Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Looking for a romantic, restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress? Look no further than Marry Me Chicken Tortellini! This dish features tender chicken and cheesy tortellini tossed in a luxurious creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan. It’s rich, flavorful, and, according to legend, so good that it could inspire a marriage proposal—hence the name! Perfect for date night, family dinners, or special occasions, this one-pan dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about making Marry Me Chicken Tortellini, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips, and serving ideas.

What is Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a variation of the popular Marry Me Chicken dish, which is known for its creamy, indulgent sauce made with cream, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. In this version, we take things up a notch by adding tender, cheesy tortellini, making it a one-pot meal that's hearty, filling, and extra comforting. The combination of juicy chicken, cheesy tortellini, and rich, tangy sauce is pure comfort food that feels elegant enough for a special occasion but is simple enough to prepare on a busy weeknight.

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Ingredients List for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced or cubed
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any other cooking oil)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped (in oil, for best flavor)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)

For the Tortellini:

• 1 package (9-12 oz) fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• Fresh parsley or basil (optional garnish)

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Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some possible substitutions and variations to try:

• Tortellini Options: Feel free to switch the cheese tortellini for meat-filled tortellini, spinach tortellini, or even ravioli for a different twist.
• Chicken Substitutes: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat, or swap out chicken for shrimp, salmon, or a vegetarian option like mushrooms or tofu.
• Heavy Cream Alternatives: If you want a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even a mixture of milk and cream cheese.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free tortellini or gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
• Herb Variations: If you don’t have thyme or oregano, feel free to use Italian seasoning, rosemary, or even a sprinkle of fennel seeds for added flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Alternatives: If you're not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or even caramelized onions can be a delicious substitute.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Before you begin, it’s always a good idea to prep your ingredients so that the cooking process goes smoothly. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. This will give the chicken a nice color and flavor as it cooks.
• In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
• Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side (depending on the thickness of your chicken), or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
• Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate to rest. Don’t clean the pan—leave any browned bits behind for added flavor in the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Tortellini

• While the chicken is cooking, prepare the tortellini according to the package instructions. This usually involves boiling them in salted water for about 3-4 minutes until they float.
• Drain the tortellini and set them aside. If using frozen tortellini, add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

• In the same pan you cooked the chicken in, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
• Add the chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this is where a lot of flavor comes from).
• Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Let the sauce simmer for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for heat.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Tortellini

• Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked tortellini to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.
• Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pan, nestling it into the creamy sauce alongside the tortellini.
• Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the flavors meld and the chicken warms through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped basil, parsley, or additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
• Serve hot, with crusty bread or a side salad to complete the meal.

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How to Cook Marry Me Chicken Tortellini: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick summary of how to make this delectable dish:

1. Season and Cook the Chicken: Sauté the seasoned chicken until golden and fully cooked, then set aside.
2. Cook the Tortellini: Boil the tortellini until tender and drain.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: Sauté garlic, deglaze with broth, and simmer the sauce with heavy cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Combine Chicken and Tortellini: Add the cooked chicken and tortellini to the sauce and let everything simmer together.
5. Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan before serving.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this dish is relatively simple to prepare, here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked. Make sure to remove the chicken from the pan as soon as it's cooked through (when the internal temperature reaches 165°F).
• Curdling the Sauce: To avoid curdling, don’t let the cream boil. Keep it at a gentle simmer and stir frequently.
• Not Deglazing the Pan: Be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan after cooking the chicken. These bits add incredible depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Undercooking the Tortellini: Make sure to cook the tortellini until al dente, so it holds up well in the sauce without becoming mushy.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when it comes to a dish as impressive as Marry Me Chicken Tortellini. Here are some ideas for serving:

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

• With Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
• With a Fresh Salad: A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the richness of the dish.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts make excellent side dishes to balance the creaminess of the tortellini.

Presentation Ideas for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped basil, parsley, or even chives over the top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Add Parmesan: Serve with extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the table for guests to sprinkle on their plates.
• Serve Family-Style: Present the dish in a large, beautiful skillet or serving bowl for a rustic, family-style presentation.
• Plating: For a more formal presentation, plate the tortellini in shallow bowls, topped with sliced chicken and garnished with herbs.

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Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe Tips

- Use Fresh Tortellini: Fresh tortellini cooks faster and has a better texture than dried or frozen. However, frozen works just as well in a pinch.

Don’t Rush the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently to allow it to thicken and the flavors to meld together. Patience pays off with a richer sauce.

• Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce (or are serving with bread), consider doubling the sauce ingredients so there’s plenty to go around.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, cook the tortellini, reheat the sauce, and combine everything together.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked tortellini?
A: Yes, pre-cooked tortellini will work. Just toss it in with the sauce and chicken to warm it through before serving.

Q: Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?
A: While the tortellini can be frozen, the creamy sauce may separate when thawed. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or store it in the fridge for a few days.

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Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a show-stopping, comforting meal that combines tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a decadent creamy sauce. With simple ingredients and a short cooking time, you can have a gourmet meal on the table in under an hour—perfect for a romantic dinner or a special family meal. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a way to elevate your weeknight dinners, this recipe is sure to win hearts. Give it a try, and who knows—you might just get a marriage proposal!

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