If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug and will have everyone asking for seconds, this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brings together tender chicken, pillowy cheese tortellini, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich, creamy sauce that’s bursting with flavor and just the right touch of indulgence. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe balances simplicity and elegance in a way that will have you falling in love with cooking all over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a crucial role in building the luscious layers of flavor and texture that make this dish unforgettable. From the creamy parmesan to the bright pop of spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, each component is simple but essential to bringing this recipe to life.
- Frozen cheese tortellini: The star pasta that offers a delightful, cheesy bite and cooks quickly for convenience.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness to sear the chicken perfectly without overpowering the dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender protein that soaks up the savory seasonings while staying juicy.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Provide a sweet and tangy punch that brightens the creamy sauce elegantly.
- Minced garlic: A flavor powerhouse that infuses warmth and depth.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Creates a savory base that complements the cream without being too heavy.
- Heavy cream: The luxurious backbone that turns the sauce silky and decadent.
- Finely shredded parmesan cheese: Introduces a nutty, salty complexity that ties everything together.
- Chopped baby spinach: Adds a fresh, healthy green touch and a lovely delicate texture when wilted.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Season Your Chicken
Start by seasoning those bite-sized chicken pieces with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. This simple step infuses the chicken with a warm, aromatic foundation, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the seasoned chicken and cook until it turns a beautiful golden brown, about 6 to 8 minutes. This searing locks in juiciness and adds a slight crisp texture that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy sauce. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Lower the heat to medium-low and in the same skillet, melt some butter. Then sauté the minced garlic and thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes until their irresistible fragrance fills your kitchen. This step releases the rich sweetness of the tomatoes while mellowing out the garlic’s punch, creating a perfectly balanced flavor foundation.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then whisk in Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Allow this mixture to gently bubble, which thickens the sauce and melds the spices beautifully. This luscious liquid is what elevates the entire dish from simple to spectacular.
Step 5: Melt in the Parmesan and Return the Chicken
Slowly add the finely shredded parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts into the sauce, making it rich and velvety. Then, reintroduce the browned chicken pieces back into the skillet. This reunites the tender meat with the flavorful sauce, promising a comforting bite every time.
Step 6: Finish with Spinach and Tortellini
Finally, stir in the chopped baby spinach and frozen cheese tortellini. Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tortellini is perfectly cooked. This last step brings freshness and a lovely contrast of textures, ensuring your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is as vibrant as it is satisfying.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this dish with a sprinkle of extra parmesan or a few fresh basil leaves adds a burst of color and an herbal brightness. A drizzle of good quality olive oil right before serving can also enhance the texture and aroma.
Side Dishes
Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or offer some warm garlic bread to soak up that irresistible creamy sauce. Steamed asparagus or roasted vegetables are also excellent companions for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve the tortellini and chicken in shallow bowls with the sauce ladled generously on top. Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a touch of elegance, perfect for dinner parties or romantic dinners in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any remaining Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days, making it a convenient, delicious meal ready for busy days.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh to retain the perfect pasta texture, you can freeze leftovers for up to one month. Use a freezer-safe container but note the spinach and cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from breaking. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back its silky consistency and warmth. Avoid microwaving to keep the tortellini from becoming overly soft.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh tortellini will cook faster and provide a delicate texture, so reduce the simmering time accordingly to prevent overcooking. Either way, the dish will be delicious.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour can work, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich or thick. Coconut cream is a dairy-free alternative that adds a subtle sweetness.
Is sun-dried tomatoes in oil or dry better for this recipe?
Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil are ideal because they add extra flavor and richness. If using dry-packed, rehydrate them in warm water before slicing to avoid dryness in the sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute the cheese tortellini with a gluten-free version, which are widely available. Check that any seasoning blends are gluten-free as well.
How spicy is the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe?
This recipe carries a warm, gentle spice from paprika and Italian seasoning but is not hot or overwhelming, making it a crowd-pleaser even for those who shy away from spicy foods.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a special occasion no matter the day of the week. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and comforting pasta, it’s easy to see why it might just earn a permanent spot on your dinner rotation. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals to share with friends and family.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, indulgent Italian-inspired dish featuring tender pieces of seasoned chicken, cheesy tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh baby spinach all simmered in a rich parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe combines robust flavors and velvety textures in one skillet meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Black pepper, to taste
- Italian seasoning, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
Main Ingredients
- 1 (19 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced thin
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 cups chopped baby spinach
Additional
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces generously with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika, ensuring each piece is well coated to infuse flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium-low, add butter to the same skillet, and melt it. Add minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes, which releases their intense flavors into the pan.
- Create the Sauce Base: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and heavy cream, then whisk in additional Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, combining all elements for the sauce.
- Add Cheese and Chicken: Gradually stir in the shredded parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt fully into the sauce for a rich texture. Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, mixing everything together.
- Finish with Spinach and Tortellini: Stir in the chopped baby spinach and frozen cheese tortellini. Simmer for about 5 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the tortellini is heated through and tender, completing the creamy, comforting dish.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- If using fresh tortellini, reduce simmering time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
