Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

The Best Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe That Seals The Deal

Creamy and decadent marry me chicken tortellini brings romance right to your dinner table.

Tender pieces of chicken swim in a luscious sauce that promises culinary seduction.

Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes create a flavor explosion that will make anyone swoon.

Fresh herbs add a bright, aromatic touch to this irresistible dish.

Rich cream and perfectly cooked tortellini meld together in a comforting embrace.

Each forkful feels like a love letter crafted with passion and care.

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini That Impresses

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini That Impresses
  • Conquer Complex Cooking: This recipe transforms challenging culinary techniques into an achievable masterpiece for home cooks of all skill levels, breaking down intimidating steps into simple, manageable actions.
  • Celebrate Versatile Dining: Perfect for family dinners, romantic date nights, or casual gatherings, this dish adapts seamlessly to different social settings with its crowd-pleasing combination of tender chicken and creamy tortellini.
  • Maximize Flavor Explosion: Packed with rich ingredients like sundried tomatoes, herbs, and cream, the recipe delivers an incredible taste experience that elevates ordinary weeknight meals into restaurant-quality dining.
  • Streamline Meal Preparation: With straightforward cooking techniques and minimal complex ingredients, this one-pan wonder simplifies the cooking process, reducing kitchen cleanup and saving precious energy for enjoying the meal.

Ingredients to Prepare Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Ingredients to Prepare Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender meat that serves as the primary protein source for the dish.
  • Tortellini: Stuffed pasta that adds substance and richness to the recipe.
Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Chicken Broth, Passata, Tomato Paste: Provide a rich, tangy base for the sauce.
  • Cooking Cream: Adds a smooth, creamy texture to the dish.
  • Sundried Tomatoes: Contribute an intense, concentrated tomato flavor.
  • Garlic, Oregano, Basil: Offer aromatic and herbal notes to the recipe.
  • Salt, Chili Flakes: Enhance overall seasoning and add a subtle heat.
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:
  • Cornstarch, Paprika, Salt: Create a flavorful coating for the chicken.
  • Olive Oil: Used for cooking and adding a subtle richness.
  • Spinach: Provides a fresh, nutritious green element to the dish.

How to Cook Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

How to Cook Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Step 1: Whip Up the Chicken Coating

Create a tantalizing seasoning blend by mixing cornstarch, paprika, and salt in a mixing bowl. Ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Dress the Chicken

Toss chicken pieces with the prepared seasoning, making sure each morsel gets a luxurious coating of spices.

Step 3: Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, letting it shimmer and prepare for the culinary magic ahead.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken to Perfection

Sizzle the seasoned chicken in the pan, stirring occasionally. Cook until the chicken is fully done and reaches a safe internal temperature.

Transfer to a warm plate once cooked.

Step 5: Unleash the Garlic Magic

Lower the heat and introduce minced garlic to the pan.

Sauté quickly until its aromatic essence fills the kitchen, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 6: Create a Flavor Foundation

Splash chicken broth into the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits clinging to the bottom.

Step 7: Prepare the Tortellini

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook tortellini until they’re perfectly al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 8: Build the Sauce

Combine the following ingredients in the pan:
  • Tomato paste
  • Passata
  • Cooking cream
  • Sundried tomatoes
  • Oregano
  • Salt
  • Chili flakes

Stir everything together and bring to a boil.

Step 9: Let the Sauce Simmer

Reduce heat and let the sauce bubble gently for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 10: Reunite Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, coating it thoroughly in the luscious sauce.

Step 11: Marry Tortellini with Sauce

Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the pan, ensuring each piece gets a generous sauce coating.

Step 12: Add Fresh Greens

Toss in chopped spinach and basil, stirring until they’re just wilted and beautifully integrated into the dish.

Pro Tips for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Pro Tips for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
  • Swap cornstarch with arrowroot powder for a gluten-free alternative when coating chicken, ensuring a crispy exterior.
  • Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and customize the dish's overall flavor profile.
  • Quickly pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve better browning and prevent steaming instead of sautéing.
  • Try different tortellini fillings like cheese, spinach, or meat to create unique flavor variations that suit personal preferences.
  • Allow sauce to thicken naturally by simmering uncovered, which concentrates flavors and creates a richer, more robust consistency.

