One weekend, I decided to try something a little extra special for a family dinner. I had heard of the famous Marry Me Chicken recipe, but I wanted to give it a twist. That’s when I thought, why not combine the creamy richness of chicken with tender, cheesy tortellini? As soon as I served it, my husband and kids were hooked! The flavors, paired with soft cheese tortellini, created the perfect comfort dish. This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe has quickly become a family favorite, and I’m sure it’ll win over your household, too.
Why Is My Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe Unique?
What makes this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini dish so unique is the blend of indulgent flavors with a home-cooked feel. While traditional Marry Me Chicken is served with plain pasta or mashed potatoes, adding tender chicken and cheesy tortellini takes it up a notch. The creamy sauce, enhanced with dried tomatoes and parmesan, gives the dish a robust flavor. Whether you’re looking for a special dinner or a weeknight treat, this is the best Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe you’ll want to try!
Ingredients List for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious dish:
- 500g chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 250g cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
This tortellini pasta recipe uses simple yet flavorful ingredients to create a creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken and cheese-filled tortellini.
Substitutions and Variations
If you need to adjust for different preferences or dietary needs, here are some great alternatives:
- Chicken substitutions: Swap chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Tortellini variations: If you prefer a different pasta, try using spinach tortellini or a chicken tortellini instead.
- Vegetarian option: You can skip the chicken and use mushrooms or add spinach to create a vegetarian version of this tortellini recipe.
- Healthier variation: For a lighter take, you could opt for a healthy chicken and tortellini recipe by using low-fat cream and whole-wheat tortellini.
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season your thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tender chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and diced onions. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Add red pepper flakes if you want a little heat, or for a sweeter touch, you could stir in a little tomato sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
While the sauce is simmering, cook the cheese tortellini in a separate pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini). Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Simmer everything together for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. Add the cooked cheesy tortellini and toss to coat it in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top and stir it in until melted.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving. Enjoy this easy Marry Me Chicken with tortellini warm!
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
- Overcooking the chicken: Thinly sliced chicken can cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook it, or it’ll become tough. Keep an eye on it during cooking.
- Undercooking tortellini: Make sure the tortellini is al dente to avoid a mushy texture.
- Too much cream: Too much cream can overpower the dish, so stick to the measurements for the right balance.
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Serving and Presentation Tips
For a visually stunning presentation, serve your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in wide, shallow bowls. Garnish with extra fresh basil, some grated parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.
If you want to elevate the dish further, serve it alongside a light chicken tortellini soup for a complete and cozy dinner.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
This dish works beautifully as a standalone meal but also pairs wonderfully with sides. Here are a few ideas on how to serve it:
- With garlic bread: The garlicky crunch of the bread complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Grilled vegetables: Lightly grilled zucchini or bell peppers make great sides, adding color and flavor.
- On a griddle: Want some charred flavor? You can use a griddle to lightly toast the chicken before adding it to the sauce for a subtle smoky flavor.
Extra Recipe Tips for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
- Spinach addition: To add more color and nutrients, stir in a handful of fresh spinach into the sauce before serving. It will wilt beautifully into the creamy sauce, giving a perfect balance of richness and freshness. It’s also great if you want to create a Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe with spinach.
- Make ahead: You can cook the chicken and sauce in advance, then simply add the tortellini right before serving for a quick, stress-free meal.
- Leftover ideas: Leftovers make a great lunch! Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat over low heat to keep the sauce creamy.
FAQs
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative.
What type of tortellini works best?
Cheese tortellini is my go-to for this recipe, but you can also use spinach or chicken tortellini if you prefer.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the chicken and sauce. Cook the tortellini fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture.
Can I make this a soup?
Absolutely! By adding extra chicken broth and adjusting the cream, you can easily transform this dish into a cozy chicken tortellini soup.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that will truly impress your loved ones, this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is the one! It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor—perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe: Creamy & Irresistible!
4
servings10
minutes25
minutes300
kcalThis creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe will leave your family and guests wanting more! Tender chicken, cheese tortellini, and sun-dried tomatoes come together for a perfect comforting meal.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
4 boneless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
Fresh basil for garnish
Directions
- Season and Cook Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spices:
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.
- Cook Tortellini:
- In a separate pot, cook cheese tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Chicken and Tortellini:
- Slice the cooked chicken breasts and add them back to the skillet. Stir in the cooked tortellini and let everything simmer for a few minutes to combine flavors.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- -For added flavor, try using a pinch of smoked paprika or lemon zest in the sauce.
-You can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier option.