There’s a reason people fall head over heels for Marry Me Chicken. It’s a dish that says, “I love you,” with every bite. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and bursts of fresh flavor is downright irresistible. But let’s take it one step further: imagine this heavenly sauce coating pillowy tortellini. Yep, that’s right—this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is here to sweep you (and your family) off your feet.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick but still crave something indulgent. It’s a one-pot wonder with bold flavors, an ultra-creamy sauce, and juicy chicken. Toss in some tortellini to make it extra hearty, and you’ve got a dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds.
For me, this recipe is pure nostalgia. The first time I made it, it was during a cozy date night at home with my partner. The smell of garlic and simmering sauce filled the kitchen, and by the time we sat down to eat, I knew I’d stumbled onto something special. It’s since become our go-to comfort dish for rainy days, family gatherings, and, yes, date nights.
Let’s get cooking, shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly Elegant: It looks and tastes like something you’d get at a fancy Italian restaurant, but it’s easy enough for even beginner cooks to master.
- Packed with Flavor: Think creamy garlic sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs all mingling together in every bite.
- Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to everyone—kids love the tortellini, and adults can’t resist the rich, creamy sauce.
- Quick and Easy: You can have this ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.
- Customizable: Add veggies, swap proteins, or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste—it’s as versatile as it is delicious.
Preparation Time and Servings
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this creamy, dreamy masterpiece:
For the Chicken and Tortellini:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 package (16 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated works best)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break this recipe down into easy, manageable steps:
1. Prep the Chicken
- Season the chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet or shallow Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Sauce
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add some heat: Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using) for a hint of spice.
- Pour in the liquids: Slowly add the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze it and get all those flavorful brown bits. Follow with the heavy cream, stirring constantly.
- Bring in the flavor: Add Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Cook the Tortellini
- Add the tortellini: Gently stir the tortellini into the sauce, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Simmer: Lower the heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Bring It All Together
- Add the chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to combine with the tortellini and sauce.
- Finish with herbs: Toss in the fresh basil for a burst of freshness and let everything simmer together for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish: Sprinkle extra Parmesan and basil on top for an extra touch of elegance.
- Dig in: Serve straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style meal, or plate it individually for a more polished presentation.
How to Serve
This dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with various sides. Here are some serving suggestions:
- With Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up that luscious sauce.
- Alongside a Fresh Salad: A simple arugula or Caesar salad balances the richness of the dish.
- With Steamed Veggies: Add a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for a complete meal.
Additional Tips for Success
- Season as You Go: Taste your sauce before adding the tortellini and adjust the seasoning to your preference. A little extra Parmesan or salt can make all the difference.
- Use Fresh Tortellini: While dried tortellini works in a pinch, fresh or refrigerated tortellini cooks faster and has a better texture.
- Don’t Skip the Basil: Fresh basil adds a bright, herby note that balances the richness of the sauce.
- Save Pasta Water: If your sauce is too thick, a splash of pasta water can help thin it out while keeping it flavorful.
- Make It Your Own: Add spinach, mushrooms, or even peas to sneak in some veggies without compromising the dish’s flavor.
Recipe Variations
There’s plenty of room to customize this dish to suit your tastes or dietary needs:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortellini, available at many grocery stores.
- Spicy Version: Amp up the heat with extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the sauce.
- Extra Cheesy: Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella for an even creamier sauce.
- Herb Variations: Substitute parsley or thyme for basil for a different flavor profile.
Freezing and Storage
Leftovers:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Freezing:
- Cool the dish completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm on the stovetop over low heat.
Special Equipment
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For even cooking and plenty of room to toss the tortellini.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: To scrape up all the flavorful bits during deglazing.
- Microplane or Grater: For freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which melts beautifully into the sauce.
FAQ
1. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?
Yes, you can! While tortellini adds a delightful, cheesy bite, other pastas like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work well with this creamy sauce. Just cook the pasta separately and toss it in the sauce at the end.
2. What if I can’t find sun-dried tomatoes?
No problem! You can substitute chopped fresh cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a similar burst of flavor and color.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and chicken up to a day in advance. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, add the tortellini, and cook until the tortellini is tender and warmed through.
4. How do I adjust the spice level?
If you like it mild, omit the red pepper flakes. If you enjoy more heat, feel free to double the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
5. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Definitely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken can save you time. Just shred or chop it and stir it into the sauce during the final steps to heat through.
6. Is this recipe halal?
Yes, as written, this recipe is halal-friendly, with no alcohol or pork ingredients. Just be sure to check the tortellini packaging to ensure it aligns with your dietary needs.
7. How do I thin the sauce if it becomes too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen it while keeping the flavors intact.
8. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze the sauce and chicken separately from the tortellini. Cooked tortellini can become mushy when reheated after freezing. Simply cook fresh tortellini when you’re ready to serve.
9. How long does this dish keep in the refrigerator?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
10. What can I serve this with?
This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a well-rounded meal.
Conclusion
This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is more than just a meal—it’s a warm, comforting hug on a plate. With its rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked tortellini, it’s a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a cozy date night, or a family gathering, this recipe is bound to become a favorite.
So grab your skillet, toss on an apron, and get ready to fall in love with dinner all over again. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations!