There’s something magical about a dish that combines simplicity with bold, unforgettable flavors. Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s perfect for those special moments you want to commemorate—or just an average weeknight that needs a little extra love. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and plump tortellini make this dish feel both indulgent and approachable. It’s no surprise that the “marry me” part of the name comes from how irresistible it is—people joke that it’s proposal-worthy!
This recipe is also a perfect way to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly comforting. Whether it’s the richness of the sauce or the bite of the cheese-filled tortellini, each element is thoughtfully crafted to complement the others. It’s a fusion of Italian-inspired ingredients and comforting flavors that could easily grace your holiday table or a regular Tuesday night.
If you’ve never made this dish before, prepare to be amazed at how simple it is to whip up something that tastes like it took hours of effort. With easy-to-find ingredients and minimal cooking skills required, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all experience levels.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Efficient:
With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a gourmet dish that looks and tastes like you spent hours preparing it. - One-Pan Wonder:
Fewer dishes? Yes, please! This recipe is made in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. - Rich and Flavorful:
The creamy Parmesan sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic is a luxurious coating for both the chicken and tortellini. - Crowd-Pleasing:
Whether you’re cooking for a picky eater or impressing dinner guests, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken and Tortellini:
- 1 (19 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and thinly sliced
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- For Finishing:
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
- Fresh parsley and additional Parmesan for garnish
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Cooking Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is all about layering flavors. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a foolproof and delicious result:
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients and prep your chicken. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with paper towels. Drying the chicken ensures that it browns properly, giving you a flavorful base for the dish.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. While the skillet warms up, season the chicken pieces with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer, leaving space between pieces to prevent steaming.
Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter. Allow the butter to melt, then add the minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté the mixture for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly until the garlic is fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom—this step adds incredible depth to the sauce. Gradually stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the skillet. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, creating a velvety, rich sauce.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken, chopped spinach, and frozen tortellini to the skillet. Stir gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated in the sauce. Cover the skillet and let the dish simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and the spinach has wilted.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the dish rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve hot, and watch everyone reach for seconds!
Helpful Tips
- Even Cooking: Make sure your chicken pieces are cut into similar sizes to ensure they cook evenly.
- Deglazing the Pan: Don’t skip this step! Deglazing with chicken broth adds extra flavor to your sauce.
- Gradual Cheese Addition: Adding the Parmesan slowly prevents clumping and ensures a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Customizable Add-Ins: Feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even artichokes for a personal touch.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes:
- Tortellini: Frozen cheese tortellini works wonderfully, but feel free to use fresh tortellini if you have it.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a subtle tanginess to balance the richness of the sauce.
- Spinach: Baby spinach wilts quickly and adds a pop of color and nutrients to the dish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 540
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fat: 42g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh tortellini cooks faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly—usually 2-3 minutes less.
Can I substitute spinach with another green?
Yes, kale or arugula are great substitutes. Just keep in mind that kale may require a slightly longer cooking time.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like these comforting classics:
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a cozy family meal, Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is the perfect recipe to elevate any evening. The creamy sauce, savory chicken, and tender tortellini come together to create a dish that feels special yet incredibly easy to make. With its rich flavors and heartwarming appeal, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
Now, grab your skillet and get ready to serve up some love—because everyone deserves a dish this good!
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Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Description
There’s something magical about a dish that combines simplicity with bold, unforgettable flavors. Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s perfect for those special moments you want to commemorate—or just an average weeknight that needs a little extra love. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and plump tortellini make this dish feel both indulgent and approachable. It’s no surprise that the “marry me” part of the name comes from how irresistible it is—people joke that it’s proposal-worthy!
This recipe is also a perfect way to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly comforting. Whether it’s the richness of the sauce or the bite of the cheese-filled tortellini, each element is thoughtfully crafted to complement the others. It’s a fusion of Italian-inspired ingredients and comforting flavors that could easily grace your holiday table or a regular Tuesday night.
If you’ve never made this dish before, prepare to be amazed at how simple it is to whip up something that tastes like it took hours of effort. With easy-to-find ingredients and minimal cooking skills required, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all experience levels.
Ingredients
-
- 1 (19 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and thinly sliced
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- For Finishing:
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
- Fresh parsley and additional Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients and prep your chicken. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with paper towels. Drying the chicken ensures that it browns properly, giving you a flavorful base for the dish.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. While the skillet warms up, season the chicken pieces with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer, leaving space between pieces to prevent steaming.
Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter. Allow the butter to melt, then add the minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté the mixture for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly until the garlic is fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom—this step adds incredible depth to the sauce. Gradually stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the skillet. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, creating a velvety, rich sauce.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken, chopped spinach, and frozen tortellini to the skillet. Stir gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated in the sauce. Cover the skillet and let the dish simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and the spinach has wilted.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the dish rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve hot, and watch everyone reach for seconds!
Notes
- Tortellini: Frozen cheese tortellini works wonderfully, but feel free to use fresh tortellini if you have it.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a subtle tanginess to balance the richness of the sauce.
- Spinach: Baby spinach wilts quickly and adds a pop of color and nutrients to the dish.
