Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Dreamy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe That Seals The Deal

This creamy marry me chicken tortellini brings passion to your dinner table with unexpected flavors that spark conversation.

Rich cream sauces dance around tender pasta rings and succulent chicken pieces.

Mediterranean herbs whisper romance through each carefully crafted bite.

Garlic and sun-dried tomatoes create an irresistible melody of taste sensations.

Parmesan cheese adds delightful depth and complexity to the dish.

Weeknight meals never looked this elegant or felt this exciting.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this culinary love letter.

Why Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Is Always a Hit

  • Combines creamy parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and tender chicken, creating a mouthwatering blend of rich, tangy, and savory notes that will make taste buds dance.
  • Adaptable recipe that works for casual family dinners, date nights, or impromptu gatherings, satisfying different palates with its comforting and indulgent profile.
  • Uses only one skillet for the main sauce, reducing kitchen mess and making post-dinner cleanup a breeze, which busy home cooks will absolutely appreciate.

What Goes in Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breast: Tender meat that creates the main protein for the dish, works best when fresh and cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that adds substance and comfort to the meal, prefers refrigerated or fresh varieties for better texture.
Dairy and Cream Components:
  • Heavy Cream: Rich base for the sauce that provides luxurious smoothness and depth.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that helps thicken the sauce and adds complex flavor, best when freshly grated.
  • Chicken Broth: Liquid that enhances the sauce's depth and helps create balanced consistency.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps sear chicken and provides subtle background flavor, extra virgin recommended.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that gives sharp and warm undertones to the entire dish.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intense and slightly sweet element that brings Mediterranean character.
  • Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that provides traditional Mediterranean profile.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice component that adds gentle heat.
Finishing Touches:
  • Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Bright green herbs for garnish and fresh flavor accent.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings for enhancing overall taste.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium flame. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Cook chicken until golden and fully done, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 2: Create Dreamy Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, toss in minced garlic and cook until aromatic. Add:
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes

Stir ingredients and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Melt and Blend Flavors

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and sauce turns silky smooth. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, letting it bathe in the luxurious sauce for 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Tortellini

Boil tortellini in a separate pot following package directions. Drain pasta thoroughly. Gently fold tortellini into the chicken and sauce, ensuring every piece gets coated with the creamy goodness.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top. Serve hot and watch everyone fall in love with this irresistible dish.

Chef Tips for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

  • Select Quality Chicken: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are similar in size for even cooking and consistent flavor throughout the dish.
  • Control Cream Sauce Consistency: Simmer the sauce gently to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy texture without burning or curdling.
  • Perfect Tortellini Timing: Cook tortellini just until al dente to maintain a tender texture and prevent mushiness when mixed with the sauce.
  • Balance Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes according to personal heat preference, starting with a small amount and incrementally adding more for desired kick.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese while stirring constantly to ensure smooth integration and prevent clumping in the sauce.

Reheat and Store Your Chicken Tortellini

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to prevent drying out and maintain sauce consistency.
  • Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent tortellini from becoming rubbery.
  • Freeze without basil garnish in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Pairing Suggestions for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

  • Pair this creamy, rich tortellini dish with a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the heaviness and complement the sun-dried tomato flavors.
  • Serve alongside a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and add a bright, zesty contrast to the creamy sauce.
  • Add crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce, providing a perfect textural companion that enhances the overall dining experience.
  • Choose a sparkling water with a slice of lemon or a light citrus-infused mocktail to cleanse the palate between bites of the decadent chicken tortellini.

Ways to Remix Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using vegetable broth for the sauce and maintaining the creamy texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap tortellini with gluten-free cheese-filled pasta or zucchini noodles, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute tortellini with cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the rich, creamy sauce.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan, and ensure all other ingredients are dairy-free.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 32 reviews

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

Description

Irresistible marry me chicken tortellini promises pure comfort with Italian-inspired elegance. Creamy parmesan sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy tortellini create a romantic dinner that draws guests closer with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 lb (454 grams) chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Pasta and Seasoning:

  • 1 package (20 ounces / 567 grams) cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare protein by seasoning chicken with salt and pepper, then sear in hot olive oil until golden and fully cooked through, creating a rich caramelized exterior. Transfer to a separate plate.
  2. Utilize the same skillet to bloom minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence for approximately one minute. Introduce heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes, creating a luxurious base that develops complex flavor profiles.
  3. Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese into the simmering liquid, whisking until the sauce transforms into a silky, uniform consistency. Return seared chicken to the skillet, allowing it to absorb the robust sauce’s nuances for several minutes.
  4. Simultaneously cook tortellini in a separate pot according to package guidance, ensuring perfectly tender pasta. Once drained, gently fold the tortellini into the creamy sauce, ensuring each piece becomes thoroughly coated with the rich, savory mixture.
  5. Elevate the dish’s presentation by scattering fresh basil or parsley across the surface, creating a vibrant, aromatic finish. Serve immediately to preserve the optimal temperature and textural integrity of the meal.

Notes

  • Opt for high-quality, fresh tortellini to elevate the dish’s overall flavor and texture.
  • Choose sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for a richer, more intense taste that complements the creamy sauce.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level, making the recipe adaptable for different spice preferences.
  • Consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more tender and juicy protein option that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 690
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star