Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Creamy, comforting Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe with chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and fresh basil—an easy dinner your family will adore.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan with lid
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Cutting board and sharp knife.
- Colander (for draining tortellini)
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Cheese grater (if using block Parmesan)
- Serving plates or bowls
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a subtle kick
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 9–12 oz package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped, for garnish
Optional ingredients for extra flavor:
- 1/4 cup white wine for deglazing
- 1/2 cup baby spinach for added freshness
- 2 tablespoons butter to enrich the sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside. This initial sear locks in flavor and creates a beautiful crust.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth or white wine, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom. These bits are packed with flavor and form the base of your rich, creamy sauce.
Step 3: Add Cream and Cheese
- Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and dried Italian herbs. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes silky. You’ll notice a luxurious aroma and a smooth, velvety texture that’s irresistible.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
- Add the cheese tortellini directly to the sauce. Cover and simmer until the tortellini is tender, about 4–5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The tortellini will soak up some of the flavorful sauce, making each bite cheesy and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy tortellini. Let everything cook together for 3–4 minutes so the chicken finishes cooking and absorbs the sauce’s flavors. If using baby spinach, stir it in now so it wilts gently.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the top before serving. For an extra touch, you can add a little more Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of your homemade Marry Me Chicken Tortellini.