Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is one of those dishes that can bring smiles to the table with its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and the irresistible charm of cheese tortellini. I discovered this recipe when searching for meals that not only taste amazing but also keep my family coming back for seconds. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner or a dish for special occasions, sure to impress anyone who tries it—hence the name!
What Makes This Recipe Special
You’ll absolutely love Marry Me Chicken Tortellini not just for its deliciousness but for its convenience. Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s made with simple ingredients and is kid-approved, making it a go-to choice for family dinners.
"I made this on a random Wednesday, and my husband asked where I hid the restaurant takeout! It’s that good!”
This dish combines the hearty flavors of seasoned chicken and gooey cheese in a luscious cream sauce, embellished with sun-dried tomatoes that add a perfect tang. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a casual dinner with friends, Marry Me Chicken Tortellini will undoubtedly steal the show!
The Cooking Process Explained
Making Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is straightforward and flows smoothly, ensuring you get a delicious meal with minimal fuss. First, you’ll cook the tortellini while preparing the chicken and sauce. Once everything is cooked, you’ll combine it all together for a creamy, flavorful bite. Here’s a brief overview of the key steps:
- Cook the cheese tortellini until just al dente.
- Season and sear the chicken pieces to golden perfection.
- Create a rich sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and cream.
- Combine the pasta, chicken, and sauce for a complete meal.
Are you ready to dive into this mouthwatering dish? Let’s gather our ingredients!
What You’ll Need
To whip up this delectable Marry Me Chicken Tortellini, you’ll need the following ingredients:
12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) (cook to al dente), 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-size pieces), 1.5 tsp kosher salt (divided), 1 tsp black pepper (divided), 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning (divided), 1 tsp paprika, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 0.25 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and finely chopped), 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth, 1.5 cup heavy cream, 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving), 2 cups baby spinach (loosely packed), 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (plus more to taste), 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley (for serving).
For substitutions: You can easily swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version, or use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.
Directions to Follow
Follow these easy steps to create the deliciousness that is Marry Me Chicken Tortellini:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cheese tortellini just to al dente according to package directions, then drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Pat the chicken pieces dry and season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and the paprika. Toss to coat.
- In a large deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a bowl and keep warm.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Stir in the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute, then whisk in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Pour in the heavy cream and add the remaining salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and gradually whisk in the Parmesan until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Stir in the spinach until wilted, then add the cooked tortellini and seared chicken. Gently fold everything together until coated in sauce.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in the lemon juice, taste, and adjust seasoning. Let rest for 3–5 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly, then garnish with extra Parmesan and herbs before serving.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Elevate your dinner presentation by serving Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in wide, shallow bowls for a lovely display. Top each serving with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color. It pairs beautifully with a side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette and crusty garlic bread—perfect for soaking up that divine sauce. For a drink pairing, a chilled glass of White Zinfandel or sparkling water with lemon makes for a refreshing complement.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
Professional Knife Set
A sharp and reliable knife set is essential for easily cutting chicken and prepping other ingredients. It makes your kitchen prep efficient and safe.
Bamboo Cutting Board Set
This practical and durable cutting board set protects your countertops while giving you plenty of space to chop ingredients for your meals. Easy to clean and maintain!
Mixing Bowls Set
A good set of mixing bowls is an absolute must for tossing pasta, mixing sauces, and prepping ingredients. They save space in your kitchen and are super handy for meal prep.
How to Store
If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When reheating, it’s best to use a stovetop to maintain the creamy texture. Just add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce while heating on low.
Tips to Make It Perfect
- For Creamier Sauce: Whisk in an extra splash of cream after the Parmesan melts for an even richer texture.
- Chicken Cooking Tip: Ensure your chicken pieces are dry before seasoning to achieve a lovely sear.
- Garlic Lovers: Add an extra clove (or two) of garlic for an aromatic boost—you can never go wrong with more garlic!
Recipe Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are some ideas to put your spin on this recipe:
- Cheese Swap: Try using ricotta or goat cheese instead of Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with grilled mushrooms or chickpeas for a tasty vegetarian option.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or dill to enhance the sauce.
Your Questions Answered
1. How long does this recipe take to prepare?
Most cooks can complete this dish in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick dinner.
2. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
3. What’s a good side dish to serve with this?
A fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables pair wonderfully with this creamy pasta dish.
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
A creamy and comforting dish featuring tender chicken and cheese tortellini, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 1.5 tsp kosher salt (divided)
- 1 tsp black pepper (divided)
- 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning (divided)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 0.25 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 2 cups baby spinach (loosely packed)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (plus more to taste)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley (for serving)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cheese tortellini just to al dente according to package directions, then drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Pat the chicken pieces dry and season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and the paprika. Toss to coat.
- In a large deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a bowl and keep warm.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Stir in the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute, then whisk in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Pour in the heavy cream and add the remaining salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and gradually whisk in the Parmesan until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Stir in the spinach until wilted, then add the cooked tortellini and seared chicken. Gently fold everything together until coated in sauce.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in the lemon juice, taste, and adjust seasoning. Let rest for 3–5 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly, then garnish with extra Parmesan and herbs before serving.
Notes
For creamier sauce, whisk in an extra splash of cream after the Parmesan melts. Ensure chicken pieces are dry before seasoning for a better sear.