The creamy sauce in this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is the kind of comforting richness that coats every bite with love. It’s velvety smooth, with a delicate balance of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a hint of tangy Parmesan that brings everything together. The chicken, tender and juicy, pairs beautifully with the pasta, each tortellini bite just bursting with flavor. As the sauce clings to every surface, it creates the perfect harmony between the savory, the creamy, and the slightly sweet, thanks to those sun-dried tomatoes. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, making you feel at home no matter where you are.
What makes this dish so special, though, isn’t just the flavor—it’s how easy it is to make. It’s one of those meals where you can look like a total rockstar in the kitchen without spending hours on prep. You can whip it up on a busy weeknight and still serve something that feels like a five-star dinner. And honestly, there’s no better feeling than knowing you’ve created something that’s as delicious as it is satisfying. It’s a dish that has “comfort food” written all over it, with a little bit of elegance thrown in for good measure. Every bite is like a promise that you’ll be coming back for more.
Key Ingredients in Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
To create the magic that is Marry Me Chicken Tortellini, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Each one plays a vital role in bringing out the rich flavors and textures that make this dish unforgettable.
- Olive oil: Used to sear the chicken and create a golden, crispy exterior. Its mild, fruity flavor also adds depth to the sauce.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein of this dish, tender and juicy, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the sauce.
- Salt: A crucial seasoning that enhances all the flavors, ensuring everything tastes perfectly balanced.
- Black pepper: Adds a bit of sharpness and warmth to the dish, complementing the richness of the sauce.
- Garlic powder: A quick way to infuse that unmistakable garlicky flavor, adding a savory depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Onion powder: Lightly sweet and savory, this adds an extra layer of flavor to the sauce, rounding it out beautifully.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: A tiny sprinkle gives the dish a subtle heat, balancing out the richness of the cream and Parmesan.
- Chicken broth: Adds a savory, umami-rich base to the sauce, helping to deglaze the pan and infuse the chicken with even more flavor.
- Heavy cream: The secret to the luscious, velvety sauce that brings everything together in a smooth, comforting embrace.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, contributing a nutty, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sun-dried tomatoes and chicken.
- Chopped fresh basil: Fresh, aromatic, and bright, this herb adds a burst of freshness to the dish, balancing the richness of the cream and cheese.
- Dried oregano: A warm, earthy flavor that complements the chicken and the cream sauce, adding a bit of Mediterranean flair.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: These little bursts of tangy sweetness elevate the dish, adding both color and flavor that contrast beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Cheese tortellini: Pillowy pasta pockets stuffed with cheese, these are the perfect vehicle for soaking up all the creamy goodness from the sauce.
- Butter: Used at the end to finish the sauce, adding a final touch of richness and silky smoothness to the dish.
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in making this dish shine, and the best part is that they all come together effortlessly to create a meal that’s just as easy to make as it is to enjoy!
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
- Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season four boneless, skinless chicken breasts with one teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of black pepper, half a teaspoon of garlic powder, half a teaspoon of onion powder, and a quarter teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about six to seven minutes per side, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, pour half a cup of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add one cup of heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for about five minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Stir in half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese, one tablespoon of chopped fresh basil, half a teaspoon of dried oregano, and half a cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Continue to cook the sauce, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Meanwhile, cook nine ounces of cheese tortellini in a separate pot according to the package instructions.
- Once the tortellini is cooked, drain it and set it aside.
- Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips and add them back into the skillet with the sauce.
- Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and gently toss everything together to coat the pasta, chicken, and sauce evenly.
- Stir in two tablespoons of butter and let it melt into the sauce, giving it a silky texture.
- Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed.
- Serve the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.
Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
1. Pair with a Fresh Green Salad: The richness of the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini calls for a light and refreshing side. A crisp green salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a simple balsamic vinaigrette offers the perfect balance to the creamy sauce. The acidity in the dressing cuts through the richness, and the freshness adds a vibrant pop of flavor.
2. Crusty Bread for Dipping: You can’t go wrong with a warm, crusty loaf of bread on the side. It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that luscious sauce. Whether it’s a rustic baguette or some soft dinner rolls, it’s the kind of simple comfort that makes this dish feel even more like home.
3. A Glass of White Wine: If you’re in the mood to elevate the meal a bit, serve it with a chilled glass of white wine. A crisp Chardonnay or a light Sauvignon Blanc works wonderfully with the creamy sauce and the tangy sun-dried tomatoes. The wine’s acidity complements the richness of the dish, making each bite feel even more indulgent.
What’s your go-to side when serving a creamy pasta dish like this? I love to mix it up depending on the occasion, but these three are definitely a favorite in our house!
How to Store Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
If you happen to have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is a real possibility because this dish is just that good), storing it properly will ensure you can enjoy it all over again without losing any of that creamy deliciousness. First, let the dish cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps preserve the texture and flavor, keeping it fresh for a few days. When stored this way, your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini will stay good in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, I recommend using a skillet over low heat to gently warm it up. This allows the sauce to re-coat the pasta without breaking down. If the sauce looks like it’s thickened too much, just splash in a little bit of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up. It’ll be just as creamy and comforting as the first time you made it.
You can also freeze this dish if you want to stretch the deliciousness a little longer. Just make sure to freeze it in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag, and try to use it within 2-3 months for the best flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat it gently on the stove. Your future self will thank you for having this comforting meal ready to go!
Conclusion
And there you have it! Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is the kind of dish that’s sure to win hearts and leave everyone asking for seconds. From the creamy, garlic-kissed sauce to the juicy chicken and tender tortellini, every bite is pure comfort in a bowl. Plus, it’s a breeze to make, even on those busy nights when you just want something delicious without all the fuss. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish has a little bit of everything—flavor, ease, and that irresistible “wow” factor.
I hope you give this recipe a try and find yourself falling in love with it just as much as I did. Don’t forget, you can always come back to this article whenever you need a little culinary inspiration. I’d love to hear your thoughts, too—whether you’ve made it already or have any questions along the way. Feel free to leave a comment or share your feedback! Cooking is all about experimenting and making it your own, so I’m always excited to hear how you make this dish your own. Enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite, my friends!
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Description
This creamy, savory dish is a dream come true—tender tortellini nestled in a rich, garlic-infused sauce, with juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a hint of fresh basil. It’s love at first bite and guaranteed to steal your heart.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Season four boneless, skinless chicken breasts with one teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of black pepper, half a teaspoon of garlic powder, half a teaspoon of onion powder, and a quarter teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
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Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about six to seven minutes per side, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
-
Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
-
In the same skillet, pour half a cup of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
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Add one cup of heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine.
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Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for about five minutes until it thickens slightly.
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Stir in half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese, one tablespoon of chopped fresh basil, half a teaspoon of dried oregano, and half a cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
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Continue to cook the sauce, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
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Meanwhile, cook nine ounces of cheese tortellini in a separate pot according to the package instructions.
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Once the tortellini is cooked, drain it and set it aside.
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Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips and add them back into the skillet with the sauce.
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Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and gently toss everything together to coat the pasta, chicken, and sauce evenly.
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Stir in two tablespoons of butter and let it melt into the sauce, giving it a silky texture.
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Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed.
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Serve the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.
Note
- Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for optimal safety and juiciness.
- For extra flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil to add richness to the sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it longer or add more Parmesan cheese.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but it may not be as rich.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a burst of freshness and acidity.
