Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
The enticing aroma of sizzling chicken mingling with hints of creamy Parmesan and smoky chipotle sauce wafts through the kitchen, instantly captivating everyone nearby. As the vibrant colors of this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini dish billow up from the pan, it paints an inviting picture that promises flavors rich and bold. It’s the sort of meal that makes you feel at home while also hinting at a culinary adventure, transporting you between Mexican and Italian cuisine with every delectable bite.
Table of Contents
Whenever I prepare this dish, I’m reminded of cozy dinners with loved ones, where laughter echoed through the room, and moments of joy seemed endless. It’s perfect for fall nights when you want something comforting yet exciting; it warms not just the stomach but also the soul. This one-pan wonder is not just a meal; it’s a memory waiting to happen. I can’t wait for you to indulge in this delightful recipe, so roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 35 minutes—a weeknight win!
- Irresistible Flavor: Creamy, smoky, and savory, it’s a flavor fiesta in every bite!
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Your family will marvel at the stunning colors and rich textures.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for casual family dinners or impressing guests—it does it all!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or low-carb diets!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Great for quick cooking and tenderness; thighs can be substituted if you prefer more flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing the flavors of the dish; adjust to your preference.
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional): For added warmth; omit for a milder flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and aids in browning the chicken; can be replaced with vegetable oil if needed.
- 1 tablespoon butter: For an extra layer of flavor; use ghee for a dairy-free alternative.
- 3-4 cloves minced garlic: A must for depth and aroma; fresh is best, but jarred can work in a pinch.
- 1-2 teaspoons adobo sauce: This smoky sauce mingles beautifully with the dish; adjust for desired spice level.
- ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (sliced): Their sweetness balances the dish; if unavailable, fresh tomatoes can be used, but will require additional cooking time.
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Provides a base for the sauce; homemade broth elevates the flavor.
- 19 ounces cheese tortellini: Store-bought for convenience; you can even make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious creaminess that binds everything together; half-and-half can be a lighter option, but will be less rich.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): A must for a deep, nutty flavor; avoid pre-grated cheese for the best melt.
- Fresh cilantro (chopped or parsley): For garnish and freshness; feel free to switch to basil for a different herbal note.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini (Creamy Mexican Chipotle Sauce)
Sear the Chicken: Pat the chicken cut into bite-sized pieces dry with paper towels. Generously season on both sides with salt, black pepper, and chili powder, if using. Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply golden brown. Remove from the skillet and transfer to a plate to let rest.
Bloom the Flavors: Reduce heat to medium. Toss in minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in chipotle peppers and adobo sauce, allowing them to cook together for a minute. Then, fold in the sun-dried tomatoes and give it another minute. This step is crucial for building a deep flavor profile.
Make the Sauce and Simmer the Tortellini: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping all those delicious browned bits from the bottom—this is the essence of flavor! Next, stir in the heavy cream until silky smooth. Add the tortellini, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the sauce. Return the chicken and its juices to the skillet, cover, and let it simmer for 9-11 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce thickens slightly and the tortellini are perfectly cooked.
Finish: Once done, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until everything is beautifully creamy and well mixed. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color, and serve this delightful dish warm!
Storing & Reheating
To store your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini, allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can stay at room temperature for about 2 hours, but ideally, you’ll want to pop it in the fridge where it will last for 3-4 days. For longer storage, feel free to freeze it for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it creamy and prevent sticking, usually taking about 5-10 minutes.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid crowding the pan when browning the chicken; this helps in getting that perfect golden crust.
- Allow the chicken to rest briefly after cooking for juicier bites.
- Be careful with the chipotle adobo sauce; it packs a punch! Start small, and add more according to your spice tolerance.
- If using frozen tortellini, don’t thaw them; they’ll cook perfectly in the simmering sauce.
- Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives a creamier texture compared to pre-grated options.
- Try adding a squeeze of lime juice before serving; it brightens up the flavors wonderfully!
You now have a comforting yet bold dish that marries the flavors of two cuisines beautifully! The creamy, smoky sauce surrounds the tender chicken and delightful tortellini, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to add your twist to the recipe; experimenting in the kitchen only makes it more fun! Get cozy with loved ones, have fun cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite of this creamy masterpiece!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini gives this dish a lovely texture, you can swap it for other types of pasta, such as penne or farfalle. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta’s instructions, so everything is tender and perfectly cooked.
What if I want to make this dish spicy?
If you’re aiming for a kick, just add more chipotle peppers along with extra adobo sauce. You could also toss in some diced jalapeños for a fresh heat or serve with hot sauce on the side for that extra zing.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop when you’re ready to serve. Freshly garnishing with cilantro right before enjoying will enhance the flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This dish holds up well in the refrigerator, so it’s perfect for meal prep. Portion it out in individual containers for an easy grab-and-go lunch or dinner throughout the week. Just remember that the cream might thicken up in the fridge; a quick stir or splash of broth when reheating will bring it back to life!
More Dinner Recipes
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Italian
Description
This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini with creamy chipotle sauce combines irresistible flavors, quick prep and is perfect for cozy dinners with family or friends.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3–4 cloves minced garlic
- 1–2 teaspoons adobo sauce
- ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (sliced)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 19 ounces cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- Fresh cilantro (chopped or parsley)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and chili powder.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown, then remove it from the skillet.
- Reduce heat and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in chipotle peppers and adobo sauce, followed by sun-dried tomatoes.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, then stir in heavy cream and add tortellini.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer until cooked through and tortellini are tender.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted, garnish with cilantro, and serve warm.
Notes
Chicken can be substituted with thighs for more flavor.
Freshly grated cheese is recommended for better melting.
Adding lime juice before serving brightens the dish’s flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
