Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini combines the best of both worlds: juicy, seasoned chicken and indulgent, cheesy tortellini. The creamy, savory sauce is full of flavor from the sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich, satisfying dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough for a special occasion. Plus, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini, cooked
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add heavy cream, chicken broth, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Add cooked tortellini and chicken to the skillet. Toss to combine and coat with sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Add vegetables: For an extra burst of color and nutrition, consider adding spinach, peas, or mushrooms to the sauce.
- Spicy twist: Spice things up by adding red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Different pasta: If tortellini isn’t your favorite, try using another pasta like fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti.
- Chicken alternative: You can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier, richer flavor.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the dish in a skillet over low heat, adding a little more cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe container, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
How can I make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat it up and toss in the cooked tortellini.
Can I freeze this recipe?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the chicken and sauce mixture before adding the tortellini. When ready to serve, thaw it overnight and reheat before adding the tortellini.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Gouda, or Asiago for a different flavor profile.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use fresh cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers as an alternative.
Can I use a dairy-free substitute for the cream?
Yes, you can use coconut milk or a dairy-free heavy cream substitute to make the dish dairy-free.
How can I make this spicier?
Add some red pepper flakes to the sauce or stir in some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
What should I serve with Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?
A side salad with a simple vinaigrette, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pairs beautifully with this dish.
Can I make this recipe with leftover cooked chicken?
Yes, you can substitute cooked, shredded chicken to save time. Add it to the sauce after it thickens to warm through.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it works great for meal prep. Just store the dish in individual containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini without tortellini?
Absolutely! You can use any other pasta of your choice, such as penne, farfalle, or fettuccine.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a dreamy combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy pasta that will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want something comforting for dinner, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s named “Marry Me”!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is an irresistible combination of juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce that pairs perfectly with cheesy tortellini. Quick enough for a weeknight and fancy enough for a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress anyone at the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini, cooked
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add heavy cream, chicken broth, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Add cooked tortellini and chicken to the skillet. Toss to combine and coat with sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat with a little extra cream or broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave in a microwave-safe container.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the chicken and sauce a day before and refrigerate. Add cooked tortellini when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
