Marry Me Chicken with Creamy Ravioli
Marry Me Chicken and Ravioli (Heavenly Creamy Chicken Ravioli)
Author: Patricia
Introduction
Meet Heavenly Creamy Chicken Ravioli — a comforting, restaurant-quality meal that brings together tender, seasoned chicken and cheese-filled ravioli in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Often called Marry Me Chicken and Ravioli, this one-pan dish is rich, bold, and surprisingly simple to make. It’s ideal for date night, a cozy family dinner, or any occasion when you want a flavorful, satisfying meal with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Serves 4. Adjust quantities to scale the recipe up or down.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts — seasoned with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred for richer flavor)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese ravioli
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to create a creamy, flavorful Marry Me Chicken and Ravioli.
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil warms, season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and sear until golden brown, about 5–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest while you make the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping the pan to loosen any browned bits left from the chicken. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, grated Parmesan, and red pepper flakes. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook the sauce until it slightly thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Ravioli
Cook the refrigerated cheese ravioli according to package instructions. Drain the ravioli and set aside.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Slice the rested chicken and return it to the skillet along with the cooked ravioli. Toss gently until the ravioli and chicken are evenly coated in the sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Finish with a scattering of chopped fresh basil and serve immediately.
Helpful Tips
- Control the heat: Keep the cream at a gentle simmer to prevent it from separating.
- Sear without overcrowding: Give the chicken room in the pan so it browns instead of steaming.
- Adjust heat: Increase or decrease the red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
- Sauce consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to loosen it.
- Flavor boost: Deglaze the pan well after searing the chicken to capture the browned bits that add depth to the sauce.
- Protein swaps: Turkey or shrimp can be used instead of chicken for a tasty variation.
Cooking Techniques for Best Results
- Fresh basil: Adds aroma, color, and a bright finish to the rich sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Oil-packed tomatoes deliver a concentrated, sweet-tart flavor that complements the cream and Parmesan.
- Don’t overcook ravioli: Refrigerated ravioli only need a few minutes; overcooking makes them soft and mushy.
Serving Suggestions
- Sides: A simple mixed green salad, garlic bread, or roasted asparagus pairs well.
- Drinks: A crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon balances the richness of the sauce.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 520
- Total Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Dietary Fiber: 3 g
- Sugars: 5 g
- Protein: 29 g
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s texture. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to preserve the sauce’s consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of ravioli?
Yes — spinach and ricotta or mushroom ravioli work well as substitutes.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Use a coconut milk or dairy-free cream alternative and a vegan Parmesan substitute to make this dairy-free.
Can I prepare components in advance?
Yes. Sear the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time, then cook the ravioli fresh and combine everything right before serving for the best texture.
How do I thicken a thin sauce?
Simmer the sauce a few more minutes to reduce it, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with cold water) to gently thicken.
Conclusion
Heavenly Creamy Chicken Ravioli (Marry Me Chicken and Ravioli) is a flavorful, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare yet sophisticated enough for special occasions. With a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, tender seared chicken, and cheese-filled ravioli, it’s a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite. Try it for your next cozy dinner and enjoy the rich, balanced flavors.
Recipe summary: Sear seasoned chicken in olive oil, deglaze the pan and create a cream sauce with heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes. Cook cheese ravioli, combine with sliced chicken and sauce, and garnish with fresh basil.
