If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish so delicious it feels like a lifelong romance on your plate, the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is here to sweep you off your feet. This creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned meal combines tender chicken, pillowy tortellini, and a luscious sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s comfort food elevated to a whole new level, made with simple ingredients that come together quickly enough for any weeknight but impressive enough to share with someone special. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it might just become your new forever favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is essential to bringing out the harmony of flavors and textures that make the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe so extraordinary. From the juicy chicken that provides hearty protein to the creamy sauce that ties everything together, these simple components create a dish that’s absolutely magical.
- Chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Tender and juicy bites add a satisfying protein to the dish, soaking up all the sauce’s goodness.
- Cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen): Soft, cheesy pasta pockets that make each mouthful irresistibly comforting.
- Olive oil: Used to sear the chicken to a perfect golden brown, adding a subtle fruity richness.
- Chicken broth: Gives the sauce a savory depth and balances the cream for a luscious texture.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce, making it silky smooth and indulgent.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor that permeates every bite without overwhelming.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle hint of heat that wakes up the palate and rounds out the richness.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce adding a sharp, nutty flavor that defines this dish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a burst of vibrant color and a fresh, herbaceous finish.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tortellini
Start by cooking the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, whether fresh or frozen. Once cooked until tender, drain the pasta and set it aside to wait for its moment to shine in the creamy sauce. This step lays the foundation for the dish’s delightful, soft texture.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Sear the chicken until it turns beautifully golden and is cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. This browning process creates fantastic flavor through caramelization, building the dish’s savory backbone.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Next, stir in the garlic powder and the optional red pepper flakes to infuse the pan with a warm, slightly spicy aroma. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then let everything simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes. This lets the flavors meld while the sauce begins to thicken into the perfect velvety texture you want.
Step 4: Combine Tortellini and Parmesan
Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet along with the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the tortellini is coated evenly in the rich sauce. Allow the mixture to heat together for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to every bite.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve Hot
Finish the dish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over the top. This simple garnish adds a refreshing burst of color and herbaceous brightness, balancing the creamy richness perfectly. Now you’re ready to enjoy the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe in all its glory.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
While parsley is a classic topping, feel free to experiment with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even a few torn basil leaves for a subtle twist. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds a luxurious sheen, making the dish even more inviting at the table.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to add freshness and crunch alongside the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or warm focaccia also complement the sauce beautifully, perfect for mopping up every last bit.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe in shallow bowls with colorful garnishes arranged artfully on top. You can even add a lemon wedge on the side to brighten each bite with a squeeze of acidity, giving a fresh contrast to the creamy richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors settle beautifully overnight, making leftovers particularly delicious.
Freezing
While not ideal due to the cream sauce’s texture, you can freeze this dish if needed. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce becomes too thick. Stir often to restore that creamy, luscious consistency without overcooking the pasta or chicken.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of tortellini?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is traditional and delicious, other stuffed pastas or even regular pasta shapes like penne or fusilli will work well with the sauce.
Is there a dairy-free version of the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and use a vegan cheese option for the Parmesan to make the dish dairy-free, though the flavor profile will be a bit different.
How spicy is this recipe?
The red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted according to your heat preference. Leaving them out will keep the dish mild and mellow.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Leftover chicken works perfectly. Just add it later in the cooking process to warm through without overcooking.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
Definitely. It reheats well, making it a great choice for preparing meals ahead for busy days. Just store in portioned containers and reheat as needed.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe that keeps people coming back for more — it’s creamy, comforting, and simple to make yet feels luxurious enough for any occasion. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe soon. You’ll find it’s not just a meal but a lovely experience that warms the heart and delights the taste buds every single time.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A creamy and flavorful Marry Me Chicken Tortellini dish featuring tender chicken pieces, cheese tortellini, and a rich garlic-parmesan sauce, ready in just 20 minutes for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Pasta
- 1 (9–12 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
Instructions
- Cook tortellini: Prepare the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain well and set aside.
- Cook chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Make sauce: Stir in the garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), chicken broth, and heavy cream into the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce slightly reduce.
- Combine pasta and cheese: Add the cooked tortellini and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir well to coat the pasta and chicken evenly, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini hot.
Notes
- Fresh tortellini works best for a soft, tender texture, but frozen also works well.
- You can adjust the red pepper flakes to taste or omit for no heat.
- To make this dish lighter, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- For a lower sodium option, use low-sodium chicken broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
