Name: Marry Me Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped; 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio); 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 20 oz package of cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini: Prepare to fall head-over-heels for this dish! Imagine tender, cheese-filled tortellini swimming in a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce, perfectly complemented by juicy, pan-seared chicken. It's a culinary proposal in every bite, and trust me, you'll say "yes" to seconds (and thirds!).

The original "Marry Me Chicken" recipe has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason. Its rich and decadent flavors are incredibly satisfying. While its exact origins are shrouded in a bit of mystery, the legend says that it's so delicious, anyone who makes it is guaranteed to receive a marriage proposal! Whether that's true or not, one thing's for sure: it's a crowd-pleaser.

But we're taking things up a notch by incorporating the delightful texture and flavor of cheese tortellini. People adore this dish because it's the perfect balance of comfort food and sophisticated flavors. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, while the sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of tangy sweetness. Plus, it's surprisingly easy to make, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a guaranteed winner, so let's get cooking!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Tortellini:

20 oz package of cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)

Preparing the Chicken

Okay, let's get started with the chicken! This is where we build the foundation of flavor for our Marry Me Chicken Tortellini. Don't skip these steps; they're crucial for that "wow" factor.

Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. I like to use my hands for this to really get the seasoning in there.
Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you might need to work in batches. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it's nicely browned 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're going to use those flavorful bits for the sauce!

Making the "Marry Me" Sauce

Now for the magic! This sauce is what makes this dish so irresistible. It's rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Trust me, you'll want to lick the pan clean!

Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet (don't clean it!), add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and the sun-dried tomatoes have softened slightly. Be careful not to burn the garlic; burnt garlic is bitter and will ruin the sauce.
Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the dry white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This is where all that delicious flavor from the chicken is hiding! Let the wine simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly. This step is important because it concentrates the flavors and adds depth to the sauce.
Add Chicken Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Stir in Heavy Cream and Parmesan Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Be patient; it might take a few minutes for the cheese to fully melt.
Season and Add Herbs: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and parsley. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, you can always add more salt and pepper, but you can't take it away!
Return the Chicken to the Sauce: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly with the sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Cooking the Tortellini

While the chicken is simmering in the sauce, let's get the tortellini cooking. This is the easiest part!

Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions. Usually, it takes about 3-5 minutes, or until the tortellini floats to the surface.
Drain the Tortellini: Once the tortellini is cooked, drain it well.

Combining and Serving

Almost there! Now we just need to put everything together and enjoy our delicious Marry Me Chicken Tortellini.

Combine Tortellini and Sauce: Add the drained tortellini to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Gently toss to coat the tortellini evenly with the sauce.
Serve: Serve the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini immediately. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, and chopped fresh parsley. A side of garlic bread or a simple salad would be a perfect complement to this dish.

Tips and Variations:

Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes to the chicken or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Sauté them along with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
Use different pasta: If you don't have tortellini, you can use other types of pasta, such as penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni.
Make it lighter: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Add a squeeze of lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten up the flavors of the dish.
Make it ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you're ready to serve, simply cook the tortellini and combine everything together.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini as much as I do! It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner. Let me know in the comments if you try it and what you think!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a permanent spot in your regular dinner rotation. Why? Because it's the perfect trifecta of creamy, cheesy, and comforting, all wrapped up in a surprisingly easy-to-make package. The sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs create a flavor explosion that's both sophisticated and utterly satisfying. It's the kind of dish that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a big bowl and a good movie. But beyond the incredible taste, what makes this recipe a must-try is its versatility. It's quick enough for a weeknight meal, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Plus, it's endlessly adaptable to your own preferences and what you have on hand. Looking for serving suggestions? I love to serve this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce is also a must! You could also add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. And speaking of variations, the possibilities are endless! Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or sausage for a different protein twist. If you're not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, try using roasted red peppers instead. Want to add some extra veggies? Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini would all be delicious additions. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can even use different types of tortellini – cheese, spinach, or even meat-filled would all work beautifully. If you're watching your calorie intake, you can use light cream cheese and half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Don't be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own! That's the beauty of cooking, after all – it's all about creating something that you and your loved ones will enjoy. I truly hope you give this recipe a try. I'm confident that you'll fall in love with it just as much as I have. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's sure to become a family favorite. Once you've made it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create recipes that you'll love. So, go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get cooking! I promise you won't regret it. This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is waiting to become your next culinary masterpiece. Happy cooking!