Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that’s sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more, look no further than Marry Me Chicken Tortellini. This irresistible recipe combines the rich, creamy flavors of a classic “Marry Me Chicken” dish with the comforting goodness of cheese-filled tortellini pasta. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply craving a cozy, indulgent meal, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite.
What makes this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini so special? The secret lies in the perfect balance of tender, juicy chicken, a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce, and the plump, cheese-filled tortellini that soak up every delicious bite. The result is a dish that’s both comforting and elegant, with a flavor profile that’s sure to have your guests asking for the recipe.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist. The combination of savory chicken, creamy sauce, and cheese-filled pasta creates a delightful texture contrast that’s sure to satisfy. Plus, this recipe is incredibly accessible, using mostly pantry and freezer staples, making it a breeze to put together on a busy weeknight. And the best part? You can easily make it ahead of time and reheat it for a stress-free meal whenever you need it.
But beyond the convenience and flavor, this dish also packs a nutritional punch. The tortellini provides a good source of protein and carbohydrates, while the chicken and Parmesan cheese add valuable nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamin B12. With just a few simple swaps, you can also adapt this recipe to suit various dietary needs, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing option for any occasion.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Marry Me Chicken Tortellini ❓
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
The beauty of this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and cheese-filled tortellini creates the Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made “Marry Me Chicken” recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and sauté until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Step 3: In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and dried oregano. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes.
• Step 4: Add the cooked tortellini and the sautéed chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 5: Serve the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes
Compared to traditional Italian baked pasta dishes that can take up to an hour to prepare, this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini saves you 25% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fat: 27g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 830mg
These Marry Me Chicken Tortellini provide approximately 65% of your daily protein requirements and 20% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute the tortellini with low-carb zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese with unsweetened almond milk and nutritional yeast, respectively.
• Added protein: Boost the protein content by adding grilled or baked salmon or shrimp to the dish.
• Boost vegetables: Sauté spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli florets along with the chicken for added nutrients and fiber.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a crisp white wine or a bold red for a restaurant-quality dining experience.
• Complement the dish with a side of garlic bread or focaccia for dipping in the creamy sauce.
• For a family-style gathering, serve the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini on a large platter alongside a selection of Italian-inspired appetizers and a decadent tiramisu for dessert.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not reducing the sauce enough: Take the time to let the cream and Parmesan cheese simmer until the sauce has thickened to the desired consistency. Rushing this step can result in a thin, watery sauce.
• Skipping the sautéed garlic: Sautéing the garlic in the olive oil before adding the other ingredients is crucial for developing the deep, savory flavor profile of the dish.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Opt for high-quality tortellini, fresh chicken, and real Parmesan cheese for the best possible taste and texture.
• Forgetting to season with salt and pepper: Proper seasoning is key to bringing out the full flavor of the dish.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Marry Me Chicken Tortellini retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the dish up to the point of baking, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
• Freezing baked: Allow the dish to cool completely, then wrap individual portions in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
❓ FAQs
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for making in advance. You can prepare the entire recipe up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply bake or reheat the dish as directed.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, you can easily swap the chicken for other proteins, such as ground Italian sausage, shrimp, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and season the substitute protein to complement the overall flavor profile.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make a dairy-free version of Marry Me Chicken Tortellini, you can replace the heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. You can also opt for dairy-free tortellini or substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
Why is my sauce too thin?
If your Parmesan cream sauce is not thickening as desired, make sure to simmer it for the full 5 minutes, stirring continuously, to allow the cheese to melt and the sauce to reduce. You can also try adding a bit of cornstarch or flour mixed with a small amount of water to help thicken the sauce.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe is highly versatile, and you can easily incorporate additional vegetables to boost the nutritional value. Some great options include sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, or diced bell peppers. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender.
Conclusion
These Marry Me Chicken Tortellini represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight meal or as the centerpiece of a special occasion, they’re sure to impress with their rich, creamy sauce and the comforting texture of the cheese-filled pasta. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Marry Me Chicken Tortellini demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process.
So why not give this irresistible dish a try and experience the magic for yourself? Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
• 1 package (20 oz) cheese tortellini
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
• Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
• Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and sauté until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Step 3: In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and dried oregano. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes.
• Step 4: Add the cooked tortellini and the sautéed chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 5: Serve the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 518
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
