Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

If you're looking for a dish that’s both romantic and hearty, look no further than the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini! This delightful recipe combines tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and a rich, creamy sauce that’s guaranteed to impress. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this is the perfect meal to surprise your loved ones. Keep reading to discover how you can create this unforgettable dish that’s sure to have everyone asking for more.

this Recipe

What is Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?

“Marry Me Chicken” is a creamy chicken dish that has gained popularity because it's so irresistible that it might just inspire a marriage proposal! The addition of cheese tortellini to this recipe makes it even more decadent and filling. The combination of perfectly cooked chicken, tender tortellini, and a creamy, flavorful sauce makes this a must-try recipe for any home cook.

Ingredients List for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

To make this delicious dish, you’ll need a variety of simple ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor. Here's what you'll need for the chicken, tortellini, and the Marry Me sauce:

Tortellini

• 1 (19 oz) bag of frozen cheese tortellini
  Cheese tortellini adds a nice creamy texture and works perfectly with the Marry Me sauce.

Chicken

• 2 tablespoon olive oil
  Olive oil helps sear the chicken, giving it a deliciously crispy exterior.
• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts makes the cooking process quick and easy.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
  Adds a bit of heat and flavor.
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  A blend of herbs that complements the sauce beautifully.
• ½ teaspoon paprika
  For added color and mild smoky flavor.

Marry Me Sauce

• 2 tablespoon butter
  Butter gives richness to the sauce and helps sauté the aromatics.
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and sliced thin)
  Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to balance the creaminess.
• 3 teaspoon garlic (minced)
  Garlic enhances the flavor profile with its aromatic touch.
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  Chicken broth adds depth to the sauce without overpowering the other flavors.
• 2 cups heavy cream
  The base of the sauce, giving it its signature creamy, luxurious texture.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  Provides a blend of flavors from herbs like oregano and basil.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
  Adds just the right amount of seasoning to balance the creamy sauce.
• 1 teaspoon paprika
  Brings a subtle smokiness and vibrant color to the dish.
• 1 cup parmesan cheese (finely shredded)
  Parmesan adds a salty, umami-rich flavor to the sauce.
• 2 cups baby spinach (chopped)
  Baby spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition to the dish.

Substitutions and Variations

There are several ways you can tweak this recipe based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Chicken thighs instead of breasts: If you prefer a juicier cut of meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative.
• Different tortellini fillings: You can use spinach, mushroom, or even meat-filled tortellini instead of cheese tortellini for extra variety.
• Substitute sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers: If you're not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers can offer a sweet and smoky flavor.
• Lighter version: You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream to create a lighter sauce.
• Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free tortellini and make sure your other ingredients are gluten-free.

Feel free to get creative with the ingredients while keeping the essence of the dish intact!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the preparation of this mouthwatering dish. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure success:

1. Cook the Tortellini

Begin by cooking the frozen cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 4-6 minutes in boiling water. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and set aside.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Prepare the Marry Me Sauce

In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, stir in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

4. Add Chicken Broth and Cream

Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Next, add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.

5. Season and Thicken

Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

6. Stir in Parmesan and Spinach

Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the parmesan cheese until it melts and incorporates into the sauce. Add the chopped spinach and stir until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.

7. Combine Chicken and Tortellini

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat the chicken in the sauce. Add the cooked tortellini and gently toss everything together until well combined and heated through.

8. Serve

Your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is now ready to be served! See below for tips on how to serve and present this dish for maximum wow-factor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breasts cook quickly, and overcooking them can make them dry. Make sure to cook them just until golden and cooked through.
2. Curdling the sauce: When adding heavy cream to the pan, be sure to lower the heat to prevent curdling.
3. Undercooking the tortellini: Cook the tortellini just until al dente, as they will continue to soften slightly in the sauce.
4. Forgetting to season: Don't forget to season the dish at various stages to layer the flavors.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation matters, especially if you're trying to impress your guests or loved ones. Here are some ideas for serving Marry Me Chicken Tortellini:

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Serve the dish immediately while the sauce is still creamy and hot. You can pair it with garlic bread or a light salad to balance the richness of the meal.

Presentation Ideas for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

• Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color.
• Serve in a large skillet or shallow bowl: Family-style serving in a beautiful skillet can make the meal feel warm and inviting.
• Add grated parmesan and cracked pepper: Before serving, sprinkle some extra grated parmesan and a pinch of freshly cracked pepper for added flair.

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe Tips

• Use freshly grated parmesan cheese: Pre-grated cheese doesn't melt as smoothly, so it's worth grating your own for the creamiest sauce.
• Don’t rush the sauce: Let the sauce simmer slowly to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Adjust thickness: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sauce and chicken ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, then reheat and add the tortellini before serving.

Q: Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?
A: The sauce might not freeze well due to the heavy cream, but you can freeze the cooked chicken and tortellini separately. Reheat the components and make the sauce fresh.

Q: What can I serve with this dish?
A: Garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables are great accompaniments to Marry Me Chicken Tortellini.

Q: Can I use other types of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While tortellini is ideal, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a showstopping dish that is both comforting and gourmet. Its rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy tortellini will make it an instant favorite in your household. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, it’s a recipe that will leave a lasting impression. So, gather your ingredients, follow these step-by-step instructions, and get ready to wow everyone at the table with this irresistible dish!

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