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Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is the kind of dinner that turns an ordinary weeknight into something worth celebrating. Creamy sauce wraps around tender chicken and cheesy tortellini for a dish that feels both cozy and just a little bit decadent. It is an easy crowd pleaser and when I first made it for friends one winter evening, we all ended up scraping our plates and asking for more crusty bread to mop up every drop.
The first time I served this for a cozy dinner at home it became an instant favorite. The sun dried tomatoes bring a bright pop that really takes the chicken and tortellini to another level. Now it is one of my most requested recipes for Sunday dinners.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Sliced into cubes, choose large fresh ones for juicy tender bites
- Flour for dredging: Gives each piece of chicken a crisp golden crust
- Salt and black pepper: Basic seasoning to bring out savory flavor in chicken
- Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and a beautiful color
- Garlic powder: Gives deep savory background to every bite
- Olive oil and butter: The blend adds both flavor and richness to sautéing chicken
- Minced garlic: Use fresh for best taste and aroma
- Chicken broth: A savory base for the creamy sauce, select low sodium to control salt
- Heavy cream: For silky luscious sauce with classic richness
- Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce with nutty notes, always choose freshly grated
- Red pepper flakes: Infuses gentle heat, you can scale to taste
- Oregano and thyme: For an herby Italian backbone, dried works perfectly
- Sun dried tomatoes: Chopped to add tangy bursts and beautiful color, look for ones in oil
- Frozen tortellini: For a fast shortcut, choose cheese or spinach fillings for the best match
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Seasoned Flour:
- Combine flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder together until evenly blended. This seasoned flour not only flavors the chicken but also gives it a crisp coating that absorbs the luscious sauce later.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Toss chicken cubes in the seasoned flour so each piece is fully coated. Shake off excess to avoid clumping in the pan. If possible, pat chicken dry beforehand to help the coating stick well.
- Brown the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter melts and sizzles. Add the floured chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for about four to five minutes on each side. Let the chicken sit undisturbed to create a golden crust before turning. Check that the pieces reach an internal temperature of one hundred sixty five degrees for juicy results.
- Remove Chicken and Build Flavor:
- Lift the browned chicken out and keep warm. With the juices left in the pan, add minced garlic, sun dried tomatoes, and chicken broth. Scrape the skillet bottom to bring up any browned bits which deepen the final sauce flavor.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Lower the heat before stirring in heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce looks creamy and smooth. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes, oregano, and thyme and simmer gently for a few minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cook the Tortellini:
- Add frozen tortellini directly into the skillet, making sure the sauce mostly covers the pasta. Cover with a lid and cook for several minutes until the tortellini are hot through and tender. Stir once or twice to help them cook evenly.
- Finish the Dish and Serve:
- Return the sauteed chicken to the skillet, mixing everything gently. Let everything heat together so the chicken soaks up the sauce. Serve right away, garnished with extra Parmesan or pepper flakes if desired.
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My favorite ingredient here is the Parmesan because when you use the freshly grated kind the sauce gets perfectly creamy without any grainy texture. Watching my kids twirl saucy tortellini on their forks makes me think of my grandmother who always insisted on finishing pasta dishes with an extra sprinkle of cheese.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating add a splash of milk or broth and gently warm over low heat so the creamy sauce returns to its original consistency. It is best not to freeze this dish because creamy sauces sometimes separate when thawed but leftovers are delicious for lunches.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have heavy cream half and half can be swapped though the sauce will be a bit lighter. Rotisserie chicken or cooked shredded chicken can stand in for cubed breast in a pinch and still soak up all the flavors. Fresh tortellini cooks up even faster than frozen if you have it on hand. For a vegetarian version skip the chicken and bump up the amount of tortellini or toss in baby spinach for more veggies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this rich skillet pasta with a side of crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced plate. Warm garlic bread is also wonderful to soak up the creamy Parmesan sauce. If you want to jazz it up for a special dinner a handful of fresh basil or parsley over the top brings freshness and color.
Cultural and Historical Context
This dish draws inspiration from two cherished traditions creamy Italian pasta and the American comfort of easy skillet suppers. Marry Me Chicken got its name because supposedly the combination of flavors is so good it could inspire marriage proposals. Cheesy tortellini makes it even more of a heartwarming family favorite perfect for sharing across the dinner table.
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This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini will make any meal feel like a special occasion. Treat your family and friends to this comforting one skillet dish and create memories around the dinner table.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of chicken works best for this dish?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal as they stay tender and cook quickly when cubed and sautéed.
- → Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh tortellini will work well. Adjust the simmering time since fresh pasta cooks faster than frozen.
- → How can I make the sauce creamier?
For a richer texture, use a touch more heavy cream or extra Parmesan cheese. Stir gently for a smooth finish.
- → Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary?
Sun-dried tomatoes add a deep, tangy flavor, but you can omit them or use roasted red peppers for a similar taste.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently to preserve creaminess.