If you’re looking for a dish that will win hearts and make your loved ones swoon, this Marry Me Chicken and Ravioli is the perfect choice! This recipe takes the classic Marry Me Chicken—a creamy, cheesy, and sun-dried tomato-infused dish—and pairs it with tender cheese-filled ravioli, creating a luxurious, comforting meal.
The rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, combined with juicy seared chicken and soft, pillowy ravioli, makes this dish an instant favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a date night, family dinner, or special occasion, this recipe is bound to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ One-Pan Wonder – Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup easy.
✔ Creamy & Flavorful – A luscious sauce made with Parmesan, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes.
✔ Restaurant-Quality at Home – Tastes like a dish from a fancy Italian restaurant.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether you’re wooing a date or making a cozy family dinner, this dish fits the occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into cutlets
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon flour or cornstarch (to thicken, if needed)
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
For the Ravioli
- 9 oz cheese ravioli (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare & Cook the Chicken
- Slice the chicken breasts into cutlets and season both sides with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ravioli
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the cheese ravioli according to package instructions, about 3-4 minutes if fresh, 5-7 minutes if frozen.
- Drain the ravioli and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any bits from the pan.
- Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- If the sauce is too thin, whisk in flour or cornstarch to thicken it.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then stir in fresh basil.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it in the sauce.
- Gently toss in the cooked ravioli, making sure it’s well covered with the creamy sauce.
- Let everything simmer for 2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
🌿 Garnish with:
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
- A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for spice
🥖 Side Dish Ideas:
- Garlic bread or a crusty baguette
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts
- A fresh green salad with balsamic dressing
🍷 Best Wine Pairings:
- A buttery Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce.
- A light Pinot Noir balances the richness of the dish.
Expert Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken & Ravioli
✔ Use Fresh Ravioli – It cooks faster and has a better texture than frozen.
✔ Adjust the Spice – Red pepper flakes add heat, but you can omit them for a milder dish.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Chicken – It should be golden and juicy, not dry.
✔ Simmer the Sauce Gently – This ensures the Parmesan melts smoothly into the sauce.
Variations & Substitutions
🔹 Protein Options: Swap chicken for shrimp, salmon, or even Italian sausage.
🔹 Different Pasta: Try this with tortellini, fettuccine, or penne instead of ravioli.
🔹 Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan.
🔹 Low-Carb Version: Substitute ravioli with zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sauce and chicken, then store separately. Reheat and add the ravioli before serving.
❓ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream.
❓ Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Freeze the sauce and chicken separately for up to 2 months. Cook fresh ravioli when ready to serve.
Conclusion
This Marry Me Chicken and Ravioli is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s quick to make but tastes gourmet. Whether you’re cooking for your family or a special someone, this dish is sure to leave an impression!
Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out. Would you like more Italian-inspired dinner ideas? 🍝