Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Oh, the magic of a cozy, creamy pasta dish-let me tell you about this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe that I absolutely adore. It s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate, bringing together tender chicken, rich sun-dried tomato sauce, and pillowy cheese tortellini in a way that s both comforting and elegant. Whether you want to impress a special someone or just treat yourself to a dinner that feels restaurant-worthy, this recipe delivers every single time.

What makes this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe stand out is how quick it comes together without skimping on flavor. I swear by it on nights when I want something satisfying but don t want to be stuck in the kitchen forever. Plus, the way the spinach and Parmesan finish it off gives it that extra pop of freshness and depth you ll love. Trust me, once you try this, it ll become a go-to in your dinner rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about the perfect balance of flavors and textures, so each ingredient plays a critical role. From the seasoning on the chicken to the fresh spinach at the end, these ingredients come together to create a dish that s both rich and fresh.

• Chicken breast: I cut mine into small chunks to ensure they cook evenly and quickly soak up the sauce.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
• Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat and depth.
• Italian seasoning: A convenient blend that brings classic herby notes without extra effort.
• Smoked paprika: This gives the chicken a subtle smoky warmth that really elevates the dish.
• All-purpose flour: Used to lightly coat the chicken – it helps achieve a nice sear and thickens the sauce later.
• Butter: Adds richness to the cooking fat and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Divided use here – one part for searing chicken, the other for sauteing aromatics.
• Shallot: Offers a sweeter, more delicate flavor than regular onions; I like it minced finely.
• Garlic: Four cloves keep the sauce fragrant and flavorful.
• Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds a gentle, warming kick.
• Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: Gives a bright, tangy depth that s a total game-changer in the sauce.
• Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
• Chicken broth: The base of the sauce that ties everything together.
• Cheese tortellini: Fresh or frozen works great; I prefer the plump cheese-filled kinds for maximum indulgence.
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
• Spinach: Adds fresh, bright flavor and color right at the end.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for the best taste and texture, it finishes the dish with umami richness.

Variations

I love tweaking this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe based on what I have on hand or the season. Feel free to make it your own-it s forgiving and flexible, which makes it even more enjoyable to cook.

• Vegetarian version: Swap the chicken for extra mushrooms or roasted veggies for a hearty meatless meal.
• Spicy twist: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne if you want some heat-a few friends really enjoy this kick.
• Herb boost: Fresh basil or oregano stirred in at the end can brighten the whole dish and make it taste freshly plucked from the garden.
• Cheese swap: Tried using mozzarella or fontina instead of Parmesan for a gooier texture-a delicious indulgence!

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Step 1: Season and Coat the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken into small, bite-sized chunks-I like about 1-inch pieces so they cook evenly and absorb the sauce. Toss them in a bowl with kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika until every piece is nicely coated. Next, sprinkle in the flour and gently toss again; this helps the chicken get a beautiful crust in the pan and thickens the sauce just right later on. It s a small step that really builds the foundation for all the flavors.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken to Perfection

Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add butter and one tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, add the chicken pieces in an even layer. Don t rush the browning; let the chicken get some nice golden color by cooking undisturbed for a couple of minutes before tossing. You ll want the chicken cooked through but still juicy-about 6-8 minutes in total. Once done, transfer it to a plate to rest while we build the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the minced shallots, garlic, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 3 minutes until fragrant and softened-this is where those deep, rich tomato flavors start to come alive. Season with red pepper flakes plus a pinch more salt and pepper. Stir in the tomato paste and pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan with your spatula. Those bits carry so much flavor, so don t skip this step!

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini in the Sauce

Stir in the cheese tortellini, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat to maintain a low simmer and cover the pan. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring once halfway through so the tortellini cooks evenly and soaks up that tomato goodness. This is where the magic happens-the pasta cooks in the sauce, soaking up all those flavors without needing extra water.

Step 5: Finish with Chicken, Spinach, Cream, and Parmesan

Remove the lid and stir in the cooked chicken chunks, roughly chopped spinach, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan. Keep stirring until everything is beautifully combined, the spinach wilts, and the sauce turns to rich, creamy perfection. This final step is what makes this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe feel so indulgent yet fresh.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with fresh basil leaves and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese-it adds a lovely bright fragrance and sharpness that cuts through the creamy sauce. Sometimes, I also sprinkle a few red pepper flakes on top for a little extra zing if my family is feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

When I serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe, I like a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also pairs wonderfully to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special date night, I ve served this recipe in shallow bowls and topped it with microgreens and edible flowers-it instantly elevates the presentation without much extra effort. Another fun approach is using colorful pasta or adding a swirl of pesto on top for a pop of green and added flavor complexity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. One thing I learned is that the tortellini absorbs a lot of the sauce as it sits, so the dish can become a bit thick or dry if stored too long without moisture.

Freezing

I ve frozen this recipe a few times, but I found it s better to freeze the components separately (chicken and sauce) if possible, then combine and reheat with freshly cooked tortellini for the best texture. Freezing cooked tortellini in the sauce tends to change its texture upon thawing.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, add a splash of water or broth before microwaving or reheating on the stove to loosen the sauce. Stir well as you heat to get that creamy consistency back-this little trick saves the dish from drying out and keeps the flavors vibrant.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe really holds a special place in my kitchen because it s the kind of meal that impresses without stress. I love how the creamy sauce and tender chicken team up with juicy sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach to create a taste that s simply unforgettable. So, whether you re cooking for a loved one or just craving something delicious for yourself, give this recipe a shot-you won t regret it, and who knows, it might just inspire a proposal or two!

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 103 reviews

• Author: Alvarez
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

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Description

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a deliciously creamy and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender seasoned chicken, cheese tortellini, and a flavorful tomato-cream sauce with spinach and parmesan. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special enough for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

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 teaspoons 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

Sauce Ingredients

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 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

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Instructions

1. Season the chicken: Cube the chicken into small chunks and place in a medium bowl. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Toss well to coat uniformly. Add the flour and gently toss again to coat the chicken lightly in flour.
2. Cook chicken: Heat a large cast iron or ceramic nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in an even layer. Cook, tossing two or three times, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken to a bowl or plate.
3. Build the sauce: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet. Add minced garlic, shallot, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring often, until softened and fragrant. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir in tomato paste and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan bottom with a spatula to incorporate flavor.
4. Add pasta: Stir in cheese tortellini and bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce heat to maintain a low simmer and cover the pan. Let cook for 3-4 minutes until tortellini is tender, stirring halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
5. Finish it up: Remove the lid and stir in the cooked chicken, chopped spinach, heavy cream, and grated parmesan cheese. Mix everything until well combined and heated through. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil, additional parmesan, black pepper, and red pepper flakes as desired.

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Notes

• Reheating leftovers: Tortellini tends to soak up sauce. Add a splash of water when reheating in microwave or stovetop and stir well to loosen the sauce for best texture.
• You can substitute fresh spinach with kale or other leafy greens if preferred.
• Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
• Adjust red pepper flakes quantity based on desired spice level.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
• Calories: 479
• Sugar: 3.3 g
• Sodium: 902.6 mg
• Fat: 19.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 8.7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32.6 g
• Cholesterol: 121.1 mg