Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini (Creamy Mexican Chipotle Pasta Sauce) is a dish that promises romance with every bite. Picture this: a cozy evening, the aroma of spices filling the kitchen, and a rich, creamy sauce simmering in a skillet. This recipe is designed to make your taste buds sing and your heart flutter. Using creamy chipotle sauce and tender chicken layered over cheese tortellini, it’s a meal that checks all the boxes—comfort, flavor, and ease.

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Cooking shouldn’t be stressful, so this recipe breaks down the steps, making it easy to whip up something special, even on a busy weeknight. Imagine digging into this robust dish, feeling the creamy texture wrap around your senses, with a hint of spice that dances on your palate. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or treating yourself, Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is sure to make any dinner feel like an occasion. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s create something delicious together!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe shines for several reasons. First, the marriage of flavors is simply exquisite. The creamy Mexican chipotle sauce adds depth and a touch of warmth without overdoing the spice. It creates a delightful balance, letting the sun-dried tomatoes add a bit of sweetness. The chicken, whether you’re using breasts or thighs, remains juicy and tender thanks to the cooking technique.

Next, the ease of preparation can’t be overstated. Everything comes together in one skillet, minimizing cleanup while maximizing joyous cooking. Plus, with cheese tortellini as the base, you’re not just adding a hearty texture, but also a cheesy, comforting element.

Finally, this dish is versatile, making it perfect for both intimate dinners and casual family meals. Flavorful, comforting, and visually appealing—Marry Me Chicken Tortellini has it all!

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini (Creamy Mexican Chipotle Pasta Sauce)

Let’s be real: who doesn’t love a meal that feels indulgent yet doesn’t take hours to prepare? You’ll fall head over heels for the depth of flavor this dish offers. Whether it’s the creaminess of the heavy cream or the rich taste of Parmesan, every bite feels generous and fulfilling.

Serving this delightful dish can also turn an ordinary dinner into a special occasion. It looks beautiful on the plate, crowned with fresh cilantro. Additionally, it caters to both spice lovers and those who prefer milder flavors. The ability to adjust the spice level allows everyone at the table to enjoy a customized experience.

Ultimately, once you serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini to your loved ones, you might just hear “I do” every time they take a bite!

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3-4 cloves minced garlic
• 1-2 teaspoons adobo sauce (plus 1 or 2 chopped chipotle pepper for spicy, optional)
• ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (reduce to ½ cup for low-carb option)
• 19 ounces cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (or parsley)

Sear the Chicken to Perfection

1. Pat and Season the Chicken: First thing’s first, grab your chicken pieces and pat them dry using paper towels. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt, pepper, and a bit of chili powder if you want that extra kick.

2. Brown the Chicken: In a large deep skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken and let it cook for about 3–4 minutes per side. You’re looking for that beautiful golden-brown color—this is where a lot of flavors build up!

3. Set Aside: Once you’ve achieved that lovely browning, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside to keep warm.

Bloom the Flavors

1. Sauté the Garlic: With the heat lowered to medium, toss in the minced garlic to the same skillet. You want to sauté this for around 30 seconds or until it becomes wonderfully fragrant.

2. Add Spices and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Here comes the fun part! Stir in your chopped chipotle peppers and adobo sauce, cooking for another minute. Then, introduce the sliced sun-dried tomatoes. This step is crucial as it helps to bloom the spices, creating deeper flavors inside your skillet.

Make the Sauce and Simmer the Tortellini

1. Deglaze the Pan: Gently pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the skillet. This adds layers of flavor to your sauce—don’t skip it!

2. Stir in Cream: Now, add the heavy cream and give it a good stir to combine with the broth and spices.

3. Cook Tortellini and Chicken: Incorporate the tortellini into your sauce, making sure they’re mostly submerged. Then, return the browned chicken along with any juices back into the skillet. Cover with a lid and let it simmer for about 9-11 minutes. This ensures the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens nicely. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Finish the Dish

1. Add Parmesan: Once everything is cooked to perfection, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce for that creamy finish.

2. Garnish and Serve: For the final touch, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or parsley on top before serving. This not only adds color but also a layer of freshness.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini with a crisp side salad to make a well-rounded meal. The freshness of the greens complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Or, serve with crusty bread—perfect for soaking up all that delicious chipotle pasta sauce.

Tips for Success

• For anyone who enjoys extra heat, consider adding more chipotle peppers or a pinch of cayenne into the mix.
• Make sure your tortellini is fresh or fully thawed if using frozen. This helps achieve the best texture and avoids any surprises!

Variations

• Switch things up by swapping chicken for shrimp or tofu! Both options work well and can cater to different dietary needs.
• Explore different tortellini flavors, like spinach or mushroom, if you want to mix it up even more.

Storage Tips

• If you have leftovers (which is rare since it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, gently reheat them on the stovetop. Adding a splash of broth can really help loosen up the sauce again.

Pairing Ideas

• Elevate your dining experience with a glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc. It pairs excellently with the dish’s creamy texture.
• Finish off your meal with some fresh fruit or a light dessert for a refreshing touch to wrap up your dining experience.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?
Absolutely! If using frozen tortellini, just increase the cooking time slightly to ensure it’s tender.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
For sure! It stores well, and reheating is easy, which makes it a perfect candidate for meal prepping.

Can I substitute heavy cream?
You can! Half-and-half or other dairy-free alternatives work, but the taste and creaminess may differ slightly.

How can I make this recipe less spicy?
Simply skip the chipotle peppers and use less adobo sauce. It’ll still be delicious without the heat!

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can leave them out or substitute fresh diced tomatoes for a lighter variation.

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini (Creamy Mexican Chipotle Pasta Sauce) isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience of flavors that resonate with heart and home. It’s bound to become a beloved recipe, bringing smiles and satisfaction to every table. Enjoy cooking and discovering the joy this dish brings!

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