Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Oh, I just have to tell you about this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe – it s seriously a game changer for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike! The creamy, garlicky sauce with tender chicken chunks and pillowy tortellini comes together so effortlessly, but tastes like you spent hours crafting it. I absolutely love how this dish feels both comforting and fancy, making it my go-to when I want to impress without stressing in the kitchen.

You’ll find that the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is perfect for those evenings when you want something a little indulgent but still quick and easy. Plus, it s packed with flavor and just the right balance of creaminess and tang from the sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste. My family goes crazy for this, and I bet yours will too once you try it out!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that creamy, flavorful sauce and perfectly cooked chicken and pasta. I always recommend using fresh parmesan cheese and good quality sun-dried tomatoes for the richest taste.

• Chicken breast: Cutting into small chunks ensures it cooks quickly and blends well with the sauce.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Basic but essential for seasoning the chicken and sauce layers.
• Italian seasoning: Adds that classic herb flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Smoked paprika: Provides a subtle smoky depth without overpowering the creaminess.
• All-purpose flour: A light dusting on the chicken helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
• Butter and extra-virgin olive oil: A perfect combo for browning chicken and sautéing aromatics.
• Shallot and garlic: These aromatics build the base flavor – minced finely for a harmonious blend.
• Red pepper flakes: Adds just a hint of heat so the sauce isn t too heavy.
• Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: Finely chopped, they bring a punch of tangy sweetness that cuts through the cream.
• Tomato paste: Concentrates rich tomato flavor without watering down the sauce.
• Chicken broth: Keeps the sauce silky and light while infusing savory depth.
• Cheese tortellini: Your star pasta choice-stuffed pastas soak up the sauce perfectly.
• Heavy cream: For that luscious, velvety texture that makes this dish unforgettable.
• Spinach: Roughly chopped; it wilts down nicely adding freshness and color.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for the best cheesy finish and a gorgeous nutty flavor.

Variations

I love playing around with this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe depending on the season or who’s joining me for dinner. Feel free to swap ingredients or add your own spin to make it truly your own!

• Swap the greens: I sometimes use kale or arugula instead of spinach for a different texture and peppery bite, which my family enjoys a lot.
• Protein alternatives: Tried it with shrimp instead of chicken once, and it was amazing – just reduce cooking time to avoid overcooking.
• Dairy-free twist: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and parmesan for a tasty dairy-free version.
• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you like your food with a bit of a kick.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Step 1: Season and Coat the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized chunks-about 1-inch pieces work perfectly for even cooking. Toss them with kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika for layers of flavor. I discovered this trick when I first made the recipe: coating the chicken lightly with flour after seasoning gives it a subtle crust and also helps thicken the sauce later on.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add butter and a tablespoon of olive oil. When the butter melts and starts to sizzle, add the chicken in an even layer. Don t crowd the pan-if you do, the chicken will steam instead of brown. Toss the chicken a couple of times until each piece is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes total. Then transfer the chicken to a bowl and keep it warm for later.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pan, then toss in minced garlic, shallot, and finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cooking them for about 3 minutes releases such a fantastic aroma-it s one of my favorite moments in this recipe! Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, then stir in the tomato paste and chicken broth. Use a spatula to scrape all those delicious brown bits from the bottom because that s where the deep flavor hides.

Step 4: Simmer the Tortellini

Stir in the cheese tortellini and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway through so the tortellini cooks evenly and soaks up that tasty sauce. I ve found that lifting the lid at the halfway mark helps prevent sticking, and you get perfectly tender pasta every time.

Step 5: Finish with Chicken, Spinach, Cream, and Cheese

Remove the lid, add the cooked chicken back to the pan along with chopped spinach, heavy cream, and freshly grated parmesan. Stir everything together until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into a decadent sauce. I like to give it a last little taste here and adjust seasoning if needed – sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper seals the deal.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Garnishes

Personally, I always top this dish with fresh basil leaves, an extra sprinkle of parmesan, and a crack or two of black pepper. Sometimes, just for a little visual pop and extra flavor, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes on top. The fresh basil adds a lovely contrast to the richness of the sauce and always impresses guests.

Side Dishes

To keep things balanced, I like pairing this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe with simple sides like a crisp mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce – trust me, you won t want to waste a drop!

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I serve the tortellini in shallow white bowls to showcase the beautiful creamy sauce and colorful spinach. I ve also tried plating individual portions on big flat plates with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a few extra sun-dried tomatoes scattered artistically. It s a fun way to elevate the experience and make people feel truly spoiled.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I keep them stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. A little heads-up though: the tortellini tends to soak up the sauce as it sits. So when reheating, I add a splash of water or broth to loosen things up and bring back that saucy goodness.

Freezing

I ve frozen this dish once or twice, and it works best if you freeze it without the cream, then add cream fresh when reheating to keep the sauce silky. Alternatively, freezing small individual portions is handy for quick meals, and just thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth-it prevents the sauce from breaking and helps rehydrate the pasta. I also use the microwave but pause halfway to stir for even warming. The dish tastes nearly as good as freshly made after reheating!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe has become one of those dishes I can count on when I want to whip something up that feels extra special without a lot of fuss. It s full of comforting flavors but also has that little wow factor that always gets compliments. I really hope you give it a try – once you do, it might just be your new favorite go-to meal too. Trust me, after one bite, you ll be thinking about who to “marry” this recipe with next time around!

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 109 reviews

• Author: Jaden
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

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Description

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender seasoned chicken, cheese tortellini, spinach, and a rich tomato cream sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that feels special, this recipe combines simple ingredients with an irresistible, savory sauce simmered to perfection.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Cooking Fats and Aromatics

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 shallot, minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Sauce Ingredients

• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (3oz) tomato paste
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 lb (16 oz) cheese tortellini
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

For Serving

• Fresh basil leaves
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes
• Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Season the chicken: Cube the chicken into small 1-inch chunks and place in a medium bowl. Season evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Toss gently to coat. Add the all-purpose flour and toss again to lightly coat the chicken pieces.
2. Cook chicken: Heat a large cast iron or ceramic-coated nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken in a single even layer. Cook, tossing 2-3 times, until chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove cooked chicken to a bowl or plate and set aside.
3. Build the sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the minced shallot, garlic, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant. Season with red pepper flakes, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Stir in the tomato paste, then pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits.
4. Add pasta: Stir in the cheese tortellini. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a low simmer. Cover the skillet and let simmer for 3-4 minutes until the tortellini is cooked through. Stir halfway through cooking, around the 2-minute mark, to ensure even cooking.
5. Finish it up: Remove the lid and stir in the cooked chicken, chopped spinach, heavy cream, and grated parmesan cheese. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and heated through. Adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve: Plate the dish hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves, additional parmesan cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy your delicious Marry Me Chicken Tortellini!

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Notes

• Leftovers may absorb the sauce and become thick. To reheat, add a splash of water and gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to loosen the sauce and maintain creaminess.
• Tortellini package sizes vary from 12-20 oz. This recipe uses 1 lb (16 oz) but is flexible; adjust broth amount accordingly if using more or less pasta.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
• Calories: 479
• Sugar: 3.3 g
• Sodium: 903 mg
• Fat: 19.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 8.3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10.7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32.6 g
• Cholesterol: 121 mg