Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s as swoon-worthy as its name promises, the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe will absolutely win your heart—and everyone else’s at the table! This creamy, savory masterpiece takes tender chicken, pillows of cheesy tortellini, and a tangy sun-dried tomato cream sauce, then brings it all together in under 40 minutes. It’s the perfect meal to impress someone special (or to simply spoil yourself) and sure to earn rave reviews every time. Let’s roll up our sleeves and fall in love bite by bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a short list of easy-to-find ingredients can build such irresistible layers of flavor in the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe. Keep things simple, but don’t skip a single addition—each one adds something unique to make the dish creamy, colorful, and completely craveable.

• Chicken Breasts: Thinly sliced or pounded for fast, even cooking and supremely tender bites.
• Cheese Tortellini: These stuffed pasta gems turn the dish into a substantial, cozy meal—store-bought or fresh both work beautifully.
• Olive Oil: For searing the chicken and building that irresistible golden crust.
• Butter: Adds richness and depth to the base of your sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic releases a fragrant aroma that ties the whole dish together.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Offer a tangy, sweet punch—packed in oil for maximum softness and flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Delivers herbs like oregano and basil, creating the perfect note of herby warmth.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A sprinkle brings just a hint of heat and excitement.
• Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce lusciously creamy and decadent.
• Chicken Broth: Helps thin the sauce to just the right consistency and adds savory backbone.
• Parmesan Cheese: Melts in to give salty, nutty notes throughout and a velvety texture.
• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste at the very end for perfectly balanced flavors.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: A final sprinkle of green adds color and freshness.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. When the butter is foaming, add your thinly sliced chicken breasts in a single layer. Sear for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is deeply golden and just cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside—don’t clean the skillet! Those golden bits stuck to the bottom are liquid flavor gold.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In the same skillet, toss in your minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly until the garlic is just fragrant and the tomatoes soften slightly. This builds a robust base for the creamy sauce, infusing every bite of the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe with tang and depth.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and (if you want a subtle kick) the red pepper flakes. Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan, stirring gently to combine. Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavors will meld, the cheese will melt smoothly, and your kitchen will start to smell downright irresistible.

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini

While your sauce is simmering, cook the tortellini in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions, usually about 3–4 minutes for fresh tortellini. Don’t overcook—you want them pleasantly plump, not mushy! Drain them well, ready to join the skillet party in a moment.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Tortellini with Sauce

Return your seared chicken (and any resting juices) back to the skillet. Then, add the hot, drained tortellini. Gently toss everything together so each tortellini and piece of chicken is coated in that creamy, cheesy sauce. If it’s a bit thick, add a splash more chicken broth. Taste, then adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle over a generous amount of fresh chopped basil or parsley for a pop of green and a hint of brightness. Now your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is ready to make hearts flutter at the table!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Garnishes

A handful of fresh basil or parsley adds not just vibrant color, but also a clean herbaceous flavor that lifts the entire dish. For an extra touch, try a final dusting of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil. A crack of black pepper at the table really makes the creamy sauce sing.

Side Dishes

The richness of Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe pairs beautifully with bright, simple sides. Think a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, steamed asparagus, or roasted broccolini. A warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread is perfect for mopping up every last dreamy drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the dish in shallow bowls for a cozy, bistro-style experience, or plate it family-style on a big, beautiful platter for dramatic effect. You can also portion into mini cocottes for a romantic date night, or add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for a delightful crunch and elevated flair. Let your creativity (and appetite) lead the way!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge. The sauce may thicken a bit, but the flavors will remain lush and inviting.

Freezing

While cream-based sauces can sometimes separate after freezing, you can still freeze this meal for later. Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and be gentle when stirring to maintain the creamy texture.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a covered skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as needed. You can also microwave individual portions in short increments, stirring in between for even heating. Always reheat until piping hot, then garnish fresh before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just cook the frozen tortellini according to the package instructions (usually a minute or two longer than fresh), and proceed with the recipe. The result will still be perfectly delicious and comforting.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Look for gluten-free tortellini at specialty grocers or online, and be sure your chicken broth is gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe with confidence!

What other proteins can I use instead of chicken?

Try sliced turkey breast, shrimp, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version. The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is versatile and delicious with many options.

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe ahead of time for a party?

You can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance and keep them refrigerated. Just cook your tortellini fresh, reheat the sauce gently, then toss everything together right before serving for best texture and flavor.

Why is it called “Marry Me” chicken?

The name comes from the dish’s reputation for being so irresistibly good that it might just prompt a marriage proposal! It’s comfort food with a romantic twist, perfect for sharing at any special meal.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re wooing a loved one or simply treating yourself, this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is a guaranteed showstopper. Creamy, savory, and utterly satisfying, it’s bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try, and get ready for happy sighs and second helpings every time!

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