This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini combines tender bites of chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a luscious creamy sauce that’s loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan. It’s a quick and indulgent dinner that might just make everyone fall in love with it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Restaurant-Quality: With the rich, creamy sauce and sun-dried tomatoes, it feels like a dish straight out of a fancy Italian restaurant.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Creamy, cheesy, savory, with a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes.
Ingredients
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
- Tortellini: Use cheese tortellini for the perfect blend of flavors.
- Chicken: Cut into bite-sized pieces for faster cooking and even distribution.
- Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
- Seasonings: Black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika add depth to the chicken and sauce.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds a burst of intense flavor and a pop of color.
- Garlic: Adds a fragrant base to the sauce.
- Chicken Broth and Heavy Cream: The base for that irresistible creamy sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding a rich, savory note.
- Baby Spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and texture.
Variations
- Make it Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
- Use Different Greens: Swap spinach for kale or arugula for a twist in texture and flavor.
- Add Some Heat: Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the sauce a little kick.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Start the Marry Me Sauce
Reduce the skillet to medium-low, melt the butter, and sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Cheese
Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk until it starts to bubble, then slowly whisk in the parmesan cheese until melted.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Add the chicken, spinach, and tortellini to the skillet. Stir occasionally as the spinach wilts, and let it all simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Top with fresh parsley and extra parmesan before serving.
Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
- Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Keep an eye on it to ensure it stays tender without becoming mushy.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it reduce a bit longer; for a thinner sauce, add a splash of chicken broth.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly shredded parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-packaged varieties.
How to Serve
Here are some ways to enjoy this creamy dish:
- Main Course: Serve on its own with a sprinkle of parsley and parmesan.
- With Bread: Pair with crusty garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Add a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Storing Leftovers: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh tortellini will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream?
Half-and-half can be used, but the sauce may be a bit thinner.
3. Can I add extra veggies?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would all be great additions.
4. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Add the cream slowly and avoid high heat to prevent curdling.
Conclusion
This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a comforting, creamy dish that’s sure to impress! Whether it’s a cozy family meal or a special dinner, this recipe is the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Give it a try, and you might just have everyone coming back for seconds!
PrintMarry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini combines tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich, flavorful sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It’s an easy one-pan meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions!
Ingredients
For the Tortellini:
- 1 (19 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Marry Me Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced thin
- 3 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken pieces with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Set aside. - Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside. - Start the Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium-low and melt the butter in the same skillet. Sauté the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. - Add Broth and Cream:
Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk continuously until the sauce starts to bubble gently. - Add Parmesan:
Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until completely melted and the sauce is creamy. - Combine All Ingredients:
Return the chicken to the skillet and add the chopped spinach and frozen tortellini. Stir occasionally until the spinach starts to wilt and the tortellini is heated through, about 5 minutes. - Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Tortellini Options: You can use fresh or frozen tortellini. If using fresh tortellini, reduce cooking time slightly.
- Spinach Substitute: Kale or arugula can be used in place of spinach if desired.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 630kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
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