Creative Twists on Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Creative Twists on Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
  • Veggie Lover's Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, seasoned similarly. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a completely plant-based version.
  • Mediterranean Herb Remix: Swap sundried tomatoes with roasted red peppers. Add crumbled feta cheese and extra fresh oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free tortellini or replace with zucchini noodles. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-safe preparation.
  • Protein Power Bowl: Transform the dish into a lower-carb option by replacing tortellini with cauliflower rice or quinoa. Keep the rich, creamy sauce and protein intact.

Pairing Suggestions for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Pairing Suggestions for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
  • Complement the rich, creamy tomato sauce with a crisp, acidic white wine like Pinot Grigio that cuts through the heaviness and refreshes the palate.
  • Select a chilled, unoaked Chardonnay to match the dish's creamy texture and enhance the sundried tomato's robust flavor profile.
  • Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the tender tortellini.
  • Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to introduce a bright, peppery element that counteracts the dish's richness and adds freshness.

Storing Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Properly

Storing Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Properly
  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Pack the cooled dish in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date and contents.
  • Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

FAQs
  • What's the key to getting perfectly cooked chicken?

The secret is using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This guarantees the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat while remaining juicy and tender.

  • Can I substitute the sundried tomatoes?

Yes, you can replace sundried tomatoes with fresh cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers. These alternatives will provide a similar depth of flavor and texture to the dish.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe uses a small amount of chili flakes, which adds a mild heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the amount of chili flakes to suit your taste preferences.

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Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini


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4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy marry me chicken tortellini promises romance on a plate with parmesan-kissed pasta and tender chicken. Romantic Italian-inspired flavors make this dish perfect for date nights or special celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 boneless chicken breasts (6.5 oz each, cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 21 oz fresh cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup 35% cooking cream
  • 1 cup unsalted chicken broth
  • 2 tbsps extra-virgin olive oil (plus additional as needed)
  • 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  • ½ cup sundried tomatoes (roughly chopped)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (washed and roughly chopped)
  • ¼ cup fresh basil (washed and roughly chopped)
  • ¼ cup passata
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsps cornstarch
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • ¼ tsp red chili flakes
  • ¼ tsp coarse sea salt (for chicken seasoning)
  • ¼ tsp coarse sea salt (for sauce)

Instructions

  1. Craft a savory seasoning blend by mixing cornstarch, paprika, and salt in a small bowl until thoroughly combined.
  2. Coat chicken pieces with the prepared seasoning, ensuring each morsel is evenly dusted.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium temperature for 2 minutes, creating an ideal cooking surface.
  4. Sauté seasoned chicken, stirring periodically, until internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 8-10 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low and quickly toast minced garlic until aromatic, about 30 seconds, avoiding burning.
  6. Elevate pan temperature to medium and deglaze with chicken broth, scraping accumulated flavor fragments from pan bottom.
  7. Simultaneously, boil a pot of water and cook tortellini according to package instructions until perfectly al dente. Drain and reserve.
  8. Introduce tomato paste, passata, cooking cream, sundried tomatoes, oregano, salt, and chili flakes to the garlic-infused pan. Blend ingredients thoroughly and bring to a vigorous boil.
  9. Reduce heat, allowing sauce to gently simmer for 5-8 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent scorching.
  10. Reintegrate cooked chicken into the sauce, ensuring complete and uniform coating.
  11. Carefully fold tortellini into the pan, gently mixing to envelop pasta with rich sauce.
  12. Conclude by folding chopped spinach and basil into the dish, wilting greens and harmonizing final flavor profile.

Notes

  • Customize the heat level by adjusting chili flakes for those who prefer milder or spicier flavors.
  • Choose low-fat cream or coconut milk for a lighter, diet-friendly version of the sauce.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior during sautéing.
  • Use fresh tortellini from the refrigerated section for a more authentic, restaurant-quality taste and texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 630 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 380 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 42 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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