Introduction:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Elevate the already legendary “Marry Me Chicken” to a whole new level of deliciousness with this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe! Imagine the same iconic, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, but now lovingly embracing tender, cheese-filled tortellini instead of pasta strands. This dish is an absolute dream – comforting, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress. It’s the perfect way to show someone you care (or simply treat yourself to something extraordinary!).
This recipe takes everything you love about the original Marry Me Chicken – the rich, garlicky, herb-infused cream sauce and savory chicken – and pairs it with the delightful bite and cheesy pockets of tortellini. It’s a textural and flavor masterpiece that’s still surprisingly easy to prepare. You get a gourmet experience without spending hours in the kitchen, making it ideal for weeknight indulgence or special occasions.
Get ready to experience a pasta dish that’s even more satisfying and craveable than you thought possible. The creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce clings beautifully to the tortellini, filling each bite with incredible flavor. Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is not just a meal; it’s a declaration of love on a plate (or bowl!). Prepare for rave reviews and requests for seconds – and maybe even a proposal!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
To create this unforgettable Marry Me Chicken Tortellini, you’ll need a collection of flavorful ingredients, many of which you might already have in your pantry. The focus is on quality and freshness to ensure the creamy sauce and chicken sing in harmony with the tender tortellini. Let’s gather the essentials to bring this dreamy dish to life.
The heart of this recipe is, of course, cheese tortellini. You can use fresh, refrigerated, or even frozen tortellini. Cheese tortellini provides a delightful cheesy filling and a satisfying chewiness that works wonderfully with the creamy sauce. You can also experiment with other filled tortellini like spinach and ricotta or mushroom, depending on your preference.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts remain the protein of choice, providing a lean and versatile base that soaks up the flavors of the sauce. Chicken breasts cook quickly and evenly, making them perfect for this speedy yet elegant dish. As with the original recipe, you can substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
The signature “Marry Me” sauce relies on sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. Sun-dried tomatoes in oil are crucial for their intense, concentrated tomato flavor and slightly chewy texture. Be sure to use the oil they are packed in as well, as it’s infused with delicious flavor.
Heavy cream is the foundation of the luxurious, velvety sauce. Heavy cream provides the richness and thickness that makes this sauce so decadent and irresistible. For a slightly lighter option, you could use half-and-half, but heavy cream is highly recommended for the authentic “Marry Me” experience.
Chicken broth adds depth and savory notes to the sauce while helping to thin it to the perfect consistency. Chicken broth enhances the overall flavor and prevents the sauce from becoming too heavy. Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the saltiness.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is essential for adding salty, nutty, and savory complexity to the sauce. Parmesan cheese melts beautifully into the cream sauce, adding a delightful umami richness that complements the other flavors perfectly. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting.
Aromatics are key! We’ll use garlic and shallots to build a flavorful base for the sauce. Garlic, minced or pressed, provides a pungent and savory foundation. Shallots, finely diced, add a milder, slightly sweet onion-like flavor that is classic in creamy sauces.
Dried Italian seasoning brings a blend of classic Mediterranean herbs that enhances the overall Italian-inspired flavor profile. Italian seasoning typically includes oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. You can also use a mix of individual dried Italian herbs if you prefer.
Fresh basil, chopped, is the perfect finishing touch, adding a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor and vibrant green color. Fresh basil brightens the dish and provides a beautiful aromatic counterpoint to the richness of the sauce.
Red pepper flakes are optional but highly recommended to add a touch of heat and balance the richness of the cream sauce. Red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick that elevates the flavor and prevents the dish from becoming too one-dimensional. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.
Olive oil is used for searing the chicken and sautéing the aromatics, providing a healthy fat and a neutral cooking base. Olive oil is ideal for these steps, allowing the other flavors to shine.
Finally, salt and black pepper are indispensable for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors. Salt brings out the best in each ingredient, while freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice and depth. Season to taste throughout the cooking process for a perfectly balanced dish.
HOW TO MAKE “Marry Me Chicken Tortellini”:
Creating Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a breeze, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet impressive meal. The beauty of this recipe is its efficient method, transforming simple ingredients into a flavor-packed dish with ease. Let’s outline the basic steps to guide you through the creation of this tortellini masterpiece.
First, you’ll season and sear the chicken breasts. Searing the chicken in olive oil creates a beautiful golden crust and seals in the juices, resulting in tender and flavorful chicken. Searing is a crucial step for building depth of flavor.
Next, in the same pan, you’ll build the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Using the same pan maximizes flavor by incorporating the chicken drippings. The sauce begins with sautéing shallots and garlic, followed by deglazing with chicken broth, and then enriched with heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings.
Then, you will simmer the sauce to allow it to thicken slightly and for the flavors to meld and deepen. Simmering is key to achieving the signature creamy texture and bringing all the flavors together in perfect harmony.
After simmering the sauce, you will add the seared chicken breasts back to the pan and let them finish cooking in the creamy mixture. Cooking the chicken in the sauce ensures it remains moist and absorbs the delicious flavors of the sun-dried tomato cream.
While the chicken is simmering in the sauce, you will cook the cheese tortellini according to package directions. Tortellini generally cooks quickly, making this a fast step. Cooking the tortellini al dente ensures it has a pleasant texture and doesn’t become mushy in the sauce.
Finally, you will add the cooked tortellini to the creamy Marry Me Chicken sauce, tossing to coat everything evenly. Garnish with fresh basil and red pepper flakes, and serve immediately. Garnishing with fresh basil adds a pop of freshness and color, while red pepper flakes offer a final touch of visual appeal and optional heat. Serving promptly ensures the tortellini is perfectly coated and the dish is enjoyed at its best.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Let’s delve into the detailed, step-by-step instructions for crafting this exquisite Marry Me Chicken Tortellini. Following these steps precisely will guarantee your dish is perfectly creamy, flavorful, and truly lives up to its romantic name. Prepare to embark on this simple and rewarding culinary adventure!
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. Seasoning before searing enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.
Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Using an oven-safe skillet is helpful if you plan to finish the dish in the oven, though it’s optional.
Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Searing creates a flavorful crust and locks in the chicken’s juices. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this stage as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
Remove the seared chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Keep warm. Setting aside the chicken prevents overcooking while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Build the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Add diced shallots to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Sautéing shallots mellows their sharpness and brings out their sweetness.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. Sautéing garlic until fragrant without browning is key to a delicious sauce base.
Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Deglazing incorporates the flavorful browned bits from searing the chicken and aromatics into the sauce.
Stir in heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes (and their oil from the jar), Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine all sauce ingredients, ensuring the Parmesan melts smoothly into the cream sauce.
Step 3: Simmer and Cook Chicken in Sauce
Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Simmering reduces the sauce slightly and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The sauce should be rich and creamy enough to coat tortellini.
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Ensure the chicken is partially submerged to cook evenly and absorb the sauce flavors.
If desired, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baking in the oven can create more tender and evenly cooked chicken and further enhances flavor melding. Alternatively, you can continue to simmer the chicken in the sauce on the stovetop, covered, until cooked through (increase simmering time if cooking on stovetop).
If baking in the oven, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding. Resting allows juices to redistribute in the chicken.
Step 4: Cook the Cheese Tortellini
While the chicken is simmering in the sauce (or baking), cook the cheese tortellini according to package directions until al dente, or just tender. Tortellini generally cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it.
Drain the tortellini well in a colander and set aside. Draining ensures excess water doesn’t dilute the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Combine Tortellini and Sauce, Garnish and Serve
Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and slice or shred them into bite-sized pieces. Slicing or shredding makes the chicken easier to mix with the tortellini and sauce.
Add the cooked cheese tortellini to the skillet with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Toss gently to coat the tortellini evenly with the sauce. Be careful not to break the tortellini.
Return the sliced or shredded chicken to the tortellini and sauce mixture. Toss to combine. Ensure the chicken is well distributed.
Stir in chopped fresh basil. Fresh basil adds a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant color.
Serve immediately while hot. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (for extra heat and visual appeal), if desired. Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is best served fresh and hot to enjoy its creamy texture and vibrant flavors at their peak.
USEFUL TIPS:
To ensure your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is truly exceptional, consider these useful tips and tricks. These insights will help you optimize flavor, texture, and ease of preparation, ensuring a meal that’s worthy of its name. Let’s explore some secrets to tortellini perfection.
Don’t overcook the chicken! Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough, detracting from the overall dish. Cook it just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink. A meat thermometer is your best friend for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
Cook the tortellini al dente, or just tender. Overcooked tortellini can become mushy, especially when mixed with the creamy sauce. Follow package directions closely and check for doneness a minute or two before the suggested time.
Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes in oil. The quality of sun-dried tomatoes significantly impacts the flavor of the sauce. Opt for brands packed in good olive oil, as this oil is also flavorful and part of the recipe.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese truly elevates the sauce. Pre-shredded Parmesan often contains cellulose and doesn’t melt as smoothly or taste as rich as freshly grated cheese. Grate it yourself for the best results.
