If you re looking for a meal that s guaranteed to impress, the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe might just be your new go-to. I absolutely love this dish because it combines tender, flavorful chicken with creamy, cheesy tortellini in a sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you re cooking for a special date night or just want to treat your family to something really cozy, this recipe hits all the right notes.
When I first tried this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe, I couldn t believe how easy it was to pull together something that tastes so rich and restaurant-worthy. You ll find that the blend of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan creates a sauce that s bursting with flavor but still comforting and smooth. Trust me, this one s worth trying at least once-you might just end up making it a regular in your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Creamy Flavor: The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes makes a velvety sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
- Hands-On but Simple: You get that homemade touch without spending hours in the kitchen, perfect for weeknight dinners or date nights.
- One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in a single skillet minimizes cleanup, which I always appreciate.
- Family Favorite: My whole family goes crazy for this recipe every time I make it – it’s a winner for all ages.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe plays an important role in building those bold, comforting flavors. Using fresh garlic and shallots, along with quality sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan, really elevates the final dish. Here are the key ingredients and some tips on choosing the best ones.
- Chicken breast: I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small, bite-sized chunks for even cooking.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked is best for a bit of heat and depth.
- Italian seasoning: A blend that adds aromatic herbs, giving the chicken an herbaceous boost.
- Smoked paprika: This adds a subtle smoky flavor that makes the dish unique.
- All-purpose flour: Helps the chicken get a light coating so it browns nicely.
- Butter: For richness and a depth of flavor while cooking chicken.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Divided between cooking chicken and sautéing aromatics to keep flavors balanced.
- Shallot: Milder than onions, adds a delicate sweetness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for the best flavor punch.
- Red pepper flakes: Adds just the right amount of heat without stealing the show.
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: Finely chopped to infuse their tangy-sweet flavor into the sauce.
- Tomato paste: Boosts the tomato richness and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Chicken broth: The savory base that brings everything together.
- Cheese tortellini: Fresh or frozen, they soak up the sauce and add that comforting pasta goodness.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.
- Spinach: Roughly chopped to add freshness and color.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for the best texture and flavor.
- Fresh basil, black pepper, red pepper flakes (for serving): Optional garnishes that elevate the presentation and flavor.
Variations
I love that this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is a great base to tweak and customize depending on your mood or what you have on hand. Feel free to make it your own by swapping ingredients or adjusting spice levels-the possibilities are endless and totally delicious.
- Make it spicy: I often add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to bring more heat when I m craving a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian twist: Swap the chicken for hearty mushrooms or roasted vegetables, and use vegetable broth instead for a meat-free version.
- Dairy-free version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan to keep it creamy but without dairy.
- Fresh herbs: Adding chopped thyme or oregano can elevate the flavor profile and keep it smelling fresh and fragrant.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken into small, 1-inch chunks. I find that smaller pieces cook more evenly and get that lovely golden crust. Toss the chicken with kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and then add the flour for a light dusting. This coating helps the chicken brown nicely and adds a bit of texture. This step sets the foundation for incredible flavor, so don t skip the seasoning and flour toss.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add butter and one tablespoon of olive oil. When it s hot and shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Resist the urge to crowd the pan or move the chicken too much-you want that sear! Toss the pieces two or three times until browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet, then toss in the minced garlic, shallot, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about three minutes, stirring frequently, until everything becomes fragrant and soft. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, and season with a pinch more salt and pepper. Stir in the tomato paste and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan-those bits add so much flavor you won t want to miss.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini in the Sauce
Pour in the cheese tortellini and bring the sauce up to a simmer. Lower the heat to keep it at a gentle simmer, and cover the skillet. Let the tortellini cook for 3-4 minutes-stir once halfway through to make sure they cook evenly and don t stick together. Cooking the pasta right in the sauce gives it that wonderfully silky coating and enriches the overall flavor.
Step 5: Finish with Chicken, Spinach, Cream & Parmesan
Remove the lid, then stir in the browned chicken, chopped spinach, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything gently until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens into a creamy, cheesy dream. This is where all the magic happens-your kitchen will smell amazing, and the sauce will be irresistibly tempting. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, a few twists of black pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like.
Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
- Don t Skip the Flour Coat: Lightly coating the chicken with flour before cooking helps it get that perfect golden crust and adds a subtle thickening to the sauce.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese sometimes lacks flavor and melts differently, so fresh Parmesan will really elevate the dish.
- Stir the Tortellini Midway: When simmering the tortellini, give it a gentle stir halfway through to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking.
- Adjust Creaminess After Cooking: If you find the sauce thickens too much after resting, just add a splash of water or broth when reheating to bring it back to saucy perfection.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish this dish with fresh basil leaves and an extra generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The basil adds a pop of color and fresh brightness that really contrast the rich creaminess. Plus, don t forget a few twists of freshly cracked black pepper and, if you love a little heat, some extra red pepper flakes too.
Side Dishes
This recipe stands beautifully on its own, but I like pairing it with a crisp green salad or some garlic roasted broccoli to lighten things up. A warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce-which you ll want to savor!
Creative Ways to Present
For date night or special occasions, I sometimes serve this in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce, topped off with a sprinkle of fresh microgreens or edible flowers. It instantly feels fancy but is totally achievable at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe store really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tortellini soaks up the sauce a bit as it rests, which I actually find makes it even more flavorful after a day or two.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, I recommend keeping the sauce and tortellini separate from any fresh greens like spinach to prevent sogginess. Freeze in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, I like to add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce back up. Warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the tortellini from drying out or sticking to the pan.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cheese tortellini works perfectly here. Just be sure to adjust the simmering time slightly-usually, an extra minute or two-to ensure the tortellini cooks through fully.
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What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk with a tablespoon of flour to thicken, but keep in mind it won’t be quite as rich or creamy. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream works well and adds a subtle sweetness.
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How spicy is the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe?
The dish has a gentle kick from the red pepper flakes and smoked paprika, but it’s not overly spicy. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
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Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can season and cut the chicken a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge. The sauce can also be made in advance and gently reheated when you re ready to add the tortellini and finish the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is one of those feel-good meals that you ll want to make over and over. It s comforting, flavorful, and feels a little fancy without any fuss. I love sharing this with friends because it always sparks those wow, this tastes amazing reactions-and I know you ll enjoy turning this recipe into one of your own favorites too. So, grab your skillet, get cooking, and get ready to fall in love with dinner!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, flavorful one-pan Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chunks of seasoned chicken, cheese tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a luscious tomato cream sauce, finished with freshly grated parmesan and fresh basil. This quick and comforting recipe combines vibrant spices, hearty pasta, and a rich sauce that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet easy to make.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Cooking Fats and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 shallot, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Sauce and Pasta
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup (3 oz) tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb (16 oz) cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
For Serving
- Fresh basil
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Cube the chicken into 1-inch chunks and place them in a medium bowl. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Add the all-purpose flour and gently toss again until the chicken is lightly coated with flour and spices.
- Cook chicken: Heat a large cast iron or ceramic-coated nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in an even layer. Cook, tossing 2-3 times, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate or bowl.
- Build the sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, then add the minced garlic, shallot, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring often, until softened and fragrant. Season with red pepper flakes, and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in the tomato paste and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a spatula to release all browned bits and incorporate the flavors well.
- Add pasta: Stir in the cheese tortellini and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to maintain a low simmer, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the tortellini is tender and cooked through. Stir halfway through at the 2-minute mark to ensure even cooking.
- Finish it up: Remove the lid and stir the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the chopped spinach, heavy cream, and grated parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and the sauce is creamy and well combined. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil, extra parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, and additional red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- The tortellini tends to absorb the sauce when reheated. To revive leftovers, add a splash of water before reheating on the stove or microwave, then stir well to loosen the sauce and restore the creamy texture.
- Use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron or ceramic-coated nonstick to prevent sticking and evenly brown the chicken.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese yields the best flavor and melts better than pre-grated varieties.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or adjust the spice level by modifying the red pepper flakes quantity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
- Calories: 479
- Sugar: 3.3 g
- Sodium: 902.6 mg
- Fat: 19.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32.6 g
- Cholesterol: 121.1 mg
