Marry me chicekn tortellini Recipe

The Best Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Pasta lovers find their ultimate comfort in this marry me chicken tortellini that promises culinary romance.

Creamy textures blend with tender chicken and soft tortellini shells.

Delicate herbs whisper subtle Italian inspiration across each delectable bite.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel like passionate culinary adventures waiting to unfold.

Rich parmesan and garlic create layers of irresistible flavor that dance together.

Unexpected ingredients elevate this simple dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

One forkful might just convince someone to propose marriage – or at least request seconds.

Chicken Tortellini Leftover Advice

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore sauce consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
  • Place in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Check temperature before serving.

What Goes Well With Chicken Tortellini

  • Savor Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay that complements the creamy sauce and cuts through its richness.
  • Enhance Protein Companion: Select a light side salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's heavy cream and provide fresh, zesty contrast.
  • Create Bread Sidekick: Serve warm garlic bread or toasted focaccia to soak up the delicious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, adding texture and extra flavor dimension.
  • Elevate Herb Freshness: Sprinkle extra fresh basil or parsley just before serving to brighten the dish's overall taste profile and add a vibrant green garnish.

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Pasta Versions

  • Vegetarian Cheese Tortellini Delight: Replace chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms or crispy tofu cubes, maintaining the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and tortellini base for a plant-based protein option.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Use gluten-free flour for chicken coating, substitute regular tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Alternative: Swap tortellini with spiralized zucchini noodles, keeping the rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce and seasoned chicken for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal option.
  • Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Adaptation: Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese, and maintain the original herb and spice profile for a dairy-sensitive version.

FAQs

  • What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They cook evenly, absorb flavors well, and provide a lean protein source for the dish.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour for dredging the chicken and choose gluten-free tortellini. Double-check all ingredient labels to ensure they are gluten-free.

  • How spicy is this dish?

The recipe has mild flavor with a hint of warmth from red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes according to your preference.

  • Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Marry me chicken tortellini uses affordable ingredients like chicken, tortellini, and pantry staples. It’s an economical meal that looks and tastes gourmet without breaking the bank.

Why This Chicken Tortellini Deserves a Place in Your Weekly Menu

  • Speedy Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this delicious marry me chicken tortellini in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Quick-Cooking Comfort: Enjoy a creamy, flavorful dish that combines crispy seasoned chicken, tender tortellini, and a rich sun-dried tomato sauce that will make everyone at the table ask for seconds.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adapt this recipe for different tastes by swapping tortellini types, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to suit everyone from kids to adventurous eaters.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Create an impressive meal using common pantry staples and just one skillet, minimizing kitchen cleanup and maximizing deliciousness with minimal effort.

Chicken Tortellini (Marry Me Style) Ingredients

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender meat that forms the base of the dish, best when fresh and of high quality.
  • Tortellini: Stuffed pasta that adds richness and texture to the meal.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Flour, Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Create a flavorful coating for the chicken, helps develop a crispy exterior.
Sauce Components:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich flavor and help with cooking the chicken and creating a smooth sauce.
  • Minced Garlic: Adds deep, aromatic flavor to the dish.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Bring a tangy and concentrated tomato flavor.
  • Tomato Paste: Enhances the tomato depth and helps thicken the sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a liquid base for the sauce with added savory notes.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious, creamy texture to the sauce.
Cheese and Herbs:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
  • Fresh Basil or Parsley: Offers a fresh, bright garnish to finish the dish.
Optional Spice:
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a subtle heat and optional kick to the dish.

Chicken Tortellini Simmering Steps

Step 1: Coat Chicken with Savory Spices

Mix together flour, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika in a bowl.

Dredge chicken pieces thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure each piece is completely covered.

Gently shake off any extra flour coating.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the flour-coated chicken into the hot pan.

Cook until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until it becomes wonderfully aromatic.

Toss in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste, allowing them to develop deep flavors for about a minute.

Pour chicken broth into the pan, scraping up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom.

Stir in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Italian seasoning
  • Dried parsley
  • Additional salt

Let the sauce simmer and slightly thicken for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Tortellini

Cook frozen tortellini following package instructions.

Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the creamy sauce.

Add the tortellini and stir in Parmesan cheese until it melts completely.

Taste and adjust seasonings with extra salt or red pepper flakes if needed.

Sprinkle with additional Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Pasta Tips for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

  • Use a shallow dish for dredging to ensure even, light flour coverage and prevent clumping.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to thicken without burning, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Toast dried herbs briefly in the pan before adding liquid to enhance their aromatic qualities and release more intense flavors.
  • Select fresh or high-quality frozen tortellini for better taste and texture, avoiding mushy or bland store-brand options.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to personal heat preference, adding gradually to control the final dish's spiciness without overwhelming other flavors.
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Marry me chicekn tortellini Recipe

Marry me chicekn tortellini Recipe


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4.5 from 34 reviews

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

Description

Silky marry me chicken tortellini elevates comfort food with luxurious Italian-inspired flavors. Creamy parmesan sauce and tender chicken create an irresistible pasta experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasoning & Coating:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Cooking & Sauce Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
  • 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 19 ounces (540g) frozen cheese tortellini
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Craft a seasoned flour blend by mixing flour with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika in a shallow dish.
  2. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in the prepared flour mixture, ensuring an even, light layer while shaking off excess seasoning.
  3. Heat a combination of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium temperature, creating a golden cooking surface.
  4. Carefully place floured chicken into the skillet, cooking until each piece develops a rich, golden-brown exterior and reaches complete internal doneness, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  5. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside, keeping it warm for later incorporation.
  6. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until its aromatic essence releases, which takes roughly 30 seconds.
  7. Introduce chopped sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste, allowing them to meld and intensify flavors for an additional minute.
  8. Deglaze the skillet by pouring in chicken broth, simultaneously scraping up any caramelized remnants from the pan’s bottom.
  9. Incorporate heavy cream, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, and a touch of salt, stirring to create a harmonious sauce.
  10. Allow the sauce to gently simmer, gradually thickening over 2-3 minutes.
  11. Simultaneously, prepare frozen tortellini according to package guidelines, then drain and reserve.
  12. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, combining it with the creamy sauce.
  13. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture, stirring until it melts completely and creates a luxurious, smooth consistency.
  14. Taste and adjust seasoning, potentially adding extra salt or red pepper flakes for desired flavor profile.
  15. Finish the dish by garnishing with additional Parmesan and freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Enhance chicken flavor by marinating in buttermilk for 30 minutes before coating, which tenderizes and adds subtle tanginess.
  • Control sauce thickness by gradually adding cream, allowing it to reduce naturally for a more concentrated flavor profile.
  • Substitute tortellini with whole wheat or gluten-free versions for dietary accommodations without compromising taste texture.
  • Prevent sauce separation by using low heat and stirring constantly when adding cheese, ensuring smooth creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 738
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 868mg
  • Fat: 45g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 19g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 56g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 31g
  • Cholesterol: 152mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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