I don’t know about you, but when I hear “Marry Me Chicken Tortellini,” my taste buds start doing a happy dance! This creamy, comforting dish is perfect for impressing dinner guests or simply treating yourself after a long day. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through my easy recipe, along with some tips for serving and storing leftovers—if there are any!

Cook Time: 50

Prep Time: 10

Yields: 6

Calories: 744

Simple Ingredients for Appetizing Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Making Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a delightful experience that comes together with just a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this creamy and satisfying dish:

4 slices of thick-cut bacon: This adds a rich, smoky flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 ounces each): pounding the chicken to an inch thick ensures even cooking and tenderness.
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: A little spice to enhance the chicken’s flavor.
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided: Helps to season the chicken and the sauce.
3/4 cup drained,julienne-cut sundried tomatoes in oil with herbs: Adds a tangy sweetness that elevates the dish.
1/2 cup finely chopped shallots: These bring a mild onion flavor that adds depth.
4 large garlic cloves, finely chopped: Garlic is always a must for its aromatic qualities.
1 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives a comforting Italian flavor.
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper: For a little kick—feel free to adjust based on your spice preference.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: This thickens the sauce and intensifies its flavor.
1/2 cup lower-sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and a savory base to the sauce.
1 cup heavy whipping cream: The star of the show, making the sauce luxuriously creamy.
1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini: The perfect pasta to soak in the sauce and provide a cheesy delight.
1/2 cup pre-grated Parmesan cheese: for mixing into the dish and garnishing.
Fresh basil leaves, torn: A fresh herb garnish that brightens the flavors.

Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a comforting meal that’s sure to impress!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the planning of Marry Me Chicken Tortellini. Follow these simple steps for a dish that’s bursting with flavor:

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. This makes the cooking process seamless and enjoyable.

Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook it until it’s crispy, about 8 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 3 tablespoons of the drippings in the skillet.

Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt. In the same skillet, add the chicken and cook until browned for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (73°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it cool slightly before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.

Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. add the sundried tomatoes and shallots to the skillet. Sauté until the shallots soften, about 2 minutes.then, add the garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and the remaining salt. Cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Make the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about a minute to deepen the flavor. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. add the heavy cream, bring it to a simmer, and let it thicken for 3-5 minutes.

Cook the Tortellini: Meanwhile,bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes until they float to the surface. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water, then drain the tortellini.

Combine Everything: Stir the Parmesan cheese, reserved bacon, chopped chicken, and the drained tortellini into the creamy sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved cooking water as needed to keep the sauce creamy.

Serve: Divide the tortellini mixture among bowls. Garnish each serving with extra Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves for a fresh finish.

And there you have it—a rich and creamy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini that’s ready to impress! Enjoy every bite.

Serving and Storage Facts for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

After preparing your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini,it’s time to think about serving and storing the leftovers. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or even a gathering with friends.

Serving Suggestions:

Plate the Dish: Serve the creamy tortellini in deep bowls or plates for an inviting presentation.
Garnish: Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves on top. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also boosts the flavor.
Pairings: This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. For an extra touch, consider a simple garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage Instructions:

If you have leftovers (which is rare as this dish is so delicious), here’s how to store them:

Refrigeration: Place the cooled tortellini in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days.

Freezing: If you want to save it for a later date, you can freeze it! Transfer any cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container. It’s best eaten within 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture. Just be aware that the pasta might change slightly in texture when frozen and reheated.

Reheating:

To enjoy your leftovers:

Microwave: Simply pop it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated to your liking.
Stovetop: alternatively, reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can help bring back the creaminess of the sauce.

With these tips, you can savor every last bite of your Marry me Chicken Tortellini!

Recipe Notes and Troubleshooting for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Cooking is a journey, and sometimes things might not go as planned. Here are some helpful notes and troubleshooting tips for making the best marry Me Chicken Tortellini:

Recipe Notes:

chicken Breasts: If you prefer, you can substitute chicken thighs for the chicken breasts. They add a different flavor and can turn out more tender when cooked.
Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian twist, skip the chicken and bacon. Instead, use sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a hearty alternative.
Creaminess Level: If you want a lighter dish, you can replace some of the heavy cream with half-and-half or use a lower-fat cream option. Just keep in mind that it will be less creamy.

Troubleshooting Common Issues:

Sauce too Thick: If you find your sauce is thicker than you’d like, add a little reserved cooking water from the tortellini or a splash of chicken broth. This will help loosen it up without losing flavor.
Sauce Too Thin: Conversely, if your sauce is too watery, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken up. You can also add a small amount of tomato paste to enhance the flavor and consistency.
Bacon Not Crispy: Make sure to cook the bacon over medium heat and give it enough time to crisp up. If it’s not crispy at first, just continue cooking it. You can also use cooking lard or oil to help it along.

These notes and troubleshooting tips will help you create the perfect Marry Me Chicken Tortellini every time! Enjoy the process, and don’t hesitate to make it your own!