Dreamy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Say ‘I Do’ to This Dreamy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Tender chicken meets creamy tortellini in a romance of flavors that will make your taste buds fall head over heels.

This marry me chicken tortellini recipe promises a delightful culinary experience that’s both comforting and elegant.

Perfectly seasoned chicken nestles among soft, cheesy tortellini, creating a dish that’s hard to resist.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this mouthwatering combination.

The rich, creamy sauce brings a touch of indulgence to your plate, making every bite feel like a special occasion.

Packed with bold herbs and a hint of parmesan, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite at your dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredient List For Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

For Base Proteins:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that provides a hearty foundation, select fresh cuts with minimal fat for tender, juicy results.
  • Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that adds rich texture and comfort, choose fresh or refrigerated for best flavor and authentic Italian taste.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Creates golden sear and adds subtle fruity undertones, opt for extra virgin for maximum flavor depth.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that builds intense savory base, select firm, plump cloves with no green sprouts.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated sweet-tangy component that brings Mediterranean brightness, choose soft, pliable pieces packed in olive oil.
  • Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that delivers classic Mediterranean warmth, look for freshly ground mixtures without excessive salt.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice element that introduces gentle heat, adjust quantity based on personal heat tolerance.
For Creamy Binding Elements:
  • Heavy Cream: Luxurious sauce creator that provides silky richness, select high-fat content cream for superior texture.
  • Chicken Broth: Liquid base that adds depth and moisture, choose low-sodium versions for better flavor control.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty finishing touch that thickens sauce, grate fresh wheel for most vibrant taste.
  • Fresh Basil or Parsley: Bright garnish that adds fresh herbal note, select crisp, deeply green leaves for maximum flavor.

Kitchen Tools For Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

  • Large Skillet: Essential for browning chicken and creating creamy sauce directly in the pan.
  • Cooking Pot: Perfect for boiling tortellini to tender perfection.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir sauce and gently toss ingredients without scratching skillet.
  • Cutting Board: Useful for prepping garlic and herbs.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for mincing garlic and chopping fresh herbs for garnish.
  • Measuring Spoons: Ensures precise seasoning and spice amounts.
  • Colander: Great for draining cooked tortellini quickly and efficiently.

Cooking Guide For Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Cooking Guide For Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
  • Chicken Preparation

Brown seasoned chicken pieces in a hot skillet until golden, creating a delicious foundation for your meal.

  • Creamy Sauce Magic

Sauté garlic, then blend heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasonings into a luxurious sauce that’ll make taste buds dance.

  • Cheese Transformation

Melt Parmesan into the sauce, creating a silky texture that embraces the chicken and adds rich, tangy depth.

  • Tortellini Adventure

Cook pasta separately, then introduce it to the skillet, allowing the tortellini to soak up all the incredible flavors from the chicken and sauce.

  • Final Touch

Sprinkle fresh herbs over the dish, adding a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire culinary experience.

Tips And Flavors For Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

  • Creamy Perfection Techniques: Whisk the Parmesan slowly into the sauce to prevent clumping and ensure a silky smooth texture.
  • Flavor Boosting Hack: Toast dried herbs briefly in the skillet before adding liquid to intensify their aromatic qualities and deepen the overall taste profile.
  • Dietary Flexibility Options
  • Gluten-Free Swap: Use gluten-free cheese tortellini and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Replace tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter version.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the chicken and sauce up to two days in advance, storing separately in airtight containers. Reheat gently and add fresh tortellini just before serving to maintain optimal texture.
  • Protein Power Variations: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp, tender beef strips, or plant-based chicken alternatives for diverse meal experiences that keep the core flavor profile intact.

Serving Marry Me Chicken Tortellini With Love

  • Cozy Dinner Date Night: Create a romantic atmosphere with soft lighting, candles, and your favorite wine to complement the rich, creamy tortellini dish.
  • Comfort Combo Companion: Serve with a crisp side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the heavy, indulgent sauce and add a fresh contrast.
  • Herb Garden Topping: Sprinkle extra fresh basil or parsley just before serving to boost the aroma and add a vibrant green color that makes the dish pop.
  • Family-Style Feast: Present the skillet directly at the table for a rustic, inviting presentation that encourages sharing and creates a warm dining experience.

Storage Plan For Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

  • Quick Chill Strategy: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Refrigeration Window: Store the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini for 3-4 days in sealed containers, keeping the tortellini and sauce together to preserve moisture and flavor.
  • Freezer-Friendly Hack: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Separate the tortellini from the sauce to prevent texture breakdown during freezing.
  • Reheating Magic: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore sauce consistency and prevent drying out.
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Dreamy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Dreamy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe


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4.8 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Marry me chicken tortellini brings together creamy sauce and tender pasta in a romantic Italian-inspired dish. Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes elevate this crowd-pleasing meal you’ll want to share with someone special.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (20 oz / 567 g) cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
  • 1 lb (454 g) chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Seasoning: Uniformly coat chicken pieces with salt and pepper for robust flavor enhancement.
  2. Searing: Ignite olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, caramelizing chicken until golden and fully cooked, roughly 5-7 minutes.
  3. Flavor Base: Infuse minced garlic into the skillet, releasing its intense aromatic profile while preserving the savory chicken drippings.
  4. Sauce Composition: Craft a velvety sauce by blending heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes, allowing ingredients to harmonize and intensify.
  5. Cheese Integration: Gradually whisk Parmesan into the simmering liquid, transforming the sauce into a luxuriously smooth and creamy consistency.
  6. Protein Reunion: Reintroduce seared chicken to the skillet, allowing it to luxuriate in the decadent sauce for 3-5 minutes, absorbing maximum flavor.
  7. Pasta Preparation: Concurrently cook tortellini in a separate pot until achieving perfect tenderness, then drain thoroughly.
  8. Final Assembly: Gently incorporate tortellini into the chicken-sauce mixture, ensuring each morsel is generously enrobed with the rich, creamy sauce.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley atop the dish, providing a vibrant, herbaceous finish, and present immediately while the sauce remains delightfully warm.

Notes

  • Seasoning Strategy: Generously salt and pepper chicken before searing to enhance natural flavors and create a delicious golden crust.
  • Temperature Control: Maintain medium heat when sautéing to prevent burning garlic and scorching the skillet, which can introduce bitter undertones.
  • Sauce Consistency Tip: Whisk Parmesan cheese slowly and steadily to prevent clumping, creating a smooth, velvety sauce that coats ingredients perfectly.
  • Tortellini Timing: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring a satisfying texture when combined with the creamy sauce.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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