Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini features tender juicy chicken coated in a creamy tomato sauce paired with cheesy tortellini pasta. Enhanced with fresh garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a medley of herbs and spices, the velvety sauce is rich, creamy and full of depth and flavor.

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is not only incredibly delicious, but also a lifesaver on busy weeknights, thanks to its ease of preparation. With simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, this dish is perfect for this hectic evenings when you need a satisfying meal on the table fast.

If you’re on the hunt for more mouthwatering pasta options, then try my One Pot French Onion Pasta, Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese and Cajun Alfredo Sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Tuscan Tortellini

• Easy to make- With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, it’s a breeze to whip up even on the busiest of nights.
• One-pan recipe- Cooking everything together allows the flavors to meld. Goes straight from the stove to the table, minimizing dishes and maximizing convenience.
• Rich and creamy sauce- The luscious creamy sauce coats each tortellini perfectly, adding a luxurious texture and flavor to every bite.
• Satisfying and filling- Packed with tender chicken and hearty tortellini, this dish is incredibly satisfying and will leave you feeling full and content.
• Versatility- It’s a versatile dish that can be easily customized with your favorite ingredients or whatever you have on hand.

Why Is It Called Marry Me Chicken

The dish “Marry Me Chicken” got its name because it’s so delicious that people joke it’s good enough to make someone propose marriage after tasting it.

With its rich sauce, tender chicken and comforting aromas, it’s no wonder the dish has earned such a charming and memorable name in the culinary world.

Ingredient Notes

Here are some notes on the ingredients. For a full list of ingredients, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

• Chicken- Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for convenience. You can also use leftover chicken for a quicker preparation.
• Tortellini- Choose your favorite type of tortellini, whether it’s cheese-filled or spinach and ricotta. I prefer using fresh, but frozen works just as well. If using frozen tortellini, adjust the cookie time accordingly.
• Cream- Heavy cream forms the base of the sauce.
• Garlic- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Skip the jarred stuff.
• Olive oil- Used for achieving a flawless golden brown sear on the chicken.
• Chicken broth- Use low-sodium chicken broth to help control the salt.
• Sun-dried tomatoes- I prefer sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil.
• Seasonings- Salt, pepper, dried Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
• Butter- I recommend unsalted butter. Adds richness and creaminess to the dish.
• Parmesan cheese- For the best results, opt for fresh parmesan as it melts beautifully and offers unbeatable flavor.
• Basil- Fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped. Adds a pop of color and sweet flavor to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Tortellini- Any type of pasta, such as penne or fettuccini, can replace tortellini. Ravioli is a great option too!
• Sun-dried tomatoes- You can use tomato paste, fresh roasted tomatoes, or cherry tomatoes. Although they may have a different texture, they still impart a tomato flavor to the dish.
• Heavy cream- For a lighter alternative, consider substituting with half and half.
• Basil- Achieve a vibrant green color by using alternative fresh herbs such as parsley or incorporating baby spinach into the dish.

Step By Step Instructions

Here are the instructions for making this luxurious one-pan pasta dish.

STEP 1: Prepare chicken. Trim any excess fat from the chicken breast, then pat dry all sides with a paper towel. Cut into bite-size pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

STEP 2: Cook chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until golden browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

STEP 3: Make the sauce. Lower the heat to medium, add olive oil, then melt the butter. Sauté the garlic and red pepper flakes until aromatic, about 30 seconds.

Next stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning and sun-dried tomatoes. Slowly whisk in parmesan cheese until completely melted.

STEP 4: Finish. Incorporate the cooked chicken and fresh tortellini into the sauce. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until the tortellini is cooked and the sauce has reduced to your liking.

STEP 5: Serve. Transfer the pasta into serving bowls and garnish with fresh basil and additional parmesan cheese, if desired.

Expert Tips

Preparation is key. Mise en place (having all ingredients measured, chopped and ready) streamlines the cooking process for this dish.

Perfectly cooked chicken. Slice the chicken into evenly bite-size pieces. This ensures that each piece cooks through evenly, resulting in tender and flavorful chicken bites.

Low and slow. To maintain the sauce’s smooth consistency and prevent the heavy cream from separating, simmer it gently over medium-low heat. Carefully stir occasionally to prevent the tortellini from sticking to the pan.

Opt for fresh parmesan. Hand grate your parmesan cheese for a smoother consistency. When adding the parmesan to the sauce, do so gradually while continuously stirring to ensure it melts properly and does not clump.

FAQ

Flavor Variations

• Herb infusion- Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme or oregano to add depth and aroma to the dish.
• Citrus zest- Brighten up the flavors with a touch of lemon zest for a refreshing citrusy note.
• Vegetarian twist- Skip the chicken and add in a medley of bell peppers, zucchini and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Bacon- Crisp up some bacon and crumble it over the finished dish for a smoky and indulgent touch.
• Nutty crunch- Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts on top for added texture and nutty flavor.
• Creamy pesto- Stir in a dollop of homemade or store-bought pesto sauce for a burst of herbal goodness.

Storing and Reheating

Store any leftover Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until heated to your liking. Stir well before serving to ensure even heating throughout.

Helpful Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet- Select a large skillet that accommodates searing the chicken and can adequately hold all the ingredients for the dish.
• Garlic press- Optional, but helpful for mincing the garlic quickly.
• Cheese grater- For hand-grating the parmesan cheese. You can also use a microplane.
• Chef’s knife- A sharp chef’s knife is essential for chopping ingredients effectively.
• Whisk- Helpful for effortlessly combining the ingredients in the sauce.

Recommended Side Dishes

Try These Recipes Too!

• Baked Tuscan Chicken
• Deconstructed Lasagna
• Chorizo Orzo and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
• Mushroom Pesto Pasta
• Creamy Mascarpone Tomato Sauce

After trying out this recipe, I’d love to hear your feedback. Please consider leaving a star review on the recipe card below. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram and follow me on Pinterest for more mouthwatering recipes. Your support is greatly appreciated!