Adjust the amount of garlic and red pepper flakes to your taste. Love garlic? Add an extra clove. Prefer a spicier dish? Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne. Customize the spice level to your preference.
If you want a richer sauce, use full-fat heavy cream. For a slightly lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half, but heavy cream creates the signature luxurious texture of Marry Me Chicken Tortellini.
Don’t discard the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes! It’s infused with flavor and adds depth to the sauce. Use it to sauté the shallots and garlic, or add a tablespoon or two to the sauce for extra richness.
DETAILS:
Let’s explore the detailed specifics of this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe, providing you with essential information for planning and preparation. Understanding these details will help you streamline the cooking process and ensure success each time you create this delightful dish. Here are the key specifics you need to know.
Prep Time: 20 minutes (This includes chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, and searing chicken)
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (This includes making sauce, cooking chicken in sauce/oven, and cooking tortellini)
Total Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes (Considering all stages including preparation and cooking)
Yield: 4-6 servings (Generous portions, perfect for family dinners or romantic meals)
Category: Main Course, Pasta (Hearty and satisfying pasta dish, perfect for dinner)
Method: Stovetop and Oven (Combines stovetop searing and sauce making with optional oven baking)
Cuisine: American Italian-Inspired (American comfort food with Italian pasta twist)
Diet: Not specifically diet-restrictive, but can be modified. (Can be adapted to be lower in fat with lighter cream, but authenticity may be slightly altered).
NOTES:
Here are some important notes and considerations to keep in mind as you prepare your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini. These insights will help you customize the recipe to your preferences and ensure the best possible outcome. Let’s explore these key notes.
For a lighter cream sauce, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. However, using lighter options will result in a less rich and less thick sauce. For a balance, consider using mostly half-and-half with a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese to maintain some richness.
If you don’t have shallots, you can substitute with a small yellow onion, finely diced. Shallots provide a milder and slightly sweeter flavor, but yellow onion is a good and readily available substitute.
To add more vegetables to this dish, consider incorporating baby spinach (stirred in at the end until wilted), artichoke hearts (canned or frozen, thawed and quartered), or roasted red bell peppers (sliced). Vegetables add nutrition and can complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or use spicy Italian sausage in place of chicken for a different flavor profile and added heat.
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini. Gluten-free tortellini options made from rice flour or corn flour are becoming increasingly available. Ensure all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free or certified gluten-free if necessary.
For a dairy-free version, this recipe is more challenging to adapt while maintaining its signature creamy texture. You would need to substitute heavy cream with a very rich plant-based cream like full-fat coconut milk (canned, not carton) or cashew cream. Dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternatives are also available, but the flavor and melt might differ significantly. Cheese-filled tortellini itself is inherently dairy-based, so finding a dairy-free tortellini substitute might be necessary.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Let’s address some frequently asked questions about Marry Me Chicken Tortellini to provide clarity and ensure your cooking experience is seamless and enjoyable. These answers cover common inquiries and offer helpful solutions. Let’s dive into these FAQs.
Q: Can I use different types of filled tortellini?
A: Yes! Cheese tortellini is classic and works wonderfully, but feel free to experiment. Spinach and ricotta tortellini, mushroom tortellini, or even meat-filled tortellini would all be delicious variations. Adjust the overall flavor profile slightly if using a meat-filled tortellini to ensure it still complements the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.
Q: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
A: Fresh basil is highly recommended for its bright, aromatic flavor that really elevates the dish. If you must use dried basil, use about 1 teaspoon and add it to the sauce while it simmers to allow it to rehydrate and release its flavor. However, fresh basil stirred in at the end provides a much fresher and more vibrant finish.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is best enjoyed fresh. The creamy sauce is richest and the tortellini texture is optimal when served immediately. You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately up to a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Cook the tortellini fresh and then combine everything when ready to serve. Reheating assembled creamy pasta dishes can sometimes slightly alter the sauce texture and soften the pasta.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
A: If your sauce becomes too thick while simmering, you can easily thin it out by adding a little more chicken broth or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well after each addition to ensure it’s evenly incorporated.
Q: What are good side dishes to serve with this tortellini?
A: Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with light and fresh side dishes to complement its richness. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, roasted asparagus or broccoli, garlic bread, or Caprese salad would all be excellent choices.
Q: Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?
A: Freezing creamy pasta dishes, including tortellini, is generally not recommended. The creamy sauce may separate and become grainy upon thawing, and the tortellini texture can become mushy. Freshly made Marry Me Chicken Tortellini offers the best texture and flavor. Dairy-based sauces and cooked pasta and filled pasta often do not freeze and thaw well.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Proper storage is crucial to maintain the delicious quality of your leftover Marry Me Chicken Tortellini. Following these storage instructions will ensure your leftovers remain enjoyable and safe for a short period. Let’s explore the best practices for storing this creamy tortellini dish.
