Marry Me Chicken Tortellini – Creamy, Comforting, and Crave-Worthy

Creamy, savory, and just romantic enough to win hearts, Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is the kind of dish that makes a lasting impression at the dinner table. Inspired by the viral Marry Me Chicken recipe—famous for its rich flavor and supposed proposal-worthy taste—this pasta variation takes things to a new level of indulgence.

The dish blends tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious parmesan cream sauce with cheese-stuffed tortellini. Every bite delivers that perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and herbaceous flavors wrapped in a comforting pasta embrace.

Whether you’re cooking for someone special or just need a weekday dinner that feels indulgent and satisfying, this recipe promises warmth, richness, and a bowl-licking experience.

Ingredients Overview

Let’s break down what makes this dish irresistibly delicious:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here. They’re seared for golden flavor and then simmered in the sauce until juicy. You can also use boneless thighs for a slightly richer taste.

• Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is the perfect pasta base. It adds creaminess and a soft bite to contrast the sauce. Fresh or refrigerated tortellini works best, but frozen will do with a few extra minutes of cook time.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Their slightly tart, savory depth cuts through the richness of the cream. Use oil-packed tomatoes for added flavor.

• Heavy Cream: This is the foundation of the sauce, providing velvety texture and indulgent flavor. Half-and-half can be used for a lighter result, though it may be less thick.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce, adding salty, nutty complexity. Avoid pre-shredded varieties, which don’t melt as well.

• Garlic and Onion: These aromatics lay down a savory foundation for the sauce. Minced garlic and finely chopped shallot or yellow onion both work well.

• Chicken Broth: A splash of broth stretches the sauce and deepens the savory flavor. Use low-sodium to control salt levels.

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary adds a rustic, earthy note.

• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat that elevates the sauce without overwhelming it.

• Olive Oil & Butter: Used for sautéing, this combination helps develop a flavorful golden crust on the chicken and adds richness to the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Start by slicing your chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and a bit of Italian seasoning.

2. Sear the Chicken:
   In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and butter until shimmering. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate and tent with foil.

3. Sauté the Aromatics:
   In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

4. Deglaze & Build the Sauce:
   Pour in chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan, whisking until melted and smooth.

5. Simmer the Tortellini:
   Add uncooked tortellini to the sauce. Cover and let simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tortellini is tender and the sauce has thickened. If it gets too thick, splash in extra broth or cream.

6. Slice the Chicken:
   While the tortellini cooks, slice the seared chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Return it to the pan once the tortellini is nearly done.

7. Finish & Serve:
   Stir everything together gently and taste for seasoning. Add red pepper flakes for heat, and an extra sprinkle of parmesan for richness. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley before serving.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

• Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based heavy cream alternative and omit the cheese, or use dairy-free parmesan-style cheese. The texture will still be creamy with a slightly different finish.

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

• Add-Ins: A handful of spinach or kale stirred in at the end adds color and nutrients. Roasted red peppers also complement the flavors beautifully.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortellini or substitute with gluten-free penne or fusilli and simmer it separately before adding to the sauce.

• Make-Ahead Tip: You can cook the chicken and prep the sauce a day ahead, then finish by simmering the tortellini right before serving.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairs wonderfully with:

• A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Garlic bread or toasted sourdough

• Roasted asparagus or broccolini on the side

• A chilled glass of Chardonnay or sparkling water with citrus

It’s perfect for romantic dinners, cozy fall and winter evenings, or even as a show-stopping main at a dinner party. It also works well for meal prepping — the flavors deepen beautifully as it sits.

Nutritional & Health Notes

This dish is hearty and indulgent, primarily due to its cream base and cheese-filled pasta. Each serving delivers a comforting balance of protein from the chicken, carbs from the tortellini, and fats from the cream and cheese.

If you’re aiming for a lighter version, consider:

• Using grilled chicken breast and reducing the cream by half

• Substituting in cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles for the tortellini

• Adding more veggies like spinach or broccoli to bulk up the dish with fiber

Portion control is key, as the richness can sneak up on you. Served with a light salad or vegetable side, it rounds out into a well-balanced meal.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works well. Simply increase the simmer time by 2–3 minutes. Avoid overcooking, as it can become mushy in the sauce.

Q2: What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can substitute with roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes sautéed until slightly caramelized. While the flavor won’t be as tangy, it will still be delicious.

Q3: How can I make this spicier?
Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the garlic. For even more heat, drizzle with chili oil before serving.

Q4: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Shred pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and stir it in during the final minutes of cooking. This shortcut makes the dish even faster.

Q5: How long does it keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it will keep for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Q6: Is this kid-friendly?
Very much so. The creamy sauce and cheesy tortellini are popular with kids. If serving to children, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.

Q7: Can I freeze it?
It’s not ideal for freezing due to the cream and tortellini, which can separate and soften too much upon reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

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