooking notes, serving ideas, and helpful tips to ensure success every time.
🍳 Recipe Preparation Equipment
Before diving into the cooking, gather these tools to make your process smooth:
- Large skillet or sauté pan (preferably non-stick or stainless steel)
- Large pot for boiling tortellini
- Slotted spoon or strainer
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
- Mixing bowls (optional)
🛒 What You’ll Need to Prepare Marry Me Chicken Tortellini ?
These ingredients create layers of savory, creamy, and tangy flavors:
Protein & Pasta:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced or cut into cubes)
- 1 package (about 20 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
Sauce Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or unsalted butter)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Finish & Garnish:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Additional grated Parmesan (optional)
👩🍳 How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Step-by-Step Instructions ?
This dish comes together quickly with rich flavor in every bite. Follow these simple steps to make it perfect:
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| Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe |
🥄 Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions (usually 3-5 minutes). Drain and set aside, lightly tossing with olive oil to prevent sticking.
🔪 Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
🧄 Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
🍅 Step 4: Build the Sauce
Add Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly for about 3 minutes. Lower the heat and add heavy cream, stirring constantly to incorporate.
🧀 Step 5: Add Cheese and Combine
Add grated Parmesan to the sauce and stir until it melts completely. Return the cooked chicken and tortellini to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through and well combined.
🌿 Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped basil or parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, dreamy perfection.
🔄 Variations
Looking to customize your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini ? Here are some popular and tasty variations:
- Spinach Addition: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh baby spinach when you add the tortellini to the sauce. It wilts beautifully and adds color and nutrients.
- Mushroom Lovers: Sauté mushrooms with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for added umami.
- Cheese Swap: Try Asiago, Romano, or even mozzarella in place of Parmesan for a unique flavor twist.
- Pasta Flexibility: Swap the tortellini for ravioli, penne, or fettuccine if that's what you have on hand.
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream to reduce calories while keeping it creamy.
- Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños to bring more heat.
- Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add roasted cauliflower, mushrooms, or chickpeas as a hearty substitute.
These tweaks help tailor the dish to your taste or dietary needs without compromising its delicious core.
🍲 Cooking Notes
Cooking Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is straightforward, but a few details make a big difference in flavor and texture.
- Cooking Tortellini: Don't overcook! Fresh tortellini can become mushy quickly. Drain as soon as they float.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use oil-packed for best flavor. Be sure to drain them well, so the sauce isn't overly oily.
- Cream Sauce: Simmer gently to prevent the cream from curdling. Avoid high heat once the cream is added.
- Thickening the Sauce: If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes. If too thick, thin with a splash of chicken broth or pasta water.
- Reheating: This dish reheats well on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk added to loosen the sauce.
A little patience and attention during the sauce-making process go a long way in ensuring a velvety and rich result.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with several simple yet flavorful sides:
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Ideal for soaking up every drop of the sauce.
- Green Salad: A fresh arugula or Caesar salad adds crisp contrast.
- Roasted Veggies: Think asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
- Wine Pairing: A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio enhances the creamy richness.
For presentation, serve it in wide, shallow bowls topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a swirl of cream.
💡 Helpful Tips
To ensure your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini comes out amazing every time, keep these tips in mind :
- Prep Ahead: Chop ingredients and measure spices before cooking. It speeds things up and reduces stress.
- Use a Large Skillet: This allows room to toss everything together without overcrowding.
- Don't Overcrowd the Chicken: Sear in batches if needed. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of browning.
- Season at Each Stage: Taste and adjust seasoning during the cooking process, not just at the end.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Adding a bit to the sauce helps emulsify and thicken if needed.
These simple but effective tips will elevate your cooking from good to unforgettable.
🌟 Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
- Quality Tortellini: Use fresh or refrigerated tortellini rather than dried. It cooks faster and has a better texture.
- Don’t Skip Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They add sweet, tangy depth that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Finish with Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley adds color and a hint of freshness to balance the richness.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts better and delivers superior flavor to pre-grated alternatives.
- Serve Immediately: Cream-based sauces can thicken and lose their silkiness if left sitting too long.
⏱️ Timing Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
🧾 Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 580
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! Make the full recipe, let it cool, and store in the fridge. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk.
Q: Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?
A: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Note that the cream sauce may separate slightly when thawed.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: Only mildly. You can adjust the red pepper flakes to your heat preference.
Q: What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
A: Try roasted red peppers or sautéed cherry tomatoes if you prefer a fresher taste.
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
A: Absolutely! It’s a great time-saver just add it when combining everything in the sauce.
📝 Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is the kind of dish that makes hearts melt. Creamy, savory, a little tangy, and packed with bold Italian flavors, it’s not only easy to prepare but sure to leave a lasting impression. Whether you're wooing someone special or just treating yourself to a luxurious dinner, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Cook it once, and it’s bound to become a repeat favorite in your home kitchen. From the seared chicken to the sun dried tomato cream sauce and cheesy tortellini, every bite is comfort food at its finest.