If you’re looking for a dish that’s creamy, comforting, and downright irresistible, let me introduce you to the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe. This heavenly combination features tender chicken pieces nestled in a luscious cream sauce brimming with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and cheesy tortellini. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate—perfect for family dinners or impressing guests without sweating the details. Once you try this recipe, it just might become your new go-to for a satisfying weeknight feast or a cozy weekend indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a special role in creating the rich textures, vibrant colors, and bold flavors that make the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe so unforgettable.
- Frozen cheese tortellini: The perfect pasta stuffed with creamy cheese that melts into the sauce.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps to brown the chicken beautifully.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender protein that soaks up all those fantastic seasonings.
- Black pepper: Provides a gentle heat and depth to the dish.
- Italian seasoning: Brings a blend of herbs that awaken the sauce with savory notes.
- Paprika: Adds a mild smoky flavor and a hint of warmth.
- Butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce and helps balance acidity.
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: Infuses a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.
- Minced garlic: Delivers that unmistakable aromatic punch crucial to Italian-inspired dishes.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce savory and light without overpowering the flavors.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that silky, indulgent texture everyone craves.
- Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce adding sharp, nutty richness.
- Baby spinach: Adds a fresh, healthy pop of color and mild earthiness.
- Fresh parsley or basil: For a bright, herbaceous garnish that elevates the final presentation.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your bite-sized chicken pieces with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika—this simple spice trio ensures every morsel bursts with flavor. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, set the chicken aside; this crunchy, seasoned bite will be the star protein throughout the dish.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce Base
Using the same skillet to keep all those flavorful browned bits, melt the butter and sauté minced garlic for about a minute until fragrant. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and let them release their sweet tang over two more minutes. Then, it’s time to pour in the chicken broth. Make sure to scrape the skillet to lift up any flavorful caramelized bits stuck to the bottom—they add a real depth of taste. Stir in the heavy cream, along with more Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika, and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Combine Tortellini and Chicken
Now, add the frozen cheese tortellini directly into the creamy sauce, making sure the pasta is fully submerged so it can cook evenly and soak up all that flavor. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the tortellini are tender and plump. Stir in the cooked chicken and Parmesan cheese next, allowing the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken beautifully. Finally, toss in the chopped baby spinach and cook for another couple of minutes until wilted and vibrant green.
Step 4: Rest and Garnish
Once everything is combined and perfectly cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let the dish rest for a few minutes. This brief pause helps the sauce thicken to a luscious consistency. Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top to add a refreshing herbal note and a burst of color that makes this recipe truly shine.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil are more than just decoration here—they add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy sauce, balancing the heaviness with their aromatic vibrance. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese before serving can also elevate the dish, enhancing the cheesy goodness with a salty kick.
Side Dishes
To complement the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe, consider serving a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables. These lighter sides add crunch and freshness, offsetting the creamy pasta and adding more variety to your meal. Garlic bread or warm focaccia would also be delightful for mopping up every last drop of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to add a bit of pizazz, plate the tortellini in shallow bowls garnished with edible flowers or microgreens for a restaurant-quality look. Serving it family-style in a large skillet right at the table invites everyone to dig in together, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that matches the recipe’s comfort food vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to marry, meaning the dish often tastes even better the next day. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place cooled portions in airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the cream sauce may slightly change texture upon thawing, so stir well when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent the cream sauce from separating. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore its silky texture. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh tortellini will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly in step three to avoid overcooking. The fresh pasta adds an extra delicate texture that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy. Using chicken breast without skin helps keep it lean, and loading up on spinach adds nutrients and volume without extra calories.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and sauce separately ahead of time and combine everything when ready to cook the tortellini. This makes it easier for busy days while still delivering fresh flavors and textures.
What if I’m not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes?
If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t your thing, roasted red peppers or fresh diced tomatoes can be delicious alternatives, providing a different but equally delightful burst of flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe has a mild warmth from paprika and black pepper, but it’s not spicy. You can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat with your creamy pasta.
Final Thoughts
The Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is truly a delightful culinary experience—full of comforting creaminess punctuated by bright tomatoes and fresh greens. It ticks all the boxes for a satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or just craving something deliciously cozy, this recipe is bound to impress and satisfy. So go ahead, give it a try—you might just fall in love with it like I did!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce infused with garlic and Italian herbs. This easy-to-make dish combines protein and pasta for a satisfying dinner ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals.
Ingredients
Protein and Tortellini
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 (19 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (plus 1 teaspoon for sauce)
- 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning (divided: ½ teaspoon for chicken, 1 teaspoon for sauce)
- 1½ teaspoons paprika (divided: ½ teaspoon for chicken, 1 teaspoon for sauce)
Sauce
- 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 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Garnish
- 2 cups chopped baby spinach
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Stir in the drained, thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes to release their flavor. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan bottom to incorporate into the sauce. Stir in the heavy cream, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Combine and Cook Tortellini: Add the frozen cheese tortellini to the skillet, pressing it down to ensure it is mostly submerged in the sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the tortellini to cook for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes tender. Uncover, then stir in the cooked chicken pieces and the shredded Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce thickens slightly. Add the chopped baby spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish rest for a couple of minutes to allow the sauce to thicken further. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving warm for a creamy, flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh cheese tortellini if available, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the spices.
- Make sure to drain sun-dried tomatoes well to avoid excess oil in the sauce.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
