If you’re looking to impress your loved ones with an easy yet delicious meal, Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is the answer! This creamy, flavorful dish combines tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich sauce that might just lead to a proposal. In this post, I’ll guide you through simple steps and tips to make this delightful dinner. Let’s dive in and add some romance to your dinner table!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Creamy Sauce: The rich and creamy sauce made with heavy cream and sun-dried tomatoes elevates the dish to a restaurant-level experience right at home.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.
- Flavorful Ingredients: Using fresh spinach and garlic adds vibrant flavors and nutritional benefits, making each bite satisfying and wholesome.
- Impressive Presentation: The colorful combination of chicken, tortellini, and fresh basil makes for a visually stunning dish that is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- Chicken and seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sauce components
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- Tortellini and garnishing
- 12 ounces cheese tortellini
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
When I make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini, I focus on fresh and high-quality ingredients. The chicken breasts are the star, bringing protein and texture. I season them simply with salt and pepper. The olive oil helps create a nice sear, locking in flavor.
For the sauce, I use minced garlic and Italian seasoning to add depth. Chicken broth and heavy cream give it richness. Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet-tart punch, while fresh spinach brings color and nutrition.
The cheese tortellini completes the dish. It cooks up perfectly, adding a delightful bite. For serving, I sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for extra flavor. Fresh basil leaves brighten the whole plate, making it look as good as it tastes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
First, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This step adds great flavor. Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken when the oil is hot. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes. You want the chicken to be golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. Slice it into strips once it cools a bit.
Making the Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until they smell good. Next, pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer, scraping any brown bits off the bottom. This adds more flavor. Now, reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Mix them well until combined. Add the fresh spinach and cook it until it wilts, which takes about 2 minutes.
Combining with Tortellini
While the sauce simmers, cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain it and set it aside. Now, return the sliced chicken to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Add the cooked tortellini and toss everything together. Make sure all the ingredients mix well. Let it heat through for a few minutes. Your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is now ready to serve!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Chicken
To make the chicken perfect, use a skillet. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side. This method keeps the chicken juicy. To avoid dryness, do not overcook the chicken. Always check if it is cooked through. You want it tender and moist.
Enhancing Flavor
To boost flavor, add extra herbs and spices. Fresh basil works wonders. You can also try oregano or thyme for a twist. Balance the creaminess with a splash of lemon juice. This little trick brightens the dish without overpowering it.
Cooking Tortellini
Cook tortellini according to the package instructions. Typically, this takes about 3-5 minutes in boiling water. Stir gently to prevent sticking. If you don’t have tortellini, use any pasta you like. Penne or farfalle are great options too. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Pro Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Ensure the chicken breasts reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption and optimal juiciness.
- Enhance the Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Fresh Spinach Alternatives: If fresh spinach isn’t available, you can substitute it with kale or Swiss chard, which will also add a delicious touch.
- Cheese Tortellini Tips: To prevent the tortellini from sticking together, make sure to stir them gently while cooking and rinse them under cold water after draining.
Variations
Protein Alternatives
You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly, about 3-4 minutes per side. Tofu takes longer, around 8-10 minutes, to get golden and warm. Both options add unique flavors and textures to the dish.
Vegetable Add-Ins
Adding more veggies boosts nutrition. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or peas. Sun-dried tomatoes pair well with spinach and add a sweet, tangy flavor. Mix and match your favorites for a colorful meal.
Sauce Variations
Experiment with different creams or broths in the sauce. For a lighter option, use half-and-half or almond milk. If you want a vegan version, replace cream with coconut milk and use vegetable broth. These swaps keep the dish creamy and delicious without animal products.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Tips
To store leftovers, put the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Let the dish cool before sealing it. In the fridge, it lasts about three days. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating.
Freezing Guidelines
To freeze this dish, let it cool completely first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Marry Me Chicken Tortellini can stay in the freezer for about three months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, warm it on the stove over low heat. Stir often to keep it creamy and prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
For side dishes, a nice green salad works well. Garlic bread also pairs nicely with this meal. For wine lovers, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc is a great choice. It complements the creamy sauce and bright flavors perfectly.
FAQs
What is Marry Me Chicken?
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish made with chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheese tortellini. It became popular because of its rich taste and easy preparation. Many believe it can make anyone fall in love with cooking. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and delicious tortellini makes it a hit for family dinners or romantic nights.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! To prepare Marry Me Chicken Tortellini ahead of time, cook the chicken and sauce as per the recipe. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Cook the tortellini fresh when you are ready to serve. This way, everything stays tasty. Reheat the chicken and sauce gently on the stove before mixing in the fresh tortellini.
Is Marry Me Chicken Tortellini spicy?
No, Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is not spicy. It has a mild flavor profile, perfect for all taste buds. If you like heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to your liking. Just start with a small amount. You can always add more if needed. This dish is meant to be comforting and delicious, without overwhelming spice.
In this post, we explored the tasty Marry Me Chicken Tortellini. We detailed key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You learned about protein swaps and how to enhance flavors. Storage info helps keep leftovers fresh.
This dish is fun to make and share. I hope you feel inspired to try it. Cooking can bring joy and comfort to your meals. Enjoy your culinary journe
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- to taste salt and pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 12 ounces cheese tortellini
- to taste grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- for garnish fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning; sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, mixing well.
- Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips and return them to the skillet with the cream sauce.
- Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, tossing everything together until well combined. Allow to heat through for a few minutes.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh basil leaves.
