Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is one of my favourite quick and easy weeknight meals. Taking the viral TikTok Marry Me Chicken dish and pairing it with one of the best store-bought filled pastas, tortellini, makes a super tasty and really simple meal that I absolutely love, and I think you will too! It's creamy, super flavourful, and an absolute crowd-pleaser.

If you've never heard of Marry Me Chicken, then this is your sign to try it. It's not everyday that something goes viral on social media, but this Marry Me Chicken dish went crazy, so I had to pair it with one of my favourite pastas, tortellini. I also love it in my Marry Me Chicken Chopped Salad Sandwich, its a great "work from home lunch" I have regularly!

I love finding new ways of combining flavours, textures, and ingredients, and this marriage between the creamy flavourful chicken recipe and filled pasta is a match made in heaven. And, you can make it all in one pan, which is such a dream!

All you've got to do is fry your chicken breasts that have been lightly coated in flour. Then, using the same pan, you make a super tasty and simple creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, combine it with the tortellini and parmesan, then add in the chicken for a delicious midweek dinner that tastes incredible.

This is an easy recipe that you can make for yourself, your friends, or your family in about 30 minutes or less. Another recipe I love is my Casarecce Bolognese which is a great weeknight dinner or good for batch cooking.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• QUICK TO MAKE - We all love a recipe that doesn't take all evening to make. This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is just that. Taking less than 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal to make for yourself, with friends, or family! Another great 30 min recipe is my Ragu Bianco (White Ragu), such a crowd-pleaser!
• CUSTOMISABLE - Another fabulous thing about this recipe is that it is super versatile. Firstly, you can choose any type of tortellini you like. Here, I'm using spinach and ricotta, but feel free to use cheese-filled tortellini, ham and mascarpone, mushroom and ricotta, or anything you like. Furthermore, you can also adapt the sauce based on your spice preferences too, and add in some veggies for extra colour and nutrients.
• ONE-PAN MEAL - A one-pot meal can save the day. Less washing up and easy cooking, this dish is really simple for when you've had a busy day. Made all in one pan, this marry me chicken with tortellini is honestly a life saver for when you just don't have time! My Marry Me Chicken Ramen is also made in one pan and uses similar flavours to this dish, so give it a go if you fancy!

If you love this super simple pasta recipe, then why not try out my Beetroot Pink Pasta recipe, Honey Harissa Chicken and Chickpea pasta, One Pot Tomato Orzotto, Zhoug-Inspired Rigatoni, or my Baked Mozzarella Pasta.

INGREDIENTS FOR MARRY ME CHICKEN TORTELLINI

Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts serve as the hearty protein base of this dish. You want to make sure to buy skinless and boneless chicken breasts. If you prefer using different cuts of chicken, thighs would also work really well for this recipe. Fancy some more chicken recipes? Take a look at my baked chicken with cream of chicken soup recipe, it's so good and only takes 5 minutes to prep!

All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour acts as a coating for the chicken, adding a crispy texture when fried. It also helps to bring extra seasoning to the chicken, by adding in salt, pepper, and paprika to the mix, it will flavour the chicken beautifully. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute it with gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch for a similar effect.

Spices (Flaky Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Chilli Flakes, Oregano): A blend of flaky salt, black pepper, paprika, chili flakes, and oregano infuses the dish with a medley of flavours. Flaky salt enhances taste, while black pepper adds a subtle heat. Paprika provides a smoky note, and chili flakes bring a touch of spiciness. Oregano contributes a herby aroma.

Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for frying the chicken and adds a distinctive Mediterranean flavour. For a different taste, you can substitute it with avocado oil or grapeseed oil.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes are a flavourful addition, imparting a deep, concentrated taste. Their slightly chewy texture and intense flavour create a delightful contrast in the dish. If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use canned diced tomatoes for a different texture and taste.

Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a fresh, aromatic note to the dish. Basil has a sweet, slightly peppery taste that complements the other ingredients. If fresh basil is unavailable, you can substitute it with fresh parsley or cilantro, offering a different herbal nuance.

Tortellini: Tortellini, a type of pasta filled with various fillings like cheese or meat, provides a delightful bite in the dish. Tortellini adds a comforting and substantial element, making the dish a complete meal. You can choose your favourite type of tortellini, such as cheese-filled for a vegetarian option or meat-filled for a heartier taste. For this recipe, I've chosen to go for the ricotta and spinach tortellini by Rana! But feel free to go for any other tortellini filling for this marry me chicken pasta dish.

INGREDIENT SUBSTITUTIONS

For this marry me chicken and tortellini recipe, I've provided some ingredient substitutions below, just in case you're missing some, or you're intolerant!

Chicken Breasts: If you prefer a different cut of chicken, you can substitute chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs, which have a slightly higher fat content, providing a juicier texture. For a vegetarian option, consider using tofu or tempeh, both of which absorb flavours well and offer a protein-packed alternative. If you want to stick to a non-processed vegetarian alternative, then I'd recommend going for cauliflower or aubergine as they both have a really nice texture to add to the dish.

All-Purpose Flour: To make the recipe gluten-free, swap regular all-purpose flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch. These alternatives provide a similar coating texture while catering to a gluten-free diet.

