Marry Me Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini: the name alone promises a dish so irresistible, so utterly delightful, that it could inspire a proposal! And trust me, after one bite of this creamy, sun-dried tomato and parmesan-infused pasta masterpiece, you’ll understand why. This isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s an experience, a culinary hug that warms you from the inside out.

While the exact origins of “Marry Me Chicken” are shrouded in a bit of internet mystery, its popularity exploded online, quickly becoming a viral sensation. The original recipe, featuring chicken breasts simmered in a luscious cream sauce, captured hearts (and stomachs!) with its simplicity and incredible flavor. We’ve taken that beloved concept and elevated it by incorporating tender, cheese-filled tortellini, creating a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

People adore this dish for a multitude of reasons. The creamy sauce, bursting with the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the savory depth of parmesan, is simply divine. The juicy chicken, perfectly cooked and infused with flavor, complements the sauce beautifully. And the addition of tortellini? It adds a delightful textural element and makes the dish even more satisfying. Plus, let’s be honest, who can resist a meal that’s relatively quick and easy to prepare, yet tastes like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen? So, are you ready to experience the magic of Marry Me Chicken Tortellini? Let’s get cooking!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Tortellini: 20 oz package of cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Shallot: 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated, plus more for serving
• Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (or more, to taste)
• Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup, chopped, for garnish
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
• Butter: 2 tablespoons

Preparing the Chicken:

1. First, season your chicken. In a bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Make sure each piece is nicely coated for maximum flavor!
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the pan nice and hot so the chicken gets a good sear.
3. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the chicken instead of searing it. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
4. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Don’t worry about cleaning the skillet yet; we’ll use those flavorful bits later!

Making the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce:

1. In the same skillet (still over medium heat), add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Let the butter melt and shimmer.
2. Add the chopped shallot to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. The aroma should be amazing at this point!
4. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for about 2 minutes, allowing their flavors to meld with the shallot and garlic.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze it, loosening any browned bits (the fond) that have stuck to the pan. These bits are packed with flavor and will add depth to the sauce.
6. Add the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and the red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking, depending on how much heat you want.
8. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
9. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that Parmesan cheese is salty, so you may not need much additional salt.

Combining the Ingredients:

1. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce.
2. Gently stir in the cheese tortellini. Make sure the tortellini is fully submerged in the sauce.
3. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes, or until the tortellini is heated through and tender. If you’re using fresh tortellini, it will cook faster than refrigerated tortellini.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. The basil will add a burst of freshness to the dish.

Serving:

1. Serve the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini immediately.
2. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil.
3. This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: If you like your food extra spicy, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Sauté them along with the shallot and garlic.
• Use different pasta: If you don’t have tortellini, you can use other types of pasta, such as penne, fettuccine, or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Make it lighter: To reduce the calories, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. The sauce won’t be as rich, but it will still be delicious.
• Add a touch of sweetness: Some people like to add a teaspoon of sugar or honey to the sauce to balance the acidity of the sun-dried tomatoes.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc would pair perfectly with this creamy pasta dish.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and add the chicken and tortellini.
• Freezing: While this dish is best served fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture of the tortellini may change slightly after freezing.

Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken”?

The name “Marry Me Chicken” comes from the idea that this dish is so delicious, it will convince anyone to marry you! While that might be a bit of an exaggeration, it’s definitely a crowd-pleaser and a guaranteed hit at any dinner party.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 650-750
• Protein: 40-50g
• Fat: 40-50g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g

Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making and eating this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini as much as I do! It’s a comforting, flavorful, and relatively easy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Let me know in the comments if you try it and what you think!

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let’s be honest – you’ve read this far because something about this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe has piqued your interest, right? And I’m here to tell you, it should have! This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a flavor explosion, a comforting hug in a bowl, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser all rolled into one. The creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce, infused with garlic and herbs, clings perfectly to the cheese-filled tortellini and succulent chicken, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. Trust me, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves Italian-inspired comfort food.

But why is it a must-try, you ask? Well, beyond the incredible flavor profile, it’s also surprisingly easy to make. We’re talking about a weeknight-friendly meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste or quality. You can have this on the table in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families or anyone who wants a delicious and satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores, so you don’t have to hunt down any obscure or expensive items.

And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and variations. For a lighter meal, serve it with a simple side salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette. Or, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, pair it with some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.

Looking for variations? Absolutely! Swap out the chicken for shrimp or sausage for a different protein twist. Add some spinach or kale to the sauce for a boost of nutrients and color. If you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, you can use roasted red peppers instead. And for a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. The possibilities are endless!

Here are some specific serving suggestions to get you started:

* Date Night Delight: Serve with a glass of chilled white wine and a side of garlic bread for a romantic and unforgettable meal.
* Family Feast: Double the recipe and serve it family-style in a large bowl with a side of steamed broccoli.
* Lunchtime Leftovers: Pack the leftovers for lunch the next day – it tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together!
* Potluck Perfection: This dish is always a hit at potlucks and gatherings. Just be prepared to share the recipe!

I truly believe that this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that you’ll make again and again, and it’s sure to impress your family and friends. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get cooking!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic for yourself. And more importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!