Marry Me Chicken Tortellini (Printable)

Tender chicken and cheese tortellini tossed in a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce with herbs and Parmesan.

# Ingredient List:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - ½ teaspoon kosher salt
04 - ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
05 - ½ teaspoon paprika

→ Pasta

06 - 1 pound store-bought cheese tortellini

→ Sauce

07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
09 - ⅔ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
10 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
11 - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
12 - ¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon chicken broth
13 - 1 cup heavy cream
14 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Garnish

15 - Fresh basil leaves, chopped
16 - Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

# Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
02 - Pat chicken breasts dry. Season evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
04 - Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
06 - Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
07 - Add heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce turns creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
08 - Return sliced chicken and cooked tortellini to the skillet. Toss gently to coat evenly in the sauce. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.
09 - Sprinkle chopped fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese over the dish. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It feels fancy enough for date night but comes together in under 45 minutes on a regular weeknight.
  • The sun-dried tomatoes add a sophisticated depth that makes people ask for the recipe.
  • You're using one skillet for most of it, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying the meal.
02 -
  • Don't skip resting the chicken after you sear it—those few minutes let the juices redistribute, keeping it tender instead of dry.
  • If your sauce breaks or looks grainy, remove it from heat and whisk in a splash of cold cream to bring it back together.
  • Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt or a crack of pepper—the Parmesan can sometimes need balancing.
03 -
  • Slice your rested chicken against the grain—it stays more tender when served in thinner pieces.
  • Keep the heat moderate once cream is involved; high heat can cause it to separate or curdle.
  • Make sure your tortellini isn't overdone before it goes into the pan—it continues cooking slightly in the warm sauce.
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