I absolutely love how this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe brings together tender chicken chunks and cheesy tortellini all swimming in a lush, creamy sauce packed with flavor. When I first tried this dish, I was blown away by how quickly it comes together yet tastes like something you d order at a fancy restaurant. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh spinach makes every bite rich and comforting.
You’ll find that this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something impressive but don t have hours to spend cooking. It s also fantastic for meal prepping because it reheats beautifully while still tasting fresh and saucy. Trust me, once you try this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe, it ll become a staple in your dinner rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect when time is tight but you want something special.
- Rich, Flavorful Sauce: The balance of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and cream makes this dish irresistibly savory.
- Versatile & Customizable: You can swap ingredients to suit your taste or pantry without losing the magic.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this one-kids and adults alike keep asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe are simple but thoughtfully chosen to create a creamy, flavorful dish with a bit of a tangy twist from the sun-dried tomatoes. Fresh ingredients like garlic and spinach really help keep the sauce bright and balanced.
- Chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized chunks for quick, even cooking.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out flavor.
- Italian seasoning & smoked paprika: Add depth and a subtle smoky warmth to the chicken.
- All-purpose flour: Coats the chicken to help thicken the sauce later on.
- Butter & extra-virgin olive oil: For a rich, fragrant base when cooking the chicken and aromatics.
- Shallot & garlic: Fresh aromatics that build a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds the perfect subtle heat.
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: Finely chopped, they add a wonderful tang and umami punch.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Creates the sauce s base and lets the tortellini cook right in it.
- Cheese tortellini: The star of the dish – creamy and delicious pasta pockets.
- Heavy cream: Adds luscious richness and smooth texture.
- Spinach: Roughly chopped for a fresh, slightly earthy balance.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for savory sharpness to finish it all off.
- For serving – fresh basil, black pepper, red pepper flakes, parmesan: These elevate presentation and flavor at the table.
Variations
One of the things I love most about this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to add extra veggies, swap the protein, or lighten it up, there s flexibility here that lets you make it your own.
- Protein Swap: I sometimes use Italian sausage instead of chicken for a punchier, spiced flavor. It s equally delicious and a fun twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms or roasted red peppers to keep it meaty and satisfying.
- Cheese Variations: Try substituting fontina or asiago cheese in place of parmesan for something a bit different.
- Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your heat preference-add more if you like it spicy!
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Season and Coat the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breast into small, bite-sized chunks. I like them small so they cook quickly and get coated nicely with seasoning. Toss the chicken with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika until well coated. Then sprinkle in the flour and gently toss again-this helps create a light crust on the chicken while cooking and thickens the sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat a large skillet-cast iron or a good nonstick-over medium heat and add butter and a tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. This step is key for getting a nice golden-brown exterior that locks in flavor. Cook the chicken, tossing only a couple of times to avoid steaming, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken to a bowl or plate while you build the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil, then toss in minced shallot, garlic, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about three minutes until everything is softened and smells amazing. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir in the tomato paste and then pour in chicken broth, using your spatula to scrape up all the browned bits off the bottom of the pan-this adds so much flavor to the sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
Add the cheese tortellini straight into the sauce and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat to keep it at a steady simmer, then cover and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. You ll know the tortellini is done when it s tender but still retains a slight bite.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove the lid and stir the browned chicken back into the skillet along with the chopped spinach, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into a creamy sauce. Serve this saucy, dreamy dish right away, topped with fresh basil, extra parmesan, and freshly cracked black pepper. If you re feeling playful, you might just want to ask, Will you marry me? 😍
Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
- Don t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in one layer to get a nice golden crust; overcrowding causes steaming instead of browning.
- Adjust Broth as Needed: I like a saucier dish, so if your tortellini soak it up too much, just add a splash of extra broth while simmering.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Grating your own parmesan right before adding it to the sauce gives the best flavor and melts more smoothly.
