Name: Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 10 ounces frozen cheese tortellini (about 3 cups); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound chicken tenders or breasts, diced into small cubes; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup chicken stock; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil

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Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and a rich sun-dried tomato sauce with Parmesan and fresh basil. The name of the dish says it all—this recipe is so delicious, it’s sure to make anyone fall in love! With a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and slightly tangy flavors, this dish is a one-pan wonder that comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s an easy yet indulgent meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Ingredients

10 ounces frozen cheese tortellini (about 3 cups)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound chicken tenders or breasts, diced into small cubes
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken stock
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Tortellini:

Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the diced chicken to the skillet, seasoning it with paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
Sauté the chicken for 8-10 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Make the Sauce:

Sprinkle the flour over the cooked chicken and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to combine.
Add the chicken stock and tomato paste, allowing the mixture to simmer for 4-5 minutes, or until it thickens.

Finish the Sauce:

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes.
Stir until the mixture is well combined and creamy.

Combine:

Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta.
Add the fresh chopped basil and mix until everything is well combined.

Serve:

Sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese and serve hot!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 480 per serving

Variations

Add Vegetables: For extra flavor and nutrition, add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce.
Use Different Protein: You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, sausage, or even tofu for a different protein option.
Spicy: If you like a little heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of chicken stock or cream to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh tortellini instead of frozen. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as fresh tortellini usually cooks faster.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Simply combine everything just before serving and warm it through.

Can I make this recipe without sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute with fresh tomatoes or omit them entirely. For added flavor, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Can I make this dish lighter?

To make this dish lighter, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative. You can also use less cheese and reduce the amount of olive oil used.

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?

Yes, you can freeze the dish. After it has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta you like—penne, farfalle, or rigatoni would work great as alternatives to tortellini.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce isn’t thick enough for your liking, you can let it simmer for a few more minutes until it reduces, or you can add a little extra flour to help thicken it.

Can I use skim milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use skim milk or a dairy-free alternative, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. If you use milk, consider adding a little cornstarch to help thicken it.

How spicy is this dish?

The dish has a mild heat from the red pepper flakes, but it can be adjusted based on your preferences. Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add chili flakes for extra spice.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, if you have leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, you can use it in place of the diced chicken tenders. Just add the chicken after making the sauce and heat it through.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a perfect blend of creamy, savory, and flavorful elements that make it a memorable dish for any occasion. With tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and a rich sun-dried tomato sauce, it’s a comforting yet indulgent meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Quick to prepare and bursting with delicious flavors, it’s no surprise that this recipe is named after one of life’s most important moments—getting married to a dish this good!

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

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Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

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Description

A creamy, flavorful chicken tortellini dish with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and a touch of spice. This easy one-pan meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Instructions

Cook the Tortellini: Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, and season with paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Sauté the chicken for 8-10 minutes, or until fully cooked through. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the chicken stock and tomato paste, and let the mixture simmer for 4-5 minutes or until it thickens.
Finish the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes. Stir until combined.
Combine: Fold the cooked tortellini into the sauce, stirring gently to coat. Add the fresh basil and mix until well combined.
Serve: Sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese and serve hot!