Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a dish that promises to win over hearts and taste buds alike—it’s comfort on a plate. Imagine creamy pasta enveloped around tender chicken and sun-dried tomatoes, all bound together by a rich sauce that’s both luscious and inviting. This recipe is not just another meal; it’s a declaration of love that tantalizes your senses and warms your soul. If you’re looking for a delightful main course that’s easy to make, then this step-by-step recipe is just what you need.

Why not gather the family together for a quick, delectable dinner that brings smiles around the table?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons why Marry Me Chicken Tortellini deserves a spot in your recipe rotation. For one, it features easy prep that can be completed in less than 30 minutes, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights. Not only is it family-friendly, but it also combines minimal ingredients to deliver a flavorful punch. You don’t have to be a seasoned chef to create this dish—anyone can succeed with this straightforward recipe.

Plus, the rich, creamy sauce and the savory notes from the sun-dried tomatoes elevates your regular chicken and pasta dish into something special. Who wouldn’t want to impress your loved ones with such a heartwarming meal?

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

To make this utterly delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) – tender pieces of protein that absorb flavors beautifully.
• 1 tbsp olive oil – for that perfect cooking base, adding richness.
• Salt and pepper to taste – simple seasoning to enhance every bite.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced) – the aromatic backbone of our sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream – creating a decadent, velvety texture.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth – the flavorful liquid that makes the sauce sing.
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – for a gentle kick.
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) – adding a touch of sweetness and tang.
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated) – infusing salty, nutty notes.
• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded) – bringing a stretchy, gooey delight.
• 1 package cheese tortellini (about 9 oz) – the star of the dish, wrapped around delicious cheese fillings.
• Fresh basil (for garnish) – a fragrant finishing touch that brightens the dish.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the tortellini: Begin by preparing the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Season and cook the chicken: Generously season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and then cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

3. Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes wonderfully fragrant.

4. Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add in the optional red pepper flakes and the sun-dried tomatoes. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-4 minutes so the flavors can meld beautifully.

5. Melt the cheese: Stir in the grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese until it melts into a rich, creamy sauce.

6. Add the chicken: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet, mixing it well into the creamy sauce.

7. Combine with tortellini: Add the cooked tortellini into the skillet and gently stir to coat every piece in that delicious creamy sauce.

8. Garnish and serve: Finally, garnish your dish with fresh basil for a lovely burst of color and fragrance. Serve hot and share your culinary love story!

Tips & Tricks for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

To elevate your dish even further, consider some of these chef’s secrets and optional extras. For an extra layer of depth, marinate the chicken for an hour in olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper before cooking. This simple step will allow the flavors to infuse into the chicken more profoundly.

If you’d like a veggie boost, throw in some spinach or kale right before adding the tortellini. They’ll cook down beautifully, adding both nutrition and color. Lastly, don’t shy away from playing with cheeses; swapping in a little goat cheese or ricotta for part of the mozzarella can add a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is delightful on its own, yet it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess of the dish. Artisan bread, warm from the oven, is perfect for soaking up the residual sauce on your plate. For a drink, serve with a refreshing lemon-infused iced tea or a crisp, non-alcoholic sparkling drink to balance the richness of the meal.

Nutritional Information

While indulging in Marry Me Chicken Tortellini can be a treat, it’s also essential to be mindful of its nutritional components. Each serving contains around 620 calories, with a blend of protein from chicken and cheese, carbohydrates from the tortellini, and fats from the cream and cheeses. For a healthier version, consider substituting half the heavy cream with a low-fat alternative or using whole grain tortellini to increase fiber content.

Storing Tips & Variations for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

To store any leftovers, allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re planning to freeze it, divide into portions and store in freezer-safe bags for up to a month. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain that creamy texture.

For different flavors, try swapping out the sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers or adding a handful of peas for sweetness. You can also experiment with different pasta shapes or types—like spinach tortellini for an added green twist.

Conclusion for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

If you’re ready to whip up a dish that’s not just food but a recipe for love, then Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is your perfect choice. Whether it’s for a casual family dinner or a special date night, this creamy, comforting dish will win over anyone who takes a bite. Go ahead, try this recipe right away and fall in love with cooking all over again.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or a low-fat cooking cream for a lighter version.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, but cooking times may vary.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes! You can freeze it for up to a month. Just make sure it cools down completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Don’t overcook the chicken! Using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F can help achieve perfect results.

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich sauce, perfect for a heartwarming meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 620

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 pieces chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) Tender pieces of protein that absorb flavors beautifully.
• 1 tbsp olive oil For that perfect cooking base, adding richness.
• to taste salt and pepper Simple seasoning to enhance every bite.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced) The aromatic backbone of our sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream Creating a decadent, velvety texture.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth The flavorful liquid that makes the sauce sing.
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) For a gentle kick.
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) Adding a touch of sweetness and tang.
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated) Infusing salty, nutty notes.
• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded) Bringing a stretchy, gooey delight.
• 1 package cheese tortellini (about 9 oz) The star of the dish, wrapped around delicious cheese fillings.
• Fresh basil (for garnish) A fragrant finishing touch that brightens the dish.

Method

 

Cooking Tortellini

1. Begin by preparing the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Cooking Chicken

1. Generously season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and then cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through and golden brown.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Making the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes wonderfully fragrant.
2. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
3. Add in the optional red pepper flakes and the sun-dried tomatoes. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-4 minutes so the flavors can meld beautifully.
4. Stir in the grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese until it melts into a rich, creamy sauce.

Combining Ingredients

1. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet, mixing it well into the creamy sauce.
2. Add the cooked tortellini into the skillet and gently stir to coat every piece in that delicious creamy sauce.

Serving

1. Finally, garnish your dish with fresh basil for a lovely burst of color and fragrance.
2. Serve hot and share your culinary love story!

Notes

To elevate your dish even further, consider marinating the chicken for an hour in olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper before cooking. For a veggie boost, throw in some spinach or kale right before adding the tortellini. You can also experiment with different cheeses or pastas.