Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

I absolutely love how this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe comes together so quickly yet feels rich and indulgent—perfect for those nights you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. When I first tried this dish, I was blown away by how the flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, creamy sauce, and tender chicken danced with the cheese-filled tortellini. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy enough for a date night but easy enough for any weeknight.

You’ll find that the combination of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and a touch of red pepper flakes gives this dish a lovely depth, while the spinach adds freshness. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is a total winner that brings everyone to the table asking for seconds.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together perfectly to create a sauce that’s creamy, tangy, and filled with savory goodness. When shopping, look for fresh spinach and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes to really boost the flavor.

• Chicken breast: I like using chicken breast for tenderness and quick cooking; cutting it into small chunks helps it cook evenly.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the best in all the ingredients.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds classic Italian flavor notes you’ll love.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth without overpowering the dish.
• All-purpose flour: Coats the chicken lightly to help thicken the sauce.
• Butter and extra-virgin olive oil: The combo ensures a rich base and helps prevent the chicken from sticking.
• Shallot and garlic: They’re the building blocks for the savory sauce aroma and flavor.
• Red pepper flakes: Adds just a hint of heat; you can adjust according to your spice preference.
• Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: Finely chopped for bursts of sweet tanginess throughout the dish.
• Tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavor and adds body to the sauce.
• Chicken broth: Keeps the sauce flavorful and light, balancing the creaminess.
• Cheese tortellini: Use fresh or frozen; this pasta stuffed with cheese melts beautifully in the sauce.
• Heavy cream: Delivers the signature creamy texture that makes this recipe irresistible.
• Spinach: Adds a fresh, healthy touch and bright color.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is a total game-changer for flavor and creaminess.
• Fresh basil, black pepper, red pepper flakes, parmesan (for serving): These garnishes elevate every bite and make the dish look amazing.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe depending on what I have on hand or dietary needs. Feel free to customize it—you’ll discover your own spin on this crowd-pleaser in no time.

• Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a medley of roasted veggies; I tried this once and it was just as comforting.
• Spicy kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you want to heat things up.
• Cheese swap: Substitute parmesan with pecorino or a blend of Italian cheeses for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Greens: I sometimes swap spinach for kale or arugula for a peppery twist.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Step 1: Season and Coat the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces—about 1 inch works well. Toss them in a bowl with kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and then dust with all-purpose flour. This light coating not only seasons the chicken thoroughly but helps create a nice crust when cooking. I discovered this trick makes the chicken perfectly tender and juicy inside.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat up a large skillet over medium heat and add butter plus a tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, add your chicken in a single layer. Resist the urge to crowd the pan—this helps the chicken brown instead of steam. Toss the chicken a few times until beautifully golden and just cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Then, set it aside; don’t worry, the chicken will cook a bit more later when combined with the sauce.

Step 3: Create the Flavorful Sauce Base

Into the same pan, pour the remaining olive oil and add your minced shallot, garlic, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 3 minutes until everything softens and becomes fragrant—this step fills the kitchen with the most amazing aroma. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and season lightly with salt and pepper. Then stir in the tomato paste and chicken broth. Don’t forget to scrape up those yummy browned bits from the bottom of the pan; that’s where all the flavor lives!

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini in the Sauce

Now stir in the cheese tortellini, bringing the whole mixture up to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan and let the tortellini cook in the flavorful broth for about 3-4 minutes. I always stir halfway through to keep the pasta from sticking and make sure it cooks evenly. This method steams and infuses the tortellini with the sauce—trust me, it makes all the difference!

Step 5: Finish with Chicken, Spinach, Cream & Parmesan

Once the tortellini is tender, remove the lid and add back the cooked chicken along with the chopped spinach, heavy cream, and freshly grated parmesan. Stir everything together until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into a silky sauce. This is when the dish really pulls it all together into something luscious and satisfying. Serve it hot, garnishing with fresh basil, extra parmesan, and a crack of black pepper for that final wow factor. Are you ready to propose!? 😍

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with fresh basil leaves because they add a bright herbal note that cuts through the creamy richness. A sprinkle of extra parmesan and a grind of black pepper just before serving makes it extra special. Sometimes I’ll add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes on top for a subtle heat contrast.

Side Dishes

For sides, you really don’t need much since the dish is quite hearty, but a crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances it beautifully. I’ve paired it with roasted asparagus or garlic bread when I want a little indulgence. A light Caesar salad is also a family favorite that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated individual portions in shallow bowls and garnished with edible flowers and extra basil for a restaurant-style wow moment. You can also serve the chicken and tortellini in mini cast iron skillets for a rustic, cozy presentation that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they usually keep well for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens a bit as it chills, so when you reheat, you might want to loosen it with a splash of broth or cream to get that perfect silky texture back.

Freezing

Freezing is possible, but I’ve found the fresh spinach gets a little watery upon thawing, so I recommend freezing before adding the greens. Freeze the chicken and tortellini mixture in an airtight container, then add fresh spinach and parmesan when you reheat.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm leftovers over medium-low heat in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream to help loosen the sauce. Stir often so everything heats evenly and the tortellini doesn’t stick to the pan. Avoid microwaving if possible, as stovetop reheating helps retain texture and flavor better.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe has become such a staple for me—it’s cozy, flavorful, and turns simple ingredients into a meal that feels like a genuine treat. I hope you’ll give it a try because it truly hits all the right notes for a weeknight classic or a date night dinner. Once you experience that creamy sauce and tender bites, you’ll understand why I keep coming back to this recipe over and over. Happy cooking, and here’s to many delicious meals ahead!

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