- Loosen Leftovers Before Reheating: Add a splash of water or broth to the leftovers to bring the sauce back to its creamy glory without drying out the tortellini.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe with freshly chopped basil – it adds a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness perfectly. A sprinkle of extra parmesan and a little extra cracked black pepper on top bring the whole dish together beautifully. If you like heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes on your plated serving never hurts!
Side Dishes
I often serve this creamy tortellini alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to add some brightness and crunch. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is fantastic for soaking up the luscious sauce, and simple roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli round out the meal without competing with the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I ve plated this dish in shallow bowls with a swirl of cream on top, garnished with basil sprigs and a sprinkle of edible flowers for a pop of color. Setting the table with warm candlelight and a glass of white wine turns this humble dinner into a romantic date-night feast. It always feels extra special, and the Marry Me name makes it a great conversation starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where they keep well for up to 3 days. I learned that the tortellini tend to soak up a lot of the sauce overnight, so I always add a little splash of water or broth before reheating to revive that creamy texture.
Freezing
Freezing this dish isn t my first choice, as tortellini can get a bit soft once thawed. However, if you want to freeze it, I recommend freezing the sauce and cooked chicken separately from the tortellini. Reheat the sauce slowly on low, then stir in freshly cooked tortellini for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water. This helps loosen the sauce without overcooking the pasta. You can also microwave leftovers covered, stirring a couple of times, with a bit of liquid added to keep everything creamy and delicious.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen tortellini for the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe?
Yes! Frozen tortellini works perfectly and can be cooked right in the sauce as the recipe suggests. Just be sure to add a minute or two to the simmering time if needed, since frozen pasta takes a little longer to cook than fresh or refrigerated.
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What kind of cheese tortellini should I use?
I recommend using cheese tortellini with a mild cheese filling like ricotta or a blend of Italian cheeses. It melts beautifully into the sauce and complements the flavors without overpowering them. Avoid very strongly flavored tortellini like blue cheese or spicy varieties if you want the balanced taste of this dish.
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How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes, but it s easily adjustable. You can add more red pepper flakes to turn up the heat or omit them entirely for a kid-friendly version. The smoked paprika adds warmth without heat, balancing the flavors nicely.
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Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. The sauce won t have quite the same richness, but it will still be delicious and comforting.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate-comforting, flavorful, and just the right amount of fancy. I love how easy it is to make, but the taste makes you feel like you put in so much work. If you want a recipe that will impress your family or guests without lots of fuss, this should definitely be your go-to. Honestly, I can t recommend it enough-give it a try and get ready to hear marry me compliments at the dinner table!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken seasoned with Italian spices, simmered with cheese tortellini in a rich tomato and spinach cream sauce. This comforting dish combines savory sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan cheese for a quick and satisfying dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Cooking Fats
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 shallot, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup (3 oz) tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb (16 oz) cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
For Serving
- Fresh basil
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Cube the chicken into small chunks and place in a medium bowl. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika, tossing to coat evenly. Add the all-purpose flour and toss gently again to lightly coat the chicken pieces.
- Cook chicken: Heat a large cast iron or ceramic-coated nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the chicken in an even layer. Cook, stirring or tossing the chicken two or three times, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Build the sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic, shallot, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring often, until softened and fragrant. Season with red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in the tomato paste and chicken broth, scraping the skillet bottom to loosen any browned bits for extra flavor.
- Add pasta: Stir in the cheese tortellini and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to maintain a low simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway through at 2 minutes, until the tortellini is cooked through.
- Finish it up: Remove the lid and stir in the cooked chicken, chopped spinach, heavy cream, and freshly grated parmesan cheese until everything is well combined and heated through. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil, additional parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- For reheating leftovers, tortellini tends to absorb the sauce. To loosen it, add a splash of water before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave and stir well.
- Tortellini package sizes vary from 12 to 20 oz. This recipe uses 1 lb (16 oz) but the amount can be adjusted with a little more or less chicken broth accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
