Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a creamy and delicious pasta dish perfect for a romantic dinner or family meal. This easy-to-make recipe features tender chicken, cheese tortellini, and a rich sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and flavorful choice that will impress your loved ones. Perfect for date nights or weeknight dinners
Ingredients:
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Cook the Tortellini:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions.
Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic.
Sauté for 2-3 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
Add Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring to combine.
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
Combine Ingredients:
Add cooked chicken back to the skillet.
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Add cooked tortellini and gently toss to coat in the sauce.
Serve:
Garnish with chopped fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving Tips:
Serve Hot: Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is best served hot to enjoy the creamy sauce at its peak. Serve immediately after cooking.
Pairing Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. A glass of white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the creamy sauce.
Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese for garnish. They add a burst of freshness and enhance the flavor profile.
Presentation: For a more elegant presentation, serve the dish in shallow pasta bowls and sprinkle a few extra sun-dried tomatoes on top.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce may thicken upon refrigeration.
Reheating: To reheat, place the desired portion in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave, covered, in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing: While the dish can be frozen, the cream sauce may separate upon thawing and reheating. If you choose to freeze, store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stove with a little extra cream or milk to restore the sauce’s consistency.
Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, avoid overcooking the tortellini as they may become mushy. Heat until just warmed through to maintain the best texture.
Additional Tips:
Freshen Up: For a fresher taste, add a handful of fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes to the dish during reheating.
Portion Control: If you’re planning to freeze, consider dividing the dish into single-serving portions before freezing for easier defrosting and reheating.
Related Recipes:
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta
- Asiago Tortellini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken
FAQs:
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen tortellini for this recipe. If using frozen, follow the package instructions for cooking times. The overall taste and texture will remain delicious with either option.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a light cream to reduce the calorie content. However, keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich and creamy. If you prefer a dairy-free option, coconut cream or a non-dairy creamer can also be used, though it may slightly alter the flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the spiciness, add more crushed red pepper flakes or incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also use spicy sun-dried tomatoes or a dash of hot sauce in the sauce for an extra kick.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Simply sauté them in the skillet after cooking the chicken and before adding the sauce ingredients. This adds extra nutrition and flavor to the dish.
Conclusion:
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a delightful and creamy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy tortellini, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Try this recipe tonight and see why it’s a hit with everyone who tastes it!
📖 Recipe:
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Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Looking for a recipe that’s sure to impress, whether it’s for a romantic dinner or a comforting family meal? Look no further than Marry Me Chicken Tortellini. This dish combines tender chicken, cheese tortellini, and a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. It’s a delectable meal that’s perfect for any occasion, and it’s easy to make in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked tortellini and gently toss to coat in the sauce.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
Add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 550 kcal per serving
