Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

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Prepare to fall in love all over again with our Marry Me Chicken Tortellini an irresistible union of tender chicken, al dente pasta tortellini, and a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce. This delectable dish is a celebration of flavors, marrying the succulence of perfectly cooked chicken with the richness of a velvety tomato-infused sauce. Join us on a culinary journey where each bite invites you to say ‘I do’ to the exquisite harmony of taste and texture in this pasta dish is bound to make you swoon.

INGREDIENTS needed to make it:

Each ingredient in this list plays a crucial role in creating the symphony of flavors that defines this recipe.

Chicken Breast:

• Chicken Breast: Tender and boneless, the chicken breast serves as the star protein in this dish.
• Flour: Used for dredging, the flour creates a light coating that helps achieve a golden, crispy texture.
• Onion Powder: Adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the flavors of the chicken and the sauce.
• Butter: Contributes richness and a buttery flavor to both the chicken and the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and imparting a subtle depth of flavor.

Sauce:

• Garlic: Adds aromatic and robust notes to the dish, enhancing the overall savory profile.
• Chicken Stock: Provides a flavorful liquid base for the sauce, infusing the dish with savory goodness.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce, creating a luscious texture.
• Oregano, Thyme, Basil: A trio of dried herbs imparts a herbal aroma and earthy flavor to the sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: It introduces a burst of sweet and tangy flavor, elevating the dish with a hint of Mediterranean flair.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nutty and savory element, enhancing the overall depth of flavor.
• Frozen Tortellini (Dried Pasta): A delightful pasta choice that complements the dish, providing a satisfying and hearty texture.

HOW TO MAKE CREAMY TORTELLINI CHICKEN?

Place a pot of salted water on the stove to boil. This is to cook the pasta of your choice.

While the pasta is boiling. Cube the chicken breast and season with onion powder, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken in a bowl add 4-5 tablespoons of flour and toss the chicken to coat.

In a heavy bottom pan or Dutch Oven heat butter and olive oil. Cook the chicken until browned and no longer pink inside or reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Remove from the pan and keep warm.

In the same pan add the garlic, thyme, oregano, and basil stirring for one minute until the spices become fragrant. Add in the chicken stock and deglaze the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Decrease the heat to medium-low and simmer the sauce for a few minutes more.

Stir in the heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Drain your pasta once it is cooked. Add the sundried tomatoes then add back the cubed chicken and drained pasta to the sauce. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for a few more minutes.

Taste test for seasoning and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve Immediately and Enjoy!

WHAT do you SERVe with this tortellini dish?

Let’s talk side dishes!  Sometimes my favorite part of the meal is the sidedishes but, here this tortellini dish shines and is a meal by itself.  If you are looking for more comfort foods we have a great recipe for Garlic Swiss Steak. Other options are these easy Maple Roasted Carrots and the most amazing Balsamic Glazed Brussel Sprouts with Bacon! 

PRO COOKING TIPS:

• Do not use half and half, light, or fat-free cream in the sauce because it won’t thicken enough.
• Buy a block of parmesan cheese (pecorino romano) and grate it yourself for a more intense flavor.

HOW DO YOU STORE, FREEZE, AND REHEAT LEFTOVER?

Storing Leftovers:

Refrigeration: If you plan to consume the leftovers within a few days, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure the tortellini is completely cooled before refrigerating.

Reheating Leftovers:

1. Oven or Stovetop: Reheat the dish covered either in the oven at a low to medium temperature or on the stovetop over low heat. This helps prevent overcooking and maintains the dish’s texture.
2. Add Liquid if Needed: If the dish appears dry after reheating, you can add a splash of chicken broth, cream, or water to restore moisture.

Freezing Leftovers:

1. Cool Completely: Allow the pasta dish to cool completely before freezing.
2. Individual Portions: Consider freezing individual portions for easier reheating.
3. Freezer-Safe Container: Place the dish in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. If storing the sauce and pasta separately, use separate containers.
4. Label and Date: Label the container with the contents and date to keep track of freshness.

Reheating from Frozen:

Oven or Stovetop: Reheat the frozen dish in a covered dish either in the oven at a low to medium temperature or on the stovetop over low heat. Ensure the dish is fully heated through.

PRO TIPS:

• Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, be mindful not to overcook because it may become mushy.
• Fresh Garnishes: Consider adding fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese after reheating to add a burst of freshness and flavor.

By following these storage, reheating, and freezing tips, you can extend the enjoyment while maintaining its delicious flavors and textures.