Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

If you’re looking for a romantic, restaurant-quality meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious, then Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is the perfect dish! This recipe takes the classic Marry Me Chicken—famous for its creamy, rich sauce and tender chicken—and pairs it with cheese-filled tortellini for an even more indulgent experience.

Why is it called Marry Me Chicken? Because it’s so flavorful and irresistible that anyone who eats it might just propose! This dish is packed with tender chicken, cheese-stuffed tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, making it the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re making it for a date night, family dinner, or special occasion, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s dive into this creamy, dreamy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe that’s guaranteed to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich & Creamy Sauce – Made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes for the ultimate indulgence.
• Tender, Flavorful Chicken – Perfectly seasoned and pan-seared for extra juiciness.
• Cheese-Filled Tortellini – Adds a delicious, cheesy bite that pairs perfectly with the sauce.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 40 minutes, making it great for weeknights or special occasions.
• Romantic & Elegant – A dish that feels fancy but is super simple to make!

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving Size: 1 plate of tortellini with chicken

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 620
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Tortellini:

• 1 (20-ounce) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)

For the Marry Me Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for depth of flavor)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish & Serving:

• ¼ cup extra Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• Cracked black pepper, to taste
• Garlic bread or side salad (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

• Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
• Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken cutlets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 2: Cook the Tortellini

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes for fresh, 8-10 minutes for frozen).
• Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Marry Me Sauce

• Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
• Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
• Reduce heat to medium-low and add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, and black pepper.
• Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Combine Everything

• Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.
• Add the drained tortellini to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce.
• Stir in the sliced chicken, allowing everything to warm through for 2 minutes.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
• Add a touch of cracked black pepper for extra flavor.
• Serve immediately with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables.
• Enjoy your creamy, indulgent Marry Me Chicken Tortellini!

Ingredient Background

Why Use Cheese Tortellini?

Tortellini is soft, cheesy, and holds sauce beautifully. The creamy, cheese-filled pasta pairs perfectly with the rich, flavorful sauce, making every bite decadent and satisfying.

Why Sun-Dried Tomatoes?

Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet-tangy depth to the dish. Their concentrated tomato flavor enhances the richness of the creamy Parmesan sauce.

Why Dijon Mustard?

Dijon mustard enhances the sauce with a slight tang and depth of flavor, balancing the creaminess without overpowering it.

Technique Tips

• Use room-temperature chicken for even cooking.
• Sear chicken well for the best golden-brown crust.
• Save pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
• Simmer sauce gently to avoid curdling.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil for 3 minutes.
• Spicy Marry Me Chicken: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Vegetarian Option: Use mushrooms or spinach instead of chicken.

Additional Tips for Success

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting quality.
• Don’t overcook tortellini—it should be al dente.
• Pair with wine like a Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio for a perfect match.

Recipe Variations

1. Low-Carb Marry Me Chicken

• Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi instead of tortellini.

2. Marry Me Chicken with Spinach

• Add 2 cups of fresh spinach to the sauce before adding tortellini.

3. Vegan Marry Me Tortellini

• Use plant-based tortellini and coconut cream instead of dairy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes! Frozen tortellini works just as well as fresh. You will need to increase the cooking time to 8-10 minutes, or follow the package instructions. Be sure to drain the pasta well to prevent excess water from thinning out the sauce. If using frozen tortellini, consider slightly undercooking it so it finishes cooking in the sauce for maximum flavor.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a great make-ahead meal. To prepare in advance:

• Cook the sauce and chicken ahead of time, then store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• When ready to serve, boil the tortellini fresh and toss everything together in a skillet. This prevents the pasta from becoming too soft or absorbing too much sauce.

If you need to make the entire dish ahead of time, slightly undercook the tortellini so it doesn’t get too soft when reheated.

3. What’s the best way to reheat Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?

Since this dish has a creamy sauce, it’s best to reheat it gently to prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming too thick. Here’s how:

• Stovetop (Best Method): Heat a skillet over low heat and add the leftovers with a splash of milk, heavy cream, or chicken broth. Stir frequently until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish with a tablespoon of broth or milk. Cover loosely and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warm.
• Oven: If reheating a large batch, place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, stirring once halfway through.

Avoid high heat to keep the sauce from separating!

4. Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?

Yes, but with some adjustments. Cream-based sauces don’t always freeze well as they can separate when reheated. To freeze successfully:

• Freeze without the tortellini – Store just the chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, cook fresh tortellini and toss everything together.
• If freezing the full dish, slightly undercook the tortellini so it doesn’t get too soft when reheated.

To reheat from frozen:

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop with extra cream or broth.

5. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! If you don’t have tortellini, you can use:

• Ravioli – Another stuffed pasta option that works well with the creamy sauce.
• Fettuccine or penne – Great for soaking up the sauce.
• Gnocchi – Soft potato dumplings that pair wonderfully with the creamy texture.

If using non-stuffed pasta, consider adding extra Parmesan or a touch more cream for richness.

6. How do I make this dish spicier?

If you love a little heat, try these additions:

• Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or more.
• Add a dash of hot sauce or sriracha to the sauce.
• Use spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken for a bolder flavor.

7. Can I make this dish without dairy?

Yes! To make a dairy-free version, use these substitutions:

• Coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
• Dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Olive oil instead of butter.

The flavor will be slightly different but still rich and creamy!

8. Can I use sun-dried tomatoes in oil instead of dry ones?

Yes! Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil are softer and more flavorful than dry ones. If using, drain them well and reduce the amount of added oil in the recipe to avoid excess grease.

9. What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?

This dish is rich and creamy, so a lighter side works well. Some great options include:

• Garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• Roasted vegetables – Such as asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli.
• A crisp green salad – With balsamic vinaigrette or lemon dressing.

10. Can I cook the chicken differently?

Yes! While pan-searing creates the best texture, you can also:

• Bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, then slice before adding to the sauce.
• Shred a rotisserie chicken for a faster meal.
• Grill the chicken for a smoky flavor before adding it to the sauce.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a rich, creamy, and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or even date nights. With its cheese-stuffed pasta, tender chicken, and velvety sun-dried tomato sauce, this recipe is truly love at first bite!

Now that you have all the tips, substitutions, and storage options, you can make this dish perfectly every time. Try it tonight and see why it’s so unforgettable!

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