Allow the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini to cool completely before storing it. Cooling to room temperature before refrigerating helps prevent condensation inside the storage container, which can affect texture and promote quicker spoilage.
Transfer the cooled tortellini to airtight containers. Ensure the containers are sealed tightly to prevent air exposure and maintain freshness. Airtight containers are key to preventing the dish from drying out and absorbing odors from the refrigerator.
Store the containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Refrigeration slows down bacterial growth and keeps the tortellini safe to eat for a limited time. Consume leftovers within this timeframe for optimal quality and safety, especially with dairy and chicken dishes.
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. When reheating, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Reheating on the stovetop over medium-low heat, with a splash of milk or chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce, is also a good option. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the tortellini or separating the sauce.
Freezing Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is not recommended for optimal texture. The creamy sauce may separate, and the tortellini can become mushy after thawing. It is best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.
RELATED RECIPES
If you’ve fallen in love with the creamy, sun-dried tomato goodness of Marry Me Chicken Tortellini, you are sure to be enchanted by these other related recipes that offer similar rich and comforting flavors, now adapted for tortellini or featuring related creamy Italian-inspired profiles. Prepare to discover your new favorite tortellini dish!
Creamy Tomato and Basil Tortellini: A simpler take focusing on the classic combination of tomato and basil, now with cheese tortellini in a creamy sauce. Creamy Tomato and Basil Tortellini highlights the bright, fresh flavors of basil in a creamy tomato sauce, perfectly complementing the cheese tortellini. It’s a lighter and simpler alternative to the sun-dried tomato version.
Vodka Sauce Tortellini with Chicken: Explore a creamy tomato-based sauce with a touch of vodka for added complexity, now paired with chicken and cheese tortellini instead of penne. Vodka Sauce Tortellini with Chicken combines the signature creamy tomato vodka sauce with the satisfying chew of cheese tortellini and savory chicken, offering a rich and flavorful twist.
Creamy Pesto Tortellini with Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Combine the best of both worlds by adding sun-dried tomatoes to a creamy pesto sauce, now tossing it with chicken and cheese tortellini for a truly flavorful dish. Creamy Pesto Tortellini with Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomatoes brings together the herbaceous and nutty notes of pesto with the intense sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce, all coating tender chicken and cheese tortellini for a complex and satisfying meal.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Tortellini: For a lighter protein and brighter flavor profile, try Lemon Garlic Shrimp Tortellini. Swap the chicken for succulent shrimp and maintain the creamy lemon garlic sauce, tossing it with cheese tortellini. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Tortellini offers a refreshing seafood twist on creamy tortellini dishes, showcasing the bright flavors of lemon and garlic with delicate shrimp and cheese tortellini.
These related recipes, while distinct in their specific flavor combinations and protein choices, all share that comforting, creamy, and incredibly satisfying quality that makes Marry Me Chicken Tortellini so irresistible. Explore these tortellini delights to expand your culinary repertoire and discover new family favorites that are sure to please.
CONCLUSION
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is more than just a pasta dish; it’s a culinary experience, a dish that promises comfort, flavor, and a touch of romance in every bite. This recipe effortlessly combines the iconic creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with the delightful texture and cheesy filling of tortellini, creating a meal that is both sophisticated and incredibly easy to prepare. From its rich, flavorful sauce to its tender chicken and perfectly cooked tortellini, every element works in perfect harmony to deliver a truly unforgettable dining experience.
The beauty of Marry Me Chicken Tortellini lies in its ability to transform simple ingredients into something truly special with minimal fuss. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you can easily master this recipe and impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality meal made right in your own home. The straightforward preparation and relatively quick cooking time make it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or any time you crave a truly decadent and comforting pasta dish.
From romantic dinners for two to family gatherings and potlucks, Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is versatile enough for any culinary setting. Its rich, crowd-pleasing flavors and satisfying textures make it a perfect dish for sharing love, celebrating moments, and creating memorable meals that will be cherished for years to come.
So, gather your sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and tortellini, and prepare to create some culinary magic. Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is ready to transform your kitchen into a haven of creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious aromas. Indulge in the richness, the flavor, and the sheer comforting goodness of this unforgettable dish – you and your taste buds deserve a taste of “Marry Me” magic, now with the delightful twist of tortellini, ready in minutes!
