Creamy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Fall in Love with Creamy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Comfort meets romance in this irresistible marry me chicken tortellini that promises to melt hearts with every delectable bite.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among soft, pillowy tortellini swimming in a luxurious, velvety sauce.

Parmesan cheese adds a subtle richness that deepens the dish’s incredible flavor profile.

Weeknight dinners never looked so elegant or tasted so magnificent.

The combination of simple ingredients creates a meal that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Each forkful delivers a harmonious blend of creamy textures and savory notes that transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience.

You won’t be able to resist serving this crowd-pleasing pasta that’s sure to earn some serious kitchen compliments.

Instructions for Cooking Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

  • Fire Up the Flavor Skillet

Grab your chicken pieces and give them a quick salt and pepper sprinkle. Warm up some olive oil in a large skillet and cook the chicken until it turns a beautiful golden brown. Once cooked, set the chicken aside and get ready for.

  • Create a Creamy Sauce Sensation

In the same skillet, toss in minced garlic and let it dance around until it releases its amazing aroma. Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Let everything bubble and mingle.

  • Cheese and Chicken Reunion

Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes silky smooth. Slide the cooked chicken back into the skillet and let it swim in the delicious sauce for a few minutes.

  • Tortellini Tango

Boil the tortellini according to the package instructions in a separate pot. Drain and gently tumble them into the skillet, coating every pasta pillow with the creamy sauce.

  • Serve and Celebrate

Shower your dish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Variations and Tips for Chicken Tortellini

  • Smart Tips and Tasty Twists
  • If the cream sauce seems too thin, whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch or let it simmer longer to naturally reduce and thicken.
  • Replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or plant-based protein alternatives for exciting flavor variations that keep the dish interesting.
  • Skip tortellini and use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to create a lighter, low-carbohydrate version of this delicious meal.
  • Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to make the recipe completely dairy-free without losing rich, creamy texture.
  • Prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, quickly reheat and add freshly cooked tortellini for a fast, stress-free dinner.

Serving Chicken Tortellini with Flavor and Flair

  • Pasta Plate Paradise: Pair this creamy tortellini dish with a crisp green salad for refreshing contrast.
  • Bread Lover's Dream: Serve alongside warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and enhance the meal's richness.
  • Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle extra fresh basil or parsley on top for a vibrant pop of color and bright, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy sauce and cut through its richness.

Chicken Tortellini Storage Tips That Make It Simple

  • Cook extra chicken and sauce to create quick lunch portions for 2-3 days. Store components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent soggy tortellini.
  • Keep prepared dish in sealed containers up to 3-4 days. Store tortellini and sauce separately to prevent pasta from absorbing excess liquid and losing texture.
  • Freeze sauce and chicken without tortellini in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently, adding fresh tortellini when serving to maintain optimal pasta quality.
  • Use portion-sized glass containers for easy grab-and-go meals. Label containers with date and contents to track freshness and quickly identify meals during busy weeks.

FAQs

  • Is Marry Me Chicken Tortellini spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust or skip them completely for a non-spicy version. Control the spice level based on your preference.

  • Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil?

Absolutely! Dried herbs work well. If using dried basil, use about 1 teaspoon instead of fresh leaves. The flavor will still be delicious.

  • What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs are perfect. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easier eating.

  • Do I need to use heavy cream?

Heavy cream creates the richest sauce, but you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. Just note the sauce might be slightly less thick and creamy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 685 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Dish

For Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breast: Tender canvas for flavor absorption, choose fresh, organic cuts for best texture and taste.
  • Tortellini: Cheesy pasta pockets that add luxurious texture and hearty substance to the dish.
For Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates silky, rich base that hugs ingredients with luxurious smoothness.
  • Chicken Broth: Deepens underlying savory notes and adds subtle complexity to sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Brings sharp, nutty depth and helps thicken sauce with its natural creaminess.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Delivers concentrated, tangy sweetness with vibrant Mediterranean character.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blends aromatic herbs that transport your palate to rustic Italian countryside.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spark of heat that awakens taste buds with gentle warmth.
For Aromatics and Finishing Touches:
  • Garlic: Foundational flavor bomb that infuses dish with irresistible depth.
  • Olive Oil: Smooth cooking medium that helps ingredients dance together seamlessly.
  • Fresh Basil or Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish that adds visual appeal and herbal freshness.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning duo that balances and elevates all other flavors.

Tools You’ll Need to Make Chicken Tortellini Shine

  • Large Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the creamy sauce.
  • Separate Pot: Needed to cook tortellini perfectly.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and tossing ingredients.
  • Cutting Board: Used for preparing garlic and herbs.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for mincing garlic and chopping fresh herbs.
  • Measuring Cups/Spoons: Helps measure ingredients accurately.
  • Colander: Useful for draining cooked tortellini.
Print
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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe


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4.9 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Creamy marry me chicken tortellini offers a romantic Italian-inspired dish perfect for date nights. Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs blend seamlessly, creating a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Protein Preparation: Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear in hot olive oil until golden and fully cooked, creating a caramelized exterior before transferring to a separate plate.
  2. Sauce Foundation: In the same skillet, bloom minced garlic briefly, then introduce heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, developing a luxurious flavor base that forms the sauce’s core character.
  3. Sauce Enrichment: Whisk grated Parmesan cheese into the simmering liquid until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Reintroduce seared chicken to the skillet, allowing it to absorb the sauce’s nuanced flavors for several minutes.
  4. Pasta Integration: Cook tortellini according to package instructions until perfectly tender. Drain and gently fold into the creamy sauce, ensuring complete coating and harmonious blending of ingredients.
  5. Final Flourish: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, creating a vibrant visual and aromatic finish. Serve immediately to maintain optimal temperature and textural integrity of the dish.

Notes

  • Sear Chicken Perfectly: Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve a golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and develops rich caramelized flavors.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: Slowly whisk Parmesan cheese to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the tortellini evenly without becoming grainy.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Toast Italian seasoning briefly in the skillet before adding liquids to intensify herb aromatics and create a more complex taste profile.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use gluten-free tortellini to accommodate different dietary restrictions while maintaining the dish’s luxurious essence.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 685
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 22g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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