If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you have got to try the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe. This irresistible combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy tortellini comes together in just about 35 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend feast. The rich sun-dried tomatoes and spinach add bursts of flavor and color, making each bite bright and satisfying. Believe me, once you taste this, it might just become your new favorite comfort food that you’ll want to share with everyone you love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe uses simple yet essential ingredients that work in harmony to create a luscious, comforting dish. Each element plays a crucial role — from the plump cheese tortellini that provides a soft, pillowy base, to the expertly seasoned chicken that adds savory depth. The creamy sauce, infused with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, ties everything together with a velvety finish, while fresh spinach adds a pop of vibrant green and nutrition.
- Frozen cheese tortellini (19 oz): Use a good-quality brand for a perfect, tender bite every time.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps to brown the chicken beautifully while adding a fruity undertone.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1½ pounds): Cut into bite-sized pieces to cook evenly and quickly.
- Black pepper (1½ teaspoons): Divided seasoning that gives just the right amount of spice and warmth.
- Italian seasoning (1½ teaspoons): A blend of herbs that brings a classic Italian flair.
- Paprika (1½ teaspoons): Adds subtle smokiness and a mild kick.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Creates a rich base for the sauce with a silky texture.
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil (½ cup, drained and thinly sliced): Adds tangy sweetness and a chewy texture.
- Minced garlic (3 teaspoons): Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (1 cup): Enhances the sauce with savory flavor without overpowering.
- Heavy cream (2 cups): The key to an indulgent, creamy sauce that coats the tortellini perfectly.
- Finely shredded Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Adds salty, nutty richness to finish off the sauce.
- Chopped baby spinach (2 cups): Brings freshness and balances the richness.
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish): Adds a bright herbal note and makes the dish look gorgeous.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your bite-sized chicken pieces with half a teaspoon each of black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. This little spice mix not only adds great flavor but also gives the chicken a beautiful color as it browns. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s nicely browned and thoroughly cooked. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set aside. This step locks in juiciness and builds a flavorful base for your sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about a minute until it releases its irresistible aroma. Next, add the thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes and cook for two more minutes; this helps release their sweet, tangy flavor. Pour in the chicken broth and give the pan a good scrape to lift all those caramelized bits from cooking the chicken—they’re pure flavor gold. Stir in the heavy cream along with the remaining Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This creamy sauce is where the magic happens, turning simple ingredients into a luxurious, comforting delight.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Add the frozen tortellini directly to the skillet, making sure they’re fully submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the tortellini are tender, perfectly absorbing the flavors around them. Then stir in the cooked chicken along with the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce elegantly. Finally, add the chopped baby spinach and cook for another two minutes until the greens have wilted—it’s a fresh, lovely contrast that lightens up the dish and adds a beautiful color pop.
Step 4: Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish rest just a moment to thicken even further. Garnish generously with fresh parsley or basil to add that herbal brightness that every rich dish needs. Your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed—creamy, savory, colorful, and utterly delicious.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishing, fresh chopped parsley or basil is your best friend—they bring a fresh burst of flavor and a lively green contrast to the creamy sauce. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top never hurts either, adding a cheesy flourish that will make every bite sing. If you like a little heat, a light dusting of red pepper flakes can add an exciting kick.
Side Dishes
This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is rich and filling, so I suggest pairing it with something light and crisp. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts makes a fantastic counterpart. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are perfect if you want to soak up every last bit of the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your dinner guests? Serve the tortellini in rustic individual cast iron skillets or beautiful shallow bowls to keep it warm longer and showcase the vibrant colors. Garnish each serving with a small sprig of fresh herbs and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for that restaurant-quality finish. For a festive twist, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or cracked black pepper on top for a little texture and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers from the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce thickens as it chills, so give it a good stir when reheating. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for a next-day quick meal.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but because of the cream-based sauce, it’s best to freeze before adding the spinach to retain its texture. Freeze the chicken, tortellini, and sauce mixture in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, then gently reheat and stir in fresh spinach at the end for that bright finish.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from burning or separating. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up. Avoid using the microwave directly as it may heat unevenly—slow and steady is the way to preserve that creamy texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh tortellini cooks faster, so you’ll want to reduce the cooking time accordingly—usually just a few minutes until they float to the top and are tender. Fresh tortellini adds an extra delicate texture that works beautifully in this dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream or a creamy nut milk, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to keep that cheesy flavor. Just be mindful that the sauce consistency might differ slightly, but it will still be delicious!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs will add even more juiciness and flavor, thanks to their higher fat content. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly and adjust the cooking time as needed. They pair wonderfully with the rich sauce in this recipe.
How spicy is this recipe?
The Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is mildly spiced with black pepper and paprika. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes during cooking or as a garnish. It’s easy to adjust to your personal spice level!
Can I prepare this recipe ahead for a dinner party?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce parts in advance, then reheat and toss in freshly cooked tortellini and spinach just before serving. This way, you reduce last-minute kitchen time and can focus on enjoying your guests while serving this impressive, comforting dish.
Final Thoughts
The Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings joy with every bite. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect meal when you want something special that’s also easy to make. Whether cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you will find yourself making time and again. Trust me, once you try it, it might just steal your heart and maybe even inspire a proposal or two!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, savory one-pan dish combining tender chicken, cheese tortellini, and a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce, finished with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese for a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce and Pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and thinly sliced
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 (19 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups chopped baby spinach
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 3 teaspoons of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Then add 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine and Cook: Add the frozen 19 oz bag of cheese tortellini to the skillet, pressing it down to ensure it is submerged in the creamy sauce. Cover the skillet and cook the tortellini for 5 to 7 minutes until tender. After the tortellini is cooked, stir in the cooked chicken and 1 cup of finely shredded Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens further. Finally, fold in 2 cups of chopped baby spinach and cook for 2 more minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and allow the dish to rest briefly to let the sauce thicken up fully. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving for added freshness and color.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly before combining with the sauce.
- Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control salt levels in the dish.
- Frozen tortellini does not need to be thawed before adding to the sauce.
- You can substitute baby spinach with fresh kale or arugula if desired.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, particularly if your sun-dried tomatoes are already salted.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
