Description
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts, cheese-filled tortellini, and a luscious sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. This elegant yet simple recipe delivers a comforting meal perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, ready in under 30 minutes with customizable variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 fresh chicken breasts
Pasta
- 1 package (about 9–12 oz) cheese tortellini
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Liquids
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest before slicing or shredding.
- Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the chopped garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavors.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits off the skillet to add flavor. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir frequently until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Cook the Tortellini: Meanwhile, boil the cheese tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Combine and Heat Through: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the drained tortellini. Toss gently to coat everything with the creamy sauce. Heat through for 2-3 minutes, then adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh or refrigerated tortellini for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not overcook the chicken; remove it from heat as soon as it is no longer pink inside to keep it juicy.
- Save some pasta water when draining tortellini to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Grate your own Parmesan cheese for richer flavor and better melting.
- Simmer the sauce gently to prevent curdling cream or burning cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: chicken, tortellini, creamy sauce, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian, dinner, family meal, quick recipe