Spices (Flaky Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Chilli Flakes, Oregano): Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the chili flakes. For added heat, you can increase the amount of chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjusting the spices ensures the dish suits your palate perfectly.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use canned diced tomatoes. While they have a different texture, they still contribute a tomatoey flavour. Alternatively, you can use fresh cherry tomatoes, which burst with juiciness when cooked, adding a different dimension to the dish. If you want to maintain that powerful flavour of tinned foods, then why not try adding some tinned artichokes or olives to the dish. It would add an extra flavour that would be super tasty.

Fresh Basil: If fresh basil is unavailable, you can use dried basil as a substitute. However, use it sparingly, as dried basil is more potent than fresh basil. Alternatively, fresh parsley or cilantro (coriander) can provide a different herbal note to the dish.

Tortellini: Tortellini can be substituted with other pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine if you prefer a different pasta type. If you still want a filled pasta, then going for ravioli is a great option too. Additionally, if you want a low-carb option, you can use zucchini (courgette) noodles (zoodles) or cauliflower gnocchi for a healthier twist.

MARRY ME CHICKEN TORTELLINI RECIPE VARIATIONS

Vegan Version: To create a vegan version of this easy marry me chicken tortellini recipe, replace the chicken with marinated and baked tofu cubes. For the creamy sauce, use plant-based cream, coconut cream or cashew cream instead of dairy-based cream. Vegan tortellini, often filled with spinach or vegan cheese, can be used as a substitute. Ensure the tortellini is vegan-friendly, as some varieties may contain dairy. Use vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour.

Dairy-Free Version: For a dairy-free alternative, use plant-based creams like soy cream, almond cream or oat cream instead of dairy cream. Vegan Parmesan cheese can replace traditional Parmesan, offering a similar cheesy flavour. Make sure the tortellini is also dairy-free or opt for plain pasta if you prefer.

Meatier Version: If you want a heartier dish, add crumbled cooked bacon or pancetta to the sauce. The smoky, salty flavour of bacon complements the creaminess of the sauce. Additionally, you can mix in cooked Italian sausage slices for an extra meaty bite, enhancing the overall richness of the dish.

RECIPE TIPS

STRATEGIC PREP FOR EFFORTLESS COOKING: Prepare all your ingredients in advance. Have your sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and basil sliced and tortellini cooked. Organised prep ensures a seamless and stress-free cooking experience.

SAUCE CONSISTENCY: Monitor your sauce's thickness. Adjust it as needed with a splash of chicken stock or cream. A perfect sauce consistency ensures it beautifully coats both the chicken and tortellini.

CUSTOMISE THE TORTELLINI CHOICE: Experiment with different tortellini fillings. Whether it's spinach and ricotta or a meat-filled variety, the filling choice can elevate the dish's complexity, offering a new taste with each variation.

GARNISH MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE: Enhance the visual appeal and flavour profile by garnishing with fresh basil or parsley. These touches provide a burst of colour and a hint of freshness, elevating the overall dining experience.

WANT MORE FLAVOUR? When your dish is nearly ready to serve, don't forget to give it a taste. If it's lacking seasoning for your taste buds, then make sure to add in an extra pinch of salt, black pepper, paprika for spice, or oregano for more herbiness. You could also add in a teaspoon of sugar to bring out the flavours that bit more.

GET CREATIVE WITH LEFTOVERS: Enjoy your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini immediately after cooking for the best flavour. Leftovers? Transform them! Use the leftover dish to stuff vegetables like bell peppers, adding cheese for a quick and flavourful next-day meal. Or, turn it into a cold dish and serve it in a salad!

HOW TO MAKE MARRY ME CHICKEN TORTELLINI: STEP BY STEP

STEP 1: FRY THE CHICKEN

• Place the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika on a plate and give it a mix. 
• Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture and shake off any excess. 

• Place a non-stick frying pan on medium heat with your olive oil. Add in the chicken and fry for 4-5 minutes on each side until evenly golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate, cover, and set aside. 

STEP 2: MAKE THE SAUCE

• In the same pan, fry the garlic for a minute and then add in your chicken stock to deglaze the pan by scraping any bits that have stuck to the bottom of the pan. 

• Add in your cream, parmesan cheese, chilli flakes, oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper and taste to adjust the seasoning. 

STEP 3: COOK YOUR TORTELLINI, COMBINE WITH THE SAUCE AND SERVE UP

• Meanwhile, cook your tortellini in salted boiling water based on package instructions.
• Once cooked, add to your creamy mixture.  
• Slice your chicken into bite-sized pieces and add back into the sauce and let the sauce simmer with the chicken and tortellini for a minute. 
• Garnish with your basil and serve up!

LEFTOVERS

Storage: Store leftover chicken tortellini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Ensure the dish cools completely before transferring it to the container to maintain freshness.

Reheating: Reheat the leftovers gently on the hob in a non-stick frying pan over low heat, add in a bit of milk to bring back the creaminess, and stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. Alternatively, microwave individual portions, covering them with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to retain moisture.

Freezing: While tortellini can be frozen, the cream-based sauce may separate upon defrosting and reheating, resulting in a less creamy texture. If you plan to freeze the leftovers, consider freezing the sauce and tortellini separately. Transfer them to airtight freezer-safe containers, ensuring there's some space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.

RECIPE FAQS

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