Name: Marry Me Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious and Romantic 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 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus more for garnish; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 20 oz package of cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen); Fresh parsley, chopped; Extra Parmesan cheese; Red pepper flakes

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini: Prepare to fall head-over-heels for this incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy dish! Imagine tender, cheese-filled tortellini swimming in a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce, studded with juicy, perfectly cooked chicken. It's a flavor explosion that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds, and maybe even a proposal!

While the exact origins of "Marry Me Chicken" are shrouded in mystery, the legend says that it's so irresistible, anyone who tastes it will be instantly smitten. The original recipe, featuring chicken simmered in a rich tomato cream sauce, has become a modern classic, inspiring countless variations. This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini takes that beloved flavor profile and elevates it with the addition of pillowy, cheese-filled pasta, creating a truly unforgettable meal.

What makes this dish so universally appealing? It's the perfect combination of comfort food and sophisticated flavors. The creamy sauce is decadent and satisfying, while the sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of tangy sweetness. The chicken provides a hearty protein boost, and the tortellini adds a delightful textural element. Plus, it's relatively quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Trust me, once you try this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini, you'll understand why it's earned its romantic reputation!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

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

For the Sauce:

2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus more for garnish
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Tortellini:

20 oz package of cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese
Red pepper flakes

Preparing the Chicken

Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings. I like to let this sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, but you can proceed immediately if you're short on time.
Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven 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 may need to work in batches to ensure the chicken browns properly.
Cook the Chicken: Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until it is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside. Don't worry about cleaning the skillet yet; we'll use those flavorful bits for the sauce!

Making the "Marry Me" Sauce

Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the same skillet (the one you cooked the chicken in). Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and the sun-dried tomatoes have softened slightly. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Add Basil and Chicken Broth: Stir in the chopped fresh basil. Cook for another 30 seconds, allowing the basil to release its aroma. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze it, loosening any browned bits that have stuck to the pan. These browned bits are packed with flavor and will add depth to the sauce.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can create a slurry by whisking together the all-purpose flour with a tablespoon or two of cold water in a small bowl. Gradually whisk the slurry into the sauce in the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can skip this step.
Incorporate the Cream and Parmesan: Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that Parmesan cheese is already salty, so start with a small amount of salt and add more as needed.
Simmer the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Be careful not to let the sauce boil, as this can cause the cream to separate.

Cooking the Tortellini

Cook the Tortellini According to Package Directions: While the sauce is simmering, cook the cheese tortellini according to the package directions. Generally, this involves boiling a large pot of salted water and adding the tortellini. Cook until the tortellini are tender and float to the surface, usually about 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini and slightly longer for frozen tortellini.
Drain the Tortellini: Once the tortellini are cooked, drain them well in a colander.

Bringing It All Together

Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the "Marry Me" sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
Add Tortellini to the Sauce: Gently fold in the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together until the tortellini are well coated with the sauce.
Simmer Briefly: Allow the tortellini to simmer in the sauce for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the tortellini to absorb some of the sauce.

Serving

Serve Immediately: Serve the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini immediately while it's hot and creamy.
Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh basil leaves, chopped fresh parsley, extra grated Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (if desired).
Enjoy! This dish is incredibly rich and flavorful, and it's sure to impress anyone you serve it to. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let's be honest – you've scrolled this far because something about this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe whispered sweet nothings to your soul, right? And trust me, it lives up to the hype. This isn't just another pasta dish; it's a flavor explosion, a creamy, dreamy comfort food masterpiece that's surprisingly easy to whip up. The combination of juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken, those cheesy, delightful tortellini, and that rich, sun-dried tomato infused sauce is simply irresistible. It's the kind of meal that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a good movie and savor every single bite. But beyond the incredible taste, what makes this recipe a must-try is its versatility. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner when you're short on time but craving something special, and it's equally impressive enough to serve to guests. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and honestly, who doesn't love a dish that earns you major culinary kudos with minimal effort? Now, let's talk serving suggestions and variations because I'm all about making recipes your own! For a complete meal, I love serving this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini with a simple side salad – think crisp romaine lettuce, a light vinaigrette, and maybe some shaved Parmesan cheese. A crusty loaf of bread is also a must for soaking up every last drop of that glorious sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, there are tons of ways to customize this recipe to your liking. Want to add some extra veggies? Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers would be fantastic additions. Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or sausage for a different flavor profile. And if you're a spice lover, a pinch of red pepper flakes will add a welcome kick. For a lighter version, you can use light cream cheese and half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You could even try using a different type of pasta, like penne or farfalle, if you're not a tortellini fan (though I highly recommend sticking with the tortellini – it just works so perfectly!).

Serving Suggestions:

* Serve with a side of garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. * Pair with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. * Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.

Variations:

* Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. * Substitute chicken with shrimp or Italian sausage. * Use light cream cheese and half-and-half for a lighter version. * Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Honestly, the possibilities are endless! This recipe is a blank canvas just waiting for your personal touch. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your favorite music, and get cooking! I promise you won't regret it. This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is destined to become a new favorite in your household. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe as is, or did you put your own spin on it? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos, comments, and variations in the comments below. I can't wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!