If you have yet to experience the magic of the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe, you are in for a real treat. This delightful dish combines tender, seasoned chicken with creamy, cheesy tortellini bathed in a lush sauce featuring sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of savory comfort and elegance, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a dish to impress friends. The best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes and serves up six generous portions of pure joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating its irresistible flavor and texture. From the creamy cheese tortellini to the savory chicken enhanced with Italian seasonings, every component works in harmony to make this dish unforgettable.
- Cheese tortellini (frozen, 19 oz): Packed with creamy cheese filling, these tortellini provide a tender pasta base that soaks up the luscious sauce beautifully.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1½ pounds): The protein star of the dish, offering juicy, flavorful bites when perfectly seasoned and seared.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (½ cup): These add a sweet and tangy punch that brightens the entire dish with vibrant color and depth.
- Minced garlic (3 teaspoons): Garlic brings its unmistakable aromatic warmth that enriches every element of the sauce.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (1 cup): A gentle, savory base that adds moisture and layers of subtle flavor without overpowering.
- Heavy cream (2 cups): The secret to that decadently creamy sauce that dresses the tortellini and chicken perfectly.
- Finely shredded parmesan cheese (1 cup): Parmesan melts into the sauce, introducing a salty, nutty complexity that ties everything together.
- Chopped baby spinach (2 cups): Not only does it add a pop of green freshness, but it also contributes a tender contrast to the rich sauce.
- Olive oil and butter: Essential for sautéing and building layers of flavor in the skillet.
- Seasonings (Italian seasoning, black pepper, paprika): These provide the bold, savory notes that make this dish sing.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. These spices infuse the chicken with a vibrant flavor profile that complements the creamy sauce. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Once browned, remove the chicken to let it rest while you build the sauce – this will help retain its juices and tenderness.
Step 2: Create the Flavor-Packed Sauce Base
Lower the heat on the same skillet to medium-low and melt a bit of butter. Sauté the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes together for just 30 seconds to unlock their rich, aromatic flavors without burning. Then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add more Italian seasoning along with black pepper and paprika, whisking constantly until the mixture bubbles and begins to thicken. This silky sauce is the heart of the dish, marrying all the components beautifully.
Step 3: Melt in the Parmesan and Combine Ingredients
Next, stir in the finely shredded parmesan cheese until it completely melts into the sauce, enriching it with that unmistakable nutty tang. Now return the golden chicken pieces back into the skillet. Add the chopped baby spinach and frozen cheese tortellini directly to the sauce, stirring gently but frequently for about 5 minutes. This step warms the tortellini through and allows the spinach to wilt tenderly, ensuring every bite is a delightful blend of creamy, cheesy, and vibrant flavors.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves adds a fresh herbal note and a burst of color, making the dish even more inviting. For an extra layer of sharpness, grate a bit of parmesan on top just before serving. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a subtle kick if you love a touch of heat. Garnishes elevate the dish visually and enhance its flavor profile, creating a restaurant-quality presentation at home.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple and let the main course shine with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or balsamic glaze. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette works wonders here for soaking up every last bit of that luscious sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini add a satisfying crunch and complement the creamy tortellini, making for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning family-style approach, serve the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe in a large rustic skillet or cast iron pan straight from the stove to the table—this keeps everything warm and creates a casual but impressive effect. Alternatively, layer the tortellini and chicken in individual shallow bowls or plates, highlighting the colorful spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Drizzle any leftover sauce artistically around the edges for an elegant touch that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe, let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, these leftovers will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. This makes for an excellent next-day lunch or easy dinner option that reheats beautifully.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to save portions for later. Pack cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Keep in mind that the texture of the tortellini can change slightly after freezing, but the flavors remain intact. It’s best to consume frozen leftovers within 2 months for optimal taste and quality.
Reheating
To reheat your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to evenly redistribute the sauce. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can refresh the sauce and restore its creaminess. Microwaving is also fine but use short intervals and stir in between to avoid overheating or drying out the dish.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh tortellini work wonderfully and cook faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly—usually just a couple of minutes to heat through in the sauce.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The traditional cheese tortellini contains wheat, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free tortellini varieties that make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.
Can I substitute chicken breasts with another protein?
Yes! Boneless turkey breast or even thin pork cutlets could be delicious alternatives. Just adjust cooking times based on thickness to ensure they cook through without drying out.
What can I do if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
While sun-dried tomatoes add a unique tang and depth, you can substitute with roasted red peppers or a small amount of tomato paste to bring some sweetness and color.
Is it possible to lighten the dish?
Definitely. Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk and reduce the amount of cheese slightly, but keep in mind this will alter the rich creaminess that makes this recipe so comforting.
Final Thoughts
The Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is truly one of those meals that feels special without any fuss. Its harmonious flavors, creamy sauce, and quick preparation make it a reliable go-to whenever you want to impress yourself or others at the dinner table. Don’t hesitate to try it out, tweak it to your taste, and savor every delicious bite. Trust me, this dish might just become your new favorite to share again and again.
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Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, flavorful one-pan meal combining tender chicken breasts, cheese tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh baby spinach in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect comforting dinner that’s both easy and impressive.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Black pepper, to taste
- Italian seasoning, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
- Butter, for sautéing (about 1 tablespoon)
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 (19 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 cups chopped baby spinach
Sauces and Broth
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning, to taste (additional)
- Black pepper, to taste (additional)
- Paprika, to taste (additional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Generously season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Set them aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until they develop a golden brown crust on both sides, about 6–8 minutes total. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: Reduce the heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, melt butter, then add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and heavy cream. Add Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika to taste. Whisk the mixture in the skillet and cook it until it begins bubbling gently.
- Melt Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the finely shredded Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Add chopped baby spinach and the frozen cheese tortellini. Stir occasionally and cook everything together for about 5 minutes until the tortellini is heated through and the spinach is wilted.
Notes
- For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Tortellini can be substituted with other filled pastas or gnocchi.
- If using sundried tomatoes packed in oil, reduce or omit additional olive oil.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Freshly grated Parmesan provides the best flavor, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
