Tasty Marry Me Chicken Tortellini – Delicious & Easy!

Can you imagine preparing a meal so divine, so wonderfully indulgent, that it might just inspire a life-altering question? A dish with a flavour so profound it brings conversation to a halt, replaced only by sounds of pure culinary bliss? If you have been on the hunt for such a knockout recipe, one to save for those truly special moments, or simply to transform a mundane Tuesday into something memorable, then your search is over. We are delighted to show you how to prepare the most sensational Marry Me Chicken Tortellini you’ll ever have the pleasure of tasting.

This recipe builds upon the wildly popular “Marry Me Chicken,” taking it to an entirely new plane of deliciousness. We have woven together the iconic creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce and succulent chicken with soft, cheese-stuffed tortellini, creating an entire meal in a single pan. It’s decadent, deeply satisfying, and remarkably simple to prepare. Let’s begin!

What Exactly Is “Marry Me Chicken”?

The tale behind “Marry Me Chicken” has become something of a modern culinary legend. As the story is told, a group of food editors at Delish magazine were testing a new chicken dish and found it so delightful they declared it “marriage-worthy.” One editor even reported that her partner proposed soon after she served it to him. Whether it’s truth or simply brilliant marketing, the name has certainly stuck, and for a very good reason.

The classic recipe involves chicken breasts simmered in a sumptuous, creamy sauce enriched with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a combination of flavours that feels both comforting and wonderfully refined. Our take on this winning concept transforms it into a substantial pasta dish, ideal for a romantic meal for two or a family dinner that is sure to please everyone.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

We are confident this will become a cherished staple in your recipe collection. Here is why this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a guaranteed hit:

• Incredibly Flavourful: The fusion of savoury chicken, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and rich double cream results in a sauce that is nothing short of heavenly.
• A Complete Meal in One Pan: Bringing together protein, carbohydrates, and greens in a single dish, this recipe gives you a well-rounded meal with very little washing-up. It makes for the perfect one-pan meal on those busy weeknights.
• Quick and Easy: From beginning to end, this impressive dinner can be on your table in roughly 30 to 40 minutes. It has the look and taste of a dish that took hours of effort!
• Perfectly Balanced: The luscious, creamy sauce is expertly offset by the gentle tartness of the sun-dried tomatoes and the vibrant, fresh notes from the basil and spinach.

Ingredients for the Perfect Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

To assemble this culinary masterpiece, a selection of quality ingredients is essential. The real magic lies in their synergy, with each element contributing something special. Here is everything you will need:

• For the Chicken:
  • 2 large chicken breasts (about 600g), sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tsp garlic granules
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp plain flour
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• For the Creamy Sauce:
  • 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red chilli flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 120ml chicken stock
  • 80g sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
  • 300ml double cream
  • 60g grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • 100g fresh spinach
  • A small bunch of fresh basil, chopped
• For the Pasta:
  • 500g fresh cheese tortellini

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Just follow our straightforward steps to craft a meal that is genuinely unforgettable. We suggest reading through the entire method before you start, just to familiarise yourself with the flow. This is our definitive recipe for creamy chicken tortellini.

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a medium-sized bowl, place your bite-sized chicken pieces. Add the garlic granules, salt, pepper, and plain flour. Mix well until the chicken is coated all over. The flour is key to getting a beautiful golden crust and will help to thicken our sauce later.
2. Cook the Chicken: Place a large, deep frying pan or Dutch oven over a medium-high heat and add the olive oil and butter. When the butter has melted and begins to foam, add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are in a single layer. You may need to cook in two batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Start the Sauce: Using the same pan, turn the heat down to medium. Add in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and crushed red chilli flakes (if you’re using them). Sauté for 30-60 seconds until wonderfully fragrant, making sure to scrape any tasty brown bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s pure flavour!
4. Build the Creamy Base: Pour the chicken stock into the pan to deglaze it, stirring to incorporate the garlic and herbs. Allow it to simmer for a minute before stirring through the chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
5. Get it Creamy: Lower the heat and pour in the double cream, stirring gently until the sauce becomes smooth. Let it come to a very gentle simmer (be careful not to let it boil), then mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it has fully melted into the sauce.
6. Cook the Tortellini: As the sauce is simmering, cook the fresh tortellini as directed on the packet. This typically only takes a couple of minutes. Once it’s ready, drain it thoroughly. You can discover more about this pasta classic from BBC Good Food.
7. Bring It All Together: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the sauce. Add the fresh spinach and stir, letting it wilt into the sauce, which will only take a minute or so. Next, add the well-drained, cooked tortellini to the pan. Gently fold everything together until the tortellini is lavishly coated in that magnificent, creamy sauce.
8. Finishing Touches: To complete your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini, stir through the freshly chopped basil. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with a little more salt and pepper if you feel it needs it. Serve straight away, garnished with a generous helping of extra Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves.

