Looking for a dish that’s sure to impress? Marry Me Chicken Tortellini combines tender chicken, rich cream sauce, and cheesy tortellini into one heartwarming recipe. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want a comforting meal at home, this creamy dish is a true delight. Read on to discover how effortless it is to whip up a dinner that might just steal someone’s heart!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners or guest entertaining.
- Unbelievably Delicious: A balance of creamy and savory that pleases the palate.
- Rich Comfort: This dish is all about cozy, satisfying flavors that leave you wanting more.
Ingredients Needed
For the chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the tortellini:
- 1 (9 oz) package of cheese tortellini
For the sauce:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts liberally with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This will enhance the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board.
- Boil the Tortellini: While the chicken rests, prepare the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. This step ensures that your tortellini is perfectly cooked and ready to combine with the chicken and sauce.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant, but not browned. This builds the aroma.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly to coat the back of a spoon.
- Add Chicken and Tortellini: Slice the rested chicken into strips and return it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss in the cooked tortellini, mixing everything until well combined. If you like a spicy kick, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes.
- Serve: Dish out the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini into bowls and top with freshly chopped basil for a bright finish. Enjoy your heartwarming meal!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in elegant bowls, garnished with fresh basil for color and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.
For storage, place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream if the sauce thickens too much.
Helpful Notes
- Tips to Elevate: For added depth, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or spinach to the sauce.
- Variations: Swap chicken for shrimp or use gluten-free tortellini for a different twist.
- Cream Substitute: If you’re looking for a lighter version, half and half can be used, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a dish that checks all the boxes: effortless to make, loaded with flavor, and guaranteed to impress. It’s the comfort food you didn’t know you needed! If you tried this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating below. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Also, don’t forget to share this delightful recipe on Pinterest or Facebook. What unique twists did you add to yours? Let us know!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more flavor and tenderness to the dish.
How do I make this gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free tortellini and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Why did my sauce curdle?
If the sauce curdles, it may be due to cooking it on too high of heat or adding cold ingredients. Keep the heat moderate and add cream gradually.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the dish. Just ensure it’s in a proper container. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
How thick should the consistency be?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If it’s too thick, a little more cream can help loosen it up.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A heartwarming dish combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy tortellini, perfect for special occasions or comforting meals.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (9 oz) package of cheese tortellini
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken by sprinkling both sides liberally with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and let it rest.
- While the chicken rests, boil the tortellini according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese; bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Slice the rested chicken and return it to the skillet, adding the cooked tortellini. Mix until combined, adding red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve in bowls topped with freshly chopped basil.
Notes
Pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or crusty bread. For added depth, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or spinach to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg