Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
If you’re looking for a show-stopping dinner that’s both incredibly easy and worthy of a special occasion, get ready to fall head over heels for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini. This cozy skillet meal brings together juicy chicken, pillowy cheese tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach, all wrapped in a creamy Parmesan sauce that’s impossible to resist. With layers of color, richness, and fresh herb garnish, this dish will make anyone swoon at your dinner table—and you’ll love how simple it is to whip up on a busy night.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini proves that you don’t need a long shopping list to create a truly luxurious dinner. Each ingredient brings something special, from the sun-kissed sweetness of tomatoes to the silky richness of cream, ensuring every bite is full of flavor and comfort.
- Olive oil: A little bit adds subtle fruitiness and helps the chicken turn perfectly golden.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into pieces for even cooking and the perfect bite in every forkful.
- Italian seasoning: This blend brings all those classic Italian herb notes you crave in a cream sauce.
- Garlic powder: Adds another layer of mellow garlic flavor, complementing the fresh garlic.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste and don’t be shy—these basics make the other flavors pop!
- Fresh garlic (minced): The aroma of sautéing garlic is the start of something delicious.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): Choose those packed in oil for maximum flavor and a touch of sweetness.
- Chicken broth: It deglazes and lifts all the tasty, caramelized bits while building your sauce base.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that impossibly luscious, restaurant-style sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For a nutty, salty punch and smooth thickening power.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini: Cooks in the sauce, soaking up every ounce of creamy goodness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Add as much or as little as your spice-loving heart desires.
- Baby spinach: Wilts perfectly into the sauce, adding color and earthy freshness.
- Fresh basil: The classic finishing touch, offering a burst of aroma and color right before serving.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While that gets hot, toss your chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper—this quick rub gives every piece of chicken full-on flavor from the start. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, letting it get beautifully golden and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and keep it aside; this way, it stays moist and ready for the final saucy reunion.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Don’t wipe out your skillet! That little bit of caramelized flavor is gold. Drop in your minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes and give them a quick sauté for about a minute, just until the garlic is super fragrant. The kitchen will smell heavenly, and the sun-dried tomatoes will start to soften and release their oils into the pan—these small steps set the stage for the creamy magic that’s about to happen.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Next, pour in your chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer, scraping up any flavor-packed brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Once simmering, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Watch as it transforms into a silky, dreamy sauce that’s the heart of Marry Me Chicken Tortellini. Stir well to combine and let it bubble gently—no need to rush, since this is where the flavors meld together.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
Add your cheese tortellini directly to the bubbly sauce. Let it cook for 4 to 5 minutes, giving it an occasional gentle stir. The tortellini will soak up that luxurious sauce, turning each bite into pure comfort. Check for tenderness—once the pasta pillow is soft but not mushy, you’re good to go!
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken (and any juices that escaped!) to the skillet. Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes if you love a hint of heat. Add the baby spinach and stir everything together until the spinach wilts down and all the chicken and tortellini are well coated in that golden sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as you like—it should be creamy, savory, and utterly irresistible.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Garnishes
Shower your steaming skillet of Marry Me Chicken Tortellini with a flurry of freshly chopped basil right before serving. If you want to take it over the top, add a few extra grates of Parmesan or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a restaurant-style finish—your guests won’t be able to resist!
Side Dishes
A basket of warm, crusty bread is almost a must—perfect for mopping up every drop of that luscious sauce. To lighten things up, consider a bright green salad with a lemony vinaigrette or simple roasted vegetables. These sides balance the rich flavors and give your meal an Italian bistro feeling at home.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Marry Me Chicken Tortellini straight from the skillet for a family-style feast, or plate it up in wide shallow bowls for an extra-cozy look. For a romantic touch, add a drizzle of olive oil and a few whole basil leaves before bringing it to the table—a little flourish goes a long way in making dinnertime feel truly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers of your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. It will stay delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a top-tier candidate for weekday lunches or effortless next-day dinners.
Freezing
While creamy pasta sauces can sometimes separate after freezing, you can store Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in freezer-safe containers for up to a month. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator—a little extra Parmesan and a gentle stir will help bring back the creaminess once reheated.
Reheating
When it’s time to reheat, transfer leftovers to a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce as it warms. Stir gently and heat until the tortellini and chicken are hot all the way through—this keeps everything from drying out and ensures that signature creamy texture stays intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen tortellini, just add a minute or two to the cooking time. Be sure to check for doneness since frozen pasta may take a bit longer to become tender in the sauce.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t available, try roasted red peppers for a similar sweetness and vibrant color. While the flavor will be a bit different, they’ll still add a wonderful depth to your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Definitely! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter version. The sauce will be a touch less rich, but you’ll still get plenty of creamy goodness in every bite.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini ahead of time for a party?
For best results, prepare the sauce and chicken up to a day ahead, then cook the tortellini and combine it with the sauce just before serving. This keeps the pasta from becoming too soft and ensures the freshest flavor for your guests.
What proteins can I use instead of chicken?
While chicken is classic, feel free to swap it for turkey breast, Italian sausage, or even shrimp. The creamy sauce and tortellini pair beautifully with a variety of proteins, so let your taste buds (and fridge) inspire you!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food with a hint of romance, Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is sure to become your next go-to recipe. Every bite is creamy, savory, and brimming with flavor, making it perfect for busy nights or special dinners alike. Give this irresistible skillet dish a try—and get ready to hear, “Can we have this again soon?”
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Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and flavorful goodness of Marry Me Chicken Tortellini. This dish combines tender chicken, cheese tortellini, and a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Add chicken broth, simmer, then stir in cream and Parmesan. Cook tortellini until tender.
- Combine and Serve: Return chicken to skillet, add red pepper flakes and spinach. Stir until spinach wilts. Adjust seasoning. Garnish with basil and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute tortellini with ravioli or penne.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for best flavor.
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
