If you’re searching for a dish that combines creamy comfort with bursts of vibrant flavor, the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is about to become your newest obsession. This recipe brings together tender chicken, luscious cheese tortellini, and a dreamy sauce studded with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that feels indulgent without the fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish delivers everything you want in a cozy, satisfying bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make up this delightful dish, each chosen to create a beautiful balance of taste, texture, and color. From the creamy parmesan cheese that adds richness to the sun-dried tomatoes that bring a pop of tang and sweetness, every component plays a vital role in the final masterpiece.
- Cheese tortellini (1 19 oz bag): The star pasta that’s soft, cheesy, and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used for browning the chicken to golden perfection and adding aromatic depth.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1½ pounds, cut into bite-sized pieces): Tender protein that becomes juicy and flavorful when seared.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (½ cup, drained and sliced thin): These little gems deliver a sweet, tangy punch that elevates the sauce.
- Minced garlic (3 teaspoons): Adds warmth and a savory backbone to the dish’s flavor profile.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (1 cup): Provides a light, savory base that balances the cream.
- Heavy cream (2 cups): Creates an irresistibly rich and silky sauce that coats every bite.
- Finely shredded parmesan cheese (1 cup): Melts into the sauce, giving it a sharp, cheesy finish with a nutty undertone.
- Chopped baby spinach (2 cups): Introduces fresh color and a gentle earthiness that perfectly contrasts the creamy sauce.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your bite-sized chicken pieces with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika to infuse them with a flavorful kick. This step is essential because it forms the first layer of seasoning that turns the chicken into a savory delight.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet, then add the seasoned chicken. Cook it until it develops a gorgeous golden-brown sear, about 6 to 8 minutes. This not only locks in juices but also adds a wonderful caramelized flavor that sets the tone for the whole dish. Once browned, set the chicken aside for later.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Lower the heat to medium-low and, in the same skillet, soften the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for a few minutes until fragrant. This step ensures the garlic releases its aroma and the tomatoes start to meld, creating a medicinally rich flavor base for our sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, then whisk in additional Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, allowing it to thicken slightly and become luxuriously creamy. This sauce is the heart of your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe and will elevate every ingredient that follows.
Step 5: Melt in the Parmesan and Add Chicken
Gradually stir in the finely shredded parmesan cheese, letting it melt smoothly into the sauce. Once combined, return your perfectly browned chicken to the skillet, giving everything a lovely stir to coat the morsels in that creamy, flavorful sauce.
Step 6: Add Spinach and Tortellini, then Simmer
Finally, stir in chopped baby spinach and cheese tortellini. Let everything simmer gently for about five minutes or until the spinach wilts and the tortellini is heated through. This finishing touch adds freshness and rounds out the dish beautifully.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or a little extra parmesan cheese on top instantly brightens the dish, giving it a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor. A twist of cracked black pepper over the finished plate also adds a bit of rustic charm that complements the creamy sauce wonderfully.
Side Dishes
If you want to round out your meal, consider pairing this dish with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread that’s perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. These sides add freshness and texture, perfectly balancing the rich pasta and chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe in individual serving bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and roasted pine nuts sprinkled on top. This adds an unexpected crunch and nutty flavor that takes the presentation from simple to stunning.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually develop further after resting, making your second serving even more delicious.
Freezing
While the sauce and chicken hold up well, freezing cooked tortellini can cause it to become a bit mushy. If you plan to freeze, store the sauce and chicken separately and add freshly cooked tortellini when reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from breaking. You can add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much in the fridge. This way, you preserve the creamy texture and vibrant flavors.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh tortellini will work beautifully and may even cook a bit faster, making your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe ready in no time.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of butter, but keep in mind the sauce will be lighter and less rich. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream is a tasty alternative.
Is sun-dried tomato oil necessary for this recipe?
It’s not necessary, but if you have sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, using some of that oil instead of plain olive oil will intensify the tomato flavor wonderfully.
Can I prepare this dish in advance for a dinner party?
Yes! You can cook the sauce and chicken ahead of time and reheat gently before adding freshly cooked tortellini at the last minute to keep everything fresh and delicious.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe uses paprika and black pepper for warmth but is not spicy hot. You can easily add red pepper flakes if you want a little heat kicked in.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels like a hug on a plate—rich, comforting, and full of flavors that make you want to savor every bite. I truly encourage you to give it a try because it’s the kind of meal that quickly becomes a household favorite. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation in no time!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, comforting skillet dish featuring tender chicken, cheese tortellini, and a rich sun-dried tomato and parmesan sauce enhanced with garlic and spinach. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe combines quick-cooking ingredients for a delicious, family-friendly 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
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (19 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini
- 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
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika to prepare them for cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until they turn golden brown, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing until fragrant to build the base flavor for the sauce.
- Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Whisk in Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Stir the mixture until it begins to bubble, which activates the flavors.
- Incorporate parmesan cheese and chicken: Gradually add the finely shredded parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet.
- Add spinach and tortellini; simmer: Stir in the chopped baby spinach and frozen tortellini. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the tortellini are heated through, completing the dish.
Notes
- Use fresh baby spinach for best texture and flavor; frozen spinach may release too much water.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- To streamline cooking, thaw tortellini before adding if preferred, but frozen works fine.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste; consider adding crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
