Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe for Love Birds

Comfort meets passion in this mouthwatering marry me chicken tortellini that promises to steal hearts with every bite.

Creamy, luxurious sauce envelops tender chicken and soft pasta spirals.

Rich parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Each forkful tells a story of culinary romance and warmth.

Weeknight dinners will never be the same after you experience this decadent dish.

The blend of herbs and perfectly cooked chicken elevates this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

You won’t be able to resist falling in love with every single delicious spoonful.

Tortellini Meets Marry Me Chicken Creaminess

  • Whip Up Quickly: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy tortellini create an irresistible combination that appeals to both adults and kids, making it ideal for family dinners.
  • Elevate Weeknight Dining: This restaurant-quality dish transforms ordinary ingredients into a luxurious meal, turning a simple weeknight dinner into a special occasion without complex techniques.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Streamlined cooking process means fewer dishes to clean, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time after meal preparation.

Everything Needed for Chicken Tortellini Night

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender pieces of chicken that provide the primary protein for the dish.
  • Tortellini: Pasta pockets filled with cheese that add substance and texture to the recipe.
Dairy and Cream:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Heavy Cream: Creamy ingredients that create a rich, luxurious sauce with a deep, savory flavor.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Flavorful additions that enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
Pantry Ingredients:
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Chicken Broth, Olive Oil: Supporting ingredients that contribute depth and moisture to the recipe.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Herbs: A bright, fresh topping that adds color and additional flavor to the finished dish.

Steps for Creamy Marry Me Tortellini

Step 1: Boil Tortellini

Drop tortellini into a pot of salted boiling water.

Cook according to package directions until tender and floating.

Drain completely and set pasta aside in a warm spot.

Step 2: Sear Chicken Perfectly

Generously season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian herb blend.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, with a beautiful caramelized exterior.

Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Base

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.

Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly golden.

Toss in sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 60 seconds to release their rich flavors.

Step 4: Build Creamy Sauce

Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet.

Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing liquids to meld together.

Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return seared chicken to the skillet.

Add cooked tortellini and gently toss everything in the luxurious sauce.

Ensure each piece is beautifully coated and heated through.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer chicken tortellini to serving plates.

Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Tips for Rich and Flavorful Chicken Tortellini

  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden sear and crispy exterior.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese freshly for a smoother, more velvety sauce that melts seamlessly.
  • Toast Italian seasoning in the pan briefly before adding chicken to intensify its aromatic profile.
  • Let tortellini sit in the sauce for a minute to absorb the creamy flavors without becoming mushy.
  • Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a plant-based version that maintains rich taste.

Creative Mixes for Chicken Tortellini Fans

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms or plant-based chicken alternatives for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the creamy sauce's flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Variation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a lactose-free alternative.

Ways to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

  • Rustic Dinner Date Presentation: Serve this creamy tortellini dish on a large wooden board with extra Parmesan scattered around, creating a warm and inviting family-style meal.
  • Herb Garden Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil or chopped parsley on top to add bright color and a fresh herbal note that complements the rich, creamy sauce.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the dish with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay to balance the creamy sauce and enhance the sun-dried tomato flavors.
  • Salad Side Kick: Pair with a simple mixed green salad dressed in a light lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness and provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta.

How to Keep Chicken Tortellini Fresh

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freezes well for up to 2 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when thoroughly warm.
  • Pour leftovers into skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken broth or cream to restore sauce consistency. Stir gently and warm gradually to prevent sauce separation. Serve hot once heated through.

FAQs

  • What makes the chicken tender and flavorful?

Seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before searing helps create a golden crust and lock in moisture, ensuring the chicken is both tender and packed with flavor.

  • Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Dried Italian seasoning works perfectly in this recipe. If you want to use fresh herbs, add them as a garnish at the end to maintain their bright flavor and color.

  • Is this dish spicy or mild?

This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a mild, creamy dish with rich, savory flavors from the sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. It’s more about depth of flavor than heat.

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Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe


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4.5 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Elevate dinner with this marry me chicken tortellini, where creamy parmesan sauce meets tender chicken and cheesy pasta. Rich Italian-inspired flavors promise to sweep hearts off their feet, making dinner an irresistible culinary romance you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped

Garnish:

  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Parmesan shavings

Instructions

  1. Prepare cheese tortellini according to package directions until al dente, then drain and reserve.
  2. Generously season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning blend.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 5-6 minutes per side at 165°F internal temperature.
  4. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and keep warm.
  5. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and sauté minced garlic until aromatic, about 30 seconds.
  6. Add sun-dried tomatoes and briefly cook to release their intense flavor, stirring continuously.
  7. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, allowing mixture to simmer and slightly reduce for 3-4 minutes.
  8. Gradually whisk Parmesan cheese into the sauce until completely melted and sauce reaches a creamy consistency.
  9. Slice chicken into thin strips and return to the skillet.
  10. Gently fold tortellini into the sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
  11. Plate immediately and garnish with additional grated Parmesan and chopped fresh basil or parsley.

Notes

  • Choose tortellini carefully to match dietary needs, like whole wheat or gluten-free options for those with restrictions.
  • Swap heavy cream for lighter alternatives such as half-and-half or coconut cream to reduce calories and fat content.
  • Use plant-based chicken substitutes or tofu for a vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s rich, creamy flavor profile.
  • Control sodium levels by selecting low-sodium chicken broth and monitoring added salt during cooking process.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 615 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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