Name: Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: italian
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 10 oz cheese tortellini; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh basil, for garnish

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Short Description

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a rich and creamy pasta dish that combines tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce. This indulgent meal is packed with flavor and has a romantic backstory—legend has it that it’s so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal! Whether you’re cooking for a date night, family dinner, or just craving a comforting homemade meal, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistibly creamy: The decadent parmesan and cream sauce makes every bite velvety smooth.
Savory and flavorful: Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy depth, while garlic and Italian seasoning enhance the richness.
Comfort food at its finest: Warm, cheesy tortellini paired with tender chicken makes for the ultimate satisfying dish.
Easy yet elegant: Despite its gourmet taste, this dish comes together quickly and doesn’t require complex cooking techniques.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish fits any setting.

Ingredients

Chicken breasts
Cheese tortellini
Olive oil
Garlic
Sun-dried tomatoes
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
Crushed red pepper flakes
Salt
Black pepper
Fresh basil

Directions

Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the aromatics: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
Cook the tortellini: Meanwhile, cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Combine everything: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet along with the tortellini. Toss everything together to coat well in the creamy sauce.
Final touches: Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan cheese before serving.

Variations

Make it spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Use different pasta: Substitute tortellini with fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni for a different texture.
Try a protein swap: Use shrimp or even Italian sausage instead of chicken for a twist.
Add vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers make great additions.
Lighter version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half and reduce the cheese slightly.

Servings and Timing

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to maintain creaminess. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

What is the origin of “Marry Me Chicken”?

The dish gained popularity due to its rich flavors, with many claiming it’s so good it could lead to a marriage proposal!

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes! Just cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the dish.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk work well as alternatives.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, then reheat and toss with fresh-cooked tortellini before serving.

What’s the best way to reheat this dish without drying it out?

Reheat slowly on the stove with a little extra cream or broth to restore moisture.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free tortellini or another gluten-free pasta alternative.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Can I make this without sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, but they add a lovely tangy depth. You can substitute with cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers.

Can I add extra cheese?

Of course! More parmesan or even mozzarella will make it even creamier.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is an unforgettable dish that brings together the best of comfort food and fine dining. With its creamy, cheesy, and flavorful sauce, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or just treating yourself, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and see why it’s named “Marry Me Chicken”—you just might fall in love with it!

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