Tips for the Perfect Dish

We want your creation to be an absolute triumph. Here are some extra pointers and tricks we’ve picked up over time.

Choosing Your Ingredients

• Chicken: While we have opted for chicken breast to keep it lean, feel free to substitute it with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They tend to be more forgiving and remain wonderfully juicy.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: We strongly suggest using sun-dried tomatoes that are packed in oil, as they are far more tender and flavourful than their dry-packed counterparts. Don’t throw away the oil! You can use a spoonful of it to sauté the chicken for an additional layer of flavour. This is a crucial tip for any fantastic sun-dried tomato chicken pasta.
• Tortellini: Fresh tortellini from the refrigerator aisle of the supermarket yields the best results. Feel free to use any filling you prefer—ricotta and spinach is classic, but a three-cheese or even a meat-filled version would also be delicious.

Cooking Technique

• Don’t Burn the Garlic: Minced garlic can catch and burn very easily. Ensure the heat is on medium-low when you add it to your pan, and stir it continuously for just under a minute until it releases its aroma.
• Simmer, Don’t Boil: After you have added the double cream and Parmesan, maintain the sauce at a gentle simmer. If it boils, the cream may split or the cheese could turn grainy.

What to Serve with Your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

This dish is certainly a satisfying meal all by itself, but if you wish to serve it with something extra, here are a few simple accompaniments:

• Garlic Bread: A piece of warm, crusty garlic bread is the ideal companion for soaking up every last drop of that amazing sauce.
• A Simple Green Salad: A crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette dressing offers a delightful, sharp contrast to the creamy richness of the pasta.
• Steamed Vegetables: Plain steamed asparagus or green beans will add a lovely touch of colour and freshness to your plate.
• A Delicious Dessert: After such a decadent main course, why not round things off with an equally comforting dessert? These Banana Bread Brownies are a wonderfully gooey and satisfying end to the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is undoubtedly at its best when served fresh, you can certainly prepare some elements in advance. Chopping the chicken, mincing the garlic, and slicing the sun-dried tomatoes beforehand will speed up the cooking process. We would advise against fully assembling the dish until you are ready to eat, as the tortellini can become too soft if left to sit in the sauce.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm it gently in a pan over a low heat. It’s a good idea to add a splash of milk or chicken stock to loosen the sauce, as it will have thickened whilst cooling.

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?

We generally recommend not freezing dishes that have a cream-based sauce, as the cream has a tendency to separate and become grainy when thawed. The texture of the tortellini can also turn quite mushy. For the best possible experience, this dish should be enjoyed fresh.

What can I use instead of double cream?

If you don’t have any double cream, single cream can be used, though your sauce will be a little thinner. To help it thicken, you can make a slurry by mixing a teaspoon of cornflour with a tablespoon of cold water, then stirring this into the sauce until it reaches the desired consistency. In a pinch, a splash of full-fat milk mixed with a little cream cheese could also work.

Is this recipe beginner-friendly?

It most certainly is! Despite its grand name and impressive flavours, this is a remarkably straightforward recipe to follow. By sticking to the steps, even a complete novice in the kitchen can produce a meal of restaurant quality. If you appreciate simple and rewarding recipes, you may also adore our classic Banana Bread, which is another guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Conclusion: Your New Favourite Recipe Awaits

So, there you have it—a dish that truly deserves its reputation. Our Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is far more than just food; it is an event. It represents the perfect marriage of comforting and sophisticated flavours, a recipe that demonstrates you don’t need to spend all day in the kitchen to make something truly memorable.

We are certain that you will fall for the rich, creamy sauce, the tender chicken, and those delightful little pillows of tortellini. It is a true symphony of flavours that is sure to have everyone at your table asking for more (and who knows, perhaps for your hand in marriage!).

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to gather your ingredients, pop on your favourite apron, and prepare to work some culinary magic. We would be thrilled to hear how your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini turns out! Please feel free to leave a comment below or share a picture of your dish with us on social media. Happy cooking!