Name: Marry Me Chicken Tortellini (Creamy Mexican Chipotle Sauce)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs); Salt and pepper; 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 3-4 cloves minced garlic; 1-2 teaspoons adobo sauce; ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (sliced); 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 19 ounces cheese tortellini; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated); Fresh cilantro (or parsley, chopped)

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The aroma of sizzling chicken, mingling with smoky chipotle and creamy Parmesan, wraps around the kitchen, instantly transporting you to a cozy Italian-Mexican getaway. As the vibrant colors of the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs pop against the creamy sauce, your mouth starts to water in anticipation. This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini (Creamy Mexican Chipotle Sauce) is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly in one pan.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini (Creamy Mexican Chipotle Sauce)
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini (Creamy Mexican Chipotle Sauce)

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini (Creamy Mexican Chipotle Sauce)

I remember the first time I tried a dish reminiscent of this delightful fusion. It was a chilly fall evening, and a friend invited me over for dinner. The savory scent wafting from the kitchen filled the house with warmth and comfort, making me feel right at home. Now, I’m excited to bring that feeling to your dining table with this incredible recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or for those moments when you want to impress someone special. Get ready to fall in love with this creamy and comforting meal that invites joy with every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cook time, you can have this dish on the table in no time!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chipotle sauce, fresh sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy Parmesan creates a luscious, comforting taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors make this dish visually stunning and perfect for sharing on social media.
Flexible Serving: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a fun get-together, this dish fits perfectly for any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: Substitute low-carb options easily, and adjust flavors to meet dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): Cut into 1-inch pieces for quick cooking. Thighs will add extra richness.
Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing the flavor of the chicken. Use freshly cracked pepper for added warmth.
1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional): For a hint of heat and color. Feel free to adjust to your spice preference.
2 tablespoons olive oil: A good base for sizzling the chicken and adding richness. You can replace it with vegetable oil.
1 tablespoon butter: Adds a creamy texture and flavor depth. For a dairy-free option, use olive oil or vegan butter.
3-4 cloves minced garlic: Essential for flavor; use fresh for the best results.
1-2 teaspoons adobo sauce: This smoky sauce packs a punch—adjust based on your spice tolerance!
½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (sliced): They bring a tangy sweetness and color to the dish.
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: For a flavorful base. Use homemade or store-bought; just watch for sodium levels.
19 ounces cheese tortellini: Choose refrigerated or frozen for this recipe. The cheese-filled pasta adds creaminess.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates a rich, velvety sauce. For a lighter option, half-and-half can be used.
½ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Fresh cheese melts beautifully and enhances the sauce’s flavor.
Fresh cilantro (or parsley, chopped): A sprinkle of greenery adds freshness and color at the end.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini (Creamy Mexican Chipotle Sauce)

Sear the Chicken: Begin by patting your chicken pieces dry with paper towels, ensuring they’re adequately seasoned. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and optional chili powder evenly over the chicken. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces to the skillet, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and fully cooked. This searing process locks in the juices and flavors.

Bloom the Flavors: Reduce the heat to medium, and add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant and soft. Next, stir in the chopped chipotle peppers and adobo sauce, cooking for just a minute while stirring. This stage is crucial since it helps bring out the flavors in the spices. Then, add sun-dried tomatoes, letting them cook for another minute. The mixture will become aromatic, hinting at the smoky, savory magic to come.

Make the Sauce and Simmer the Tortellini: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, scraping any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits—known as fond—add incredible depth and flavor to your dish. Stir in the heavy cream next, blending it well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and add in your tortellini, ensuring it’s mostly submerged. Don’t forget to return the seared chicken and any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Over medium-low heat, cover the skillet and simmer for about 9-11 minutes—until the tortellini is cooked through, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The sauce should thicken slightly and not be too watery.

Finish: Once you’ve reached the right temperature and the tortellini is tender, turn off the heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce. Finally, garnish the dish with chopped cilantro (or parsley) just before serving—this will add a pop of freshness and color that will draw everyone to the table!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, let your dish cool completely at room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to save it for longer, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to revive the sauce’s creaminess.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overcooking Chicken: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and enhances the flavor more than pre-shredded varieties, which can contain anti-caking agents.
Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak spice levels according to your family’s taste—skinny on chipotle for children, or ramp it up for adults!
Make Ahead: Cook the chicken and sauce a day ahead, and just add the tortellini when you’re ready to serve. Less stress means more time with family and friends!
An Extra Creamy Sauce: If you want an ultra-rich sauce, stir in a little extra cream before serving. A splash of pasta water can also help adjust the consistency.

Enjoy the delightful journey of this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini (Creamy Mexican Chipotle Sauce) as you explore the incredible flavors it brings to your kitchen. This dish isn’t just about satisfying your hunger; it’s an experience that embodies warmth, love, and comfort in every delicious bite. Go ahead, whip it up, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite around your dinner table!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen tortellini is not only convenient but can be just as delicious. Simply add it directly to the skillet when instructed without the need to thaw it first. It will typically take a couple of extra minutes to cook through, so give it a taste test to ensure it’s perfect!

How can I make this dish spicier?

To amp up the heat in your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini, consider using additional chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing. The key is to adjust according to your heat preference, so start gently and add more as needed!

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Definitely! To make this dish dairy-free, swap out the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. For cheese, you can find vegan Parmesan or omit it altogether. The flavors will still shine, just in a different way.

What can I serve with this dish?

This creamy tortellini dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! Consider a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or even roasted vegetables to complement the rich flavors. You could also serve it alone for a comforting one-dish meal.