Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Are you looking to impress someone special with a dinner that’s both rich in flavor and easy to make? Look no further than this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe! This creamy, savory dish is a twist on the classic "Marry Me Chicken" recipe, but with tender cheese-stuffed tortellini added for extra comfort and indulgence. It's the perfect meal for date night or even just a cozy family dinner. With each bite of succulent chicken and velvety tortellini in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, it’s no wonder the dish earned its romantic reputation. So, let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this show-stopping dish!

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What is Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken breasts with tortellini pasta, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce made with Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. The name "Marry Me Chicken" comes from the belief that this dish is so irresistibly delicious that it could prompt a marriage proposal. By adding tortellini, you elevate the original dish into a more filling and decadent meal that’s perfect for any special occasion—or just when you want to treat yourself to something indulgent!

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Ingredients List for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

For the Sauce:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained, and chopped)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Tortellini:

• 10-12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)

Garnishes:

• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
• Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving

These ingredients come together to form a dish that's both luxurious and comforting, with creamy textures, tender chicken, and the perfect bite from the tortellini.

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Substitutions and Variations

Don’t worry if you’re missing a few ingredients or want to make the dish fit your dietary preferences—there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try to tailor the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe to your taste.

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Tortellini Substitutes: You can swap cheese tortellini with any type of stuffed pasta like ravioli or even use regular pasta like penne or fettuccine.
• Heavy Cream Alternatives: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a little cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
• Chicken Alternatives: You can use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier texture. Alternatively, you could use shrimp or even tofu for a different protein option.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, you can replace them with cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers.

Flavor Variations:

• Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes for a spicier version or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Herbaceous Additions: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary can be added for extra flavor.
• Cheese Upgrade: For a cheesier sauce, add some mozzarella or a mix of Italian cheeses along with the Parmesan.

These changes allow you to make the recipe your own while still retaining that creamy, delicious essence that makes this dish irresistible.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to whip up this delicious Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, this dish is quick to prepare and bound to impress!

1. Cook the Tortellini

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken

While the tortellini is cooking, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika (if using). Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and is sizzling, add the chicken breasts to the pan.

Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest.

3. Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly, then stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Stir the sauce well and bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly—about 4-5 minutes. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

4. Combine Chicken and Tortellini with Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce.

Next, slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips and place them on top of the tortellini and sauce. You can spoon some sauce over the chicken for extra flavor.

5. Serve

Garnish the dish with freshly chopped basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot, and watch the compliments roll in!

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, there are a few common mistakes that could affect the outcome. Here’s how to avoid them:

1. Overcooking the Chicken: Overcooking chicken breasts can result in dry, tough meat. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for juicy, tender chicken.
2. Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks very quickly, so keep an eye on it and make sure to sauté it for just 30 seconds to avoid a bitter taste.
3. Not Thickening the Sauce: Be patient and let the sauce simmer long enough to thicken. If the sauce is too thin, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to help it thicken up.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation matters, especially when you’re serving a dish as rich and decadent as Marry Me Chicken Tortellini. Here are some tips to elevate the presentation of your meal.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

• With Garlic Bread: Serve the dish with warm garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up all that delicious sauce.
• With a Side Salad: Balance the richness of the dish with a light side salad—think mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette.
• On a Platter: For a family-style dinner, serve the tortellini and chicken on a large platter, topped with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. This allows everyone to dig in and share.

Presentation Ideas for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
• Extra Parmesan: Serve the tortellini with a small dish of freshly grated Parmesan on the side so everyone can add more to their liking.
• Cracked Pepper: Finish the dish with a few twists of freshly ground black pepper for a gourmet touch.

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Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe Tips

• Pound the Chicken Evenly: To ensure that the chicken cooks evenly, use a meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking.
• Don’t Rush the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken properly. Rushing the process can result in a thin sauce that won’t coat the tortellini properly.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan and fresh basil will elevate the flavor of the dish, making it taste like something you’d get at a restaurant.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, then reheat and cook the tortellini just before serving.

2. Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?

While you can freeze the chicken and sauce, freezing tortellini may alter its texture. If you plan on freezing, cook the chicken and sauce, then freeze them without the pasta. When ready to serve, cook the tortellini fresh.

3. How long do leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

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Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is the perfect combination of creamy, savory flavors that come together in an easy-to-make, show-stopping dish. Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner or just looking for a new family favorite, this recipe is sure to win over anyone who tries it. With tender chicken, rich sauce, and cheese-filled tortellini, what’s not to love? Give it a try and let this recipe become a staple in your kitchen!

Happy cooking!

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