Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

If you’re looking to impress someone special with a delicious, home-cooked meal, this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe is just what you need. Combining tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and a creamy, flavorful sauce, this dish is as comforting as it is elegant. With sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of garlic, this recipe delivers rich flavors that are sure to win over anyone’s heart. Ready to cook up some love? Let’s dive into this unforgettable recipe!

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What Is Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a variation of the classic “Marry Me Chicken” dish, which is so delicious that it’s rumored to be good enough to inspire a marriage proposal. This version adds cheese-filled tortellini to the mix, making it even more hearty and satisfying. The dish features pan-seared chicken breasts in a creamy sauce made with heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. The addition of tender tortellini makes it a complete meal, perfect for a romantic dinner or a cozy night in.

Ingredients List for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

To create this indulgent dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts (2 large, boneless, skinless): Cut into bite-sized pieces or kept whole for serving.
• Cheese Tortellini (12 oz): Fresh or refrigerated tortellini works best.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes (½ cup): Drained and chopped, packed in oil for extra flavor.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup): For a rich and creamy sauce.
• Chicken Broth (½ cup): Low-sodium preferred to control salt levels.
• Garlic (4 cloves): Minced for a robust garlic flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated): Freshly grated for the best taste.
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For searing the chicken.
• Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness to the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional, ¼ teaspoon): For a touch of heat.
• Fresh Basil (for garnish): Chopped or torn for a fresh finish.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): For seasoning the chicken and sauce.

Ingredients List for the Creamy Sauce

The creamy sauce is the heart of this dish, bringing together all the flavors:

• Heavy Cream (1 cup): The base of the sauce, providing a rich texture.
• Chicken Broth (½ cup): To balance the creaminess and add depth.
• Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated): Melts into the sauce, adding a savory, nutty flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes (½ cup, chopped): Infuse the sauce with their sweet and tangy flavor.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Essential for adding a deep, aromatic base to the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): To infuse the sauce with a blend of herbs.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a slight kick of spice.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is flexible, allowing you to tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs:

• Chicken: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful option. For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with mushrooms or tofu.
• Tortellini: If you can’t find cheese tortellini, any stuffed pasta like ravioli would work as a substitute. You can also use plain pasta, like penne or fettuccine.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers can be a great alternative.
• Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.
• Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano or Asiago can be used in place of Parmesan for a different cheesy flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Feel free to create your own mix using dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust the amount or omit entirely if you prefer a milder dish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a breeze when you follow these steps:

1. Cook the Tortellini: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, typically 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken: While the tortellini is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If you prefer bite-sized pieces, cut the chicken before cooking.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. If using bite-sized pieces, cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.
6. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
7. Combine Chicken and Tortellini: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, along with the cooked tortellini. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken and tortellini are well coated with the sauce.
8. Simmer and Thicken: Let the dish simmer on low for 3-5 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly and allow the flavors to meld together. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes as desired.
9. Garnish and Serve: Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

How to Cook Marry Me Chicken Tortellini: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is easy, even if you’re not an experienced cook. Follow this guide for perfect results:

1. Prepare Ingredients: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are prepped. This includes chopping the sun-dried tomatoes, mincing the garlic, and grating the Parmesan cheese.
2. Timing the Tortellini: Cook the tortellini just before you’re ready to combine it with the sauce. Fresh tortellini cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
3. Searing the Chicken: Sear the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures the chicken browns evenly and develops a nice crust.
4. Building the Sauce: When making the sauce, be sure to stir constantly to prevent the cream from curdling. The sauce should be smooth and creamy, not too thick or too thin.
5. Balancing Flavors: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. The Parmesan adds saltiness, so be cautious with additional salt.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Marry Me Chicken Tortellini:

• Overcooking the Tortellini: Overcooked tortellini can become mushy. Follow the package instructions carefully and drain them promptly.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly and can become bitter. Sauté it just until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds, before adding other ingredients.
• Curdling the Sauce: High heat can cause the cream to curdle. Keep the heat at a simmer and stir the sauce frequently.
• Under-seasoning: The sauce should be flavorful, so don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Remember, Parmesan cheese is salty, so taste before adding extra salt.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key to making this dish even more special. Here’s how to serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini:

• Plating: Serve the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in a large, shallow dish to showcase the creamy sauce and colorful ingredients. You can also serve it directly from the skillet for a rustic, cozy feel.
• Garnish: Top with freshly chopped basil, extra grated Parmesan, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a burst of color and flavor.
• Side Dishes: Pair the dish with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to round out the meal.
• Wine Pairing: A glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, complements the rich, creamy sauce beautifully.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions:

• Family Style: Serve the dish in a large skillet or dish and let everyone help themselves. This is great for a casual dinner with family or friends.
• Individual Portions: For a more formal presentation, plate individual portions and garnish each one with basil and Parmesan.
• Accompaniments: Serve with crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce, or add a side of steamed or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Presentation Ideas for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Make your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini look as good as it tastes with these presentation ideas:

• Herb Garnish: Use whole basil leaves or finely chopped parsley for a fresh, green garnish.
• Cheese Shavings: Instead of grated Parmesan, use a vegetable peeler to shave thin slices of Parmesan over the dish.
• Rustic Style: Serve the dish in a cast-iron skillet or ceramic baking dish for a rustic, homestyle feel.
• Elegant Touch: For a more elegant presentation, serve the tortellini on white plates, allowing the colors of the dish to stand out.

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe Tips

To ensure your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tortellini, Parmesan, and basil will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of the dish.
• Cook Tortellini Last: Cook the tortellini right before you’re ready to combine it with the sauce to prevent it from becoming too soft.
• Balance Creaminess: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.
• Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper gradually, tasting as you go, to avoid over-seasoning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: While Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time. Cook the tortellini just before serving and combine everything in the skillet to heat through.

Q: Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers. However, the sauce may separate slightly upon reheating. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently in a skillet, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency.

Q: What if I don’t have tortellini?
A: If you don’t have tortellini, you can use other pasta like ravioli, gnocchi, or even penne. The dish will still be delicious!

Q: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
A: Yes, you can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the sauce may be less rich and creamy. If you use half-and-half, consider adding a bit more Parmesan to help thicken the sauce.

Q: How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
A: You can easily add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. Sauté the vegetables after the chicken, before making the sauce, and then continue with the recipe.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a dish that’s sure to impress, whether you’re cooking for a special someone or treating yourself to a comforting, delicious meal. With its tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheese-filled tortellini, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create something truly spectacular. Follow the steps, tips, and variations provided to customize the dish to your liking. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy the delicious results!

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