Marry Me Chicken Tortellini combines tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and a rich, creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. This delicious and comforting dish is perfect for a romantic dinner or a cozy family meal. The name suggests that this dish is so good it might just inspire a marriage proposal! It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners that need a touch of elegance.
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (40g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 pound (450g) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, dried thyme, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
4. Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
- Add the cooked tortellini and gently toss to combine, ensuring everything is well coated with the creamy sauce.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this creamy, indulgent Marry Me Chicken Tortellini.
Cooking Tips:
- For added flavor, you can deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine before adding the chicken broth.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for a richer flavor, and don’t forget to drain them well before chopping.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little more chicken broth or a splash of milk.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Rich and Creamy: The luxurious sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese is decadently delicious.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Impressive and Elegant: The combination of flavors and the beautiful presentation make this dish ideal for special occasions.
Conclusion:
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that is sure to impress anyone you serve it to. The combination of tender chicken, cheese tortellini, and a luscious sauce makes this meal both comforting and indulgent. Perfect for romantic dinners or special family meals, this recipe is easy to prepare yet sophisticated enough to make any occasion memorable. Try it out and see why this dish has such an enticing name!