Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a recipe that truly captured my heart—and my taste buds—Marry Me Chicken Tortellini. This creamy, flavorful dish combines tender chicken, delightful cheese tortellini, and sun-dried tomatoes for a meal that not only satisfies but delights. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy date night, this dish has become a go-to in my kitchen, and I’m excited to share it with you!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

What makes Marry Me Chicken Tortellini so special? First and foremost, it’s quick and easy to prepare. With minimal prep and cooking time, this dish is ideal for busy evenings when you still want something gourmet. The creamy sauce envelops the cheesy tortellini, delivering a rich flavor that feels indulgent without the hours of kitchen labor. It’s also family-approved, which means the kids will likely gobble it up as well!

“This dish is a game-changer! My family couldn’t get enough of it, and it’s now a regular on our dinner rotation!”

Preparing Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Ready to get started? The process is simple yet rewarding. Here’s how it all comes together:

1. You’ll begin by seasoning the chicken for flavor.
2. Brown the chicken in a skillet to achieve that golden crust.
3. Create a creamy sauce with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, then add the chicken back in.
4. Finally, toss in the tortellini and fresh spinach, allowing everything to meld beautifully.

This overview sets the stage for an exciting dining experience!

What You’ll Need

Gather these essential ingredients to make your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini shine:

• 1 (19 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ 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)

Feel free to swap out heavy cream for a lighter alternative or use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried, depending on what you have at hand!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to bring Marry Me Chicken Tortellini to life:

1. Start by seasoning cut chicken pieces with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Set them aside for a moment.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook it until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Lower the heat to medium-low and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk continuously until the sauce comes to a gentle bubble.
5. Gradually whisk in the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, creating that luxurious creaminess.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet along with chopped spinach and frozen tortellini. Stir occasionally until the spinach wilts, letting it all simmer together for about 5 minutes.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan before serving. Enjoy every bite!

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is delectable on its own, yet you can elevate your meal with simple side options. Imagine pairing it with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or even roasted veggies for a full meal experience. For an extra touch, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper or a drizzle of balsamic reduction can add a delightful twist.

How to Store & Freeze

To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When it comes to reheating, simply warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much. If you want to freeze it, be aware that the cream may change the texture slightly upon thawing, but it’s still safe to eat and can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Helpful Cooking Tips

1. Be sure to cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
2. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a low-fat cream alternative.
3. For added flavor depth, consider marinating the chicken in Italian dressing beforehand.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations you can try:

• Replace cheese tortellini with spinach or mushroom tortellini for different flavors.
• Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an aromatic lift.
• Consider using grilled chicken instead of seared for a smoky taste.

Common Questions

What is the prep time for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?
Prep time typically takes about 15 minutes, with an additional 20 minutes for cooking, making it a quick meal option!

Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just ensure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh tortellini cooks faster.

Is it safe to freeze left-over chicken in cream sauce?
Yes, but while the texture may change slightly upon thawing, it’s safe to freeze and will retain its flavor.

Indulge in the delightful experience of Marry Me Chicken Tortellini and create a dish that’s destined to make any dinner memorable. Whether it’s an ordinary weeknight or a special occasion, this recipe is your ticket to a deliciously delightful table!

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

A creamy and flavorful dish featuring chicken, cheese tortellini, and sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy date nights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 640 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Tortellini Dish

• 1 bag (19 oz) frozen cheese tortellini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced thin
• 3 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups heavy cream or a lighter alternative
• 1 teaspoon parmesan cheese, finely shredded
• 2 cups baby spinach, chopped

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Season cut chicken pieces with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Lower the heat to medium-low and melt butter in the skillet. Add minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
• Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then add Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk until the sauce comes to a gentle bubble.
• Gradually whisk in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
• Return chicken to the skillet along with spinach and frozen tortellini. Stir occasionally until spinach wilts and everything simmers together for about 5 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan before serving.

Notes

To store leftovers, keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For freezing, note that the cream may change texture but it's still safe to eat. Can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Keyword Chicken, Creamy Sauce, Family-Friendly, Quick Dinner, Tortellini