There’s a reason why “Marry Me Chicken” has become such a legendary dish—it’s the perfect combination of romance and comfort food. The story goes that this meal is so irresistibly delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal. Whether or not that’s true, one thing’s for sure: this recipe, with its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheese-filled tortellini, is pure magic on a plate.
Imagine serving this on a chilly evening, the rich aroma of garlic and Parmesan wafting through the air. The creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce clings to every bite of tortellini, while the golden-brown chicken adds hearty flavor. It’s a dish that feels fancy enough for date night but is simple enough to whip up on a busy weekday.
Whether you’re looking to impress your partner, spoil your family, or just treat yourself, this recipe is a surefire way to show love through food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet feel, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare. Perfect for when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The combination of creamy sauce, savory chicken, and cheesy tortellini creates a dish that feels like it came straight from your favorite Italian restaurant.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a birthday celebration, or just a regular Tuesday, this dish fits the bill.
- Customizable: Have extra veggies on hand? Toss them in! Want to make it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delectable dish:
- Chicken: 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Tortellini: 1 package (20 oz) cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon for sautéing the chicken
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: ½ cup, chopped
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup for the rich and velvety sauce
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup, low-sodium preferred
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated for a cheesy punch
- Fresh Basil: Chopped, for garnish
- Salt and Pepper: To season the chicken and sauce
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Start by boiling a pot of water and cooking the tortellini according to the package instructions. Be sure not to overcook—it should be al dente, as it will simmer in the sauce later. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes, stirring for an additional minute to release their flavors.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then let it cook for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Tortellini
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained tortellini. Gently toss to coat everything in the luscious sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped basil. Serve immediately, preferably with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that creamy sauce.
Helpful Tips
- Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can cut the chicken and prep your ingredients (like mincing garlic or chopping sun-dried tomatoes) earlier in the day.
- Boost the Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, sear the chicken in batches to ensure each piece develops a golden crust.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini can be tossed into the sauce for added texture and nutrients.
- Perfect Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Notes
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If reheating, add a splash of cream or chicken broth to the sauce to restore its creamy consistency.
Nutritional Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works just as well. Simply follow the cooking instructions on the package.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or a combination of milk and a tablespoon of flour for a lighter option.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. When ready to serve, reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked tortellini.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, use the stovetop on low heat or the microwave at 50% power to avoid overcooking. Add a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce if it has thickened too much.
Related Recipes
If you loved this recipe, here are more creamy and comforting dishes to try:
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience that feels indulgent yet approachable. The creamy, cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and soft tortellini come together in a way that feels like a warm hug. Whether it’s a special occasion or a weeknight treat, this dish is bound to create lasting memories. Give it a try, and let it become one of your most-requested recipes!
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Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Description
There’s a reason why “Marry Me Chicken” has become such a legendary dish—it’s the perfect combination of romance and comfort food. The story goes that this meal is so irresistibly delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal. Whether or not that’s true, one thing’s for sure: this recipe, with its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheese-filled tortellini, is pure magic on a plate.
Imagine serving this on a chilly evening, the rich aroma of garlic and Parmesan wafting through the air. The creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce clings to every bite of tortellini, while the golden-brown chicken adds hearty flavor. It’s a dish that feels fancy enough for date night but is simple enough to whip up on a busy weekday.
Whether you’re looking to impress your partner, spoil your family, or just treat yourself, this recipe is a surefire way to show love through food.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Tortellini: 1 package (20 oz) cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon for sautéing the chicken
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: ½ cup, chopped
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup for the rich and velvety sauce
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup, low-sodium preferred
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated for a cheesy punch
- Fresh Basil: Chopped, for garnish
- Salt and Pepper: To season the chicken and sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Start by boiling a pot of water and cooking the tortellini according to the package instructions. Be sure not to overcook—it should be al dente, as it will simmer in the sauce later. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes, stirring for an additional minute to release their flavors.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then let it cook for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Tortellini
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained tortellini. Gently toss to coat everything in the luscious sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped basil. Serve immediately, preferably with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that creamy sauce.
Notes
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If reheating, add a splash of cream or chicken broth to the sauce to restore its creamy consistency.