Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

The Dreamy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe You Can’t Resist

Culinary magic happens when you whip up this marry me chicken tortellini dish that sparks instant romance.

Creamy sauce coats tender pasta spirals with irresistible charm.

Juicy chicken pieces nestle between soft tortellini pockets, creating flavor magic.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together in a symphony of deliciousness.

Unexpected spices whisper seductive promises from every delectable bite.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel like passionate culinary adventures waiting to unfold.

Prepare to fall head over heels with this showstopping meal that might just make someone propose.

Why Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Lives Up to the Name

  • Whip Up Quickly: This recipe offers a speedy solution for busy home cooks, delivering a delicious meal in under 30 minutes with minimal preparation steps.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy tortellini, this dish guarantees smiles around the dinner table for both kids and adults.
  • Versatile Meal Magic: Perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or casual gatherings, this recipe adapts effortlessly to different occasions and meal preferences.
  • Flavor Explosion: Combining sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and Italian seasonings creates a rich, restaurant-quality taste that elevates simple ingredients into an extraordinary dish.

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken: Tender protein that brings hearty flavor to the dish.
  • Tortellini: Soft cheese-filled pasta that adds comfort and substance.
  • Spinach: Fresh green veggie with a mild, earthy taste.
Dairy and Cream Components:
  • Heavy Cream: Rich and smooth base for creating a luxurious sauce.
  • Butter: Creamy ingredient that adds depth and richness.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that enhances overall flavor.
Seasonings and Aromatics:
  • Garlic, Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intense flavor boosters with Mediterranean flair.
  • Italian Seasoning, Black Pepper, Paprika: Spice blend that provides warm and complex taste.
  • Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat for sautéing chicken and building foundation.
  • Chicken Broth: Liquid that adds depth and helps create silky sauce base.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb for fresh garnish.

Cooking Instructions for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

Grab your chicken pieces and give them a flavor boost by sprinkling black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

Let the chicken sit and soak in those delicious spices while you prep the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Fire up a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot pan and cook until it turns a beautiful golden brown and is completely cooked through.

This should take about 6-8 minutes.

Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Aromatic Base

Lower the heat to medium-low and melt some butter in the same skillet.

Toss in minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, and let them dance around the pan for about 30 seconds, releasing their incredible aroma.

Step 4: Craft the Creamy Sauce

Pour in:
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream
  • Italian seasoning
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika

Whisk these ingredients together with love and patience.

Keep whisking until the sauce starts to bubble, then slowly incorporate the parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely and creates a smooth, rich sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Add back the cooked chicken, then toss in:
  • Spinach
  • Tortellini

Gently stir the ingredients, letting the spinach start to wilt and the tortellini heat through.

Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and get to know each other.

Step 6: Finish with Finesse

Sprinkle some fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese on top.

Serve hot and get ready to fall in love with this incredible dish!

Tips for Creamy Chicken Tortellini

  • Marinate chicken in Italian seasoning and paprika for at least 15 minutes before cooking to enhance depth and tenderness.
  • Slowly whisk parmesan cheese to prevent clumping and create a smooth, creamy texture that coats ingredients evenly.
  • Add tortellini towards the end of cooking to maintain its ideal texture and prevent becoming mushy or falling apart.
  • Stir spinach gently and sparingly to maintain its bright green color and prevent overcooking, preserving nutritional value.
  • Replace tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, ketogenic-friendly version of the dish.

Save and Reheat Chicken Tortellini with Ease

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Carefully place portions in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Tortellini might slightly change texture upon thawing.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir frequently to maintain creamy consistency and prevent burning.
  • Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add small amount of cream or broth to restore sauce's smoothness. Check temperature to ensure even heating throughout dish.

What Pairs with Chicken Tortellini

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy, rich sauce and cut through the dish's heaviness.
  • Serve with Garlic Bread: Create a perfect side by toasting crusty bread with garlic butter, which enhances the sun-dried tomato and parmesan flavors.
  • Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss a light, peppery salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the tortellini's richness and add a refreshing contrast.
  • Enhance with Sparkling Water: Choose a citrus-infused sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites and refresh the dining experience.

Recipe Variations for Chicken Tortellini

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, using the same seasoning technique for a protein-packed meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini or zucchini noodles, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Use cauliflower tortellini or skip pasta entirely, replacing it with roasted cauliflower florets to maintain the dish's creamy texture while reducing carbohydrate content.
  • Dairy-Free Modification: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese, keeping the rich sauce flavor while accommodating dairy restrictions.

FAQs

  • What are the key flavor elements in this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?

The key flavors come from sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, garlic, and a creamy sauce with Italian seasoning that creates a rich, tangy, and savory profile.

  • Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?

Yes, this dish comes together in about 20-25 minutes, making it perfect for a fast and delicious meal that looks and tastes like you spent hours cooking.

  • Can I make this recipe with different types of pasta?

Tortellini works best, but you could substitute with cheese ravioli or even penne pasta if needed. The creamy sauce will complement most pasta shapes.

  • How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?

Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and appears golden brown on the outside. The chicken should no longer be pink in the center when cut.

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Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe


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4.8 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy marry me chicken tortellini promises culinary romance with bold Italian-inspired flavors. Rich parmesan sauce and tender chicken create an irresistible meal you’ll want to savor again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Pasta:

  • 1 (19 ounces/540 grams) bag frozen cheese tortellini

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

Complementary Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Generously coat chicken pieces with a blend of aromatic spices, ensuring an even distribution of black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
  2. Fire up a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling surface for perfectly seared chicken.
  3. Carefully lay chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown exterior while cooking completely through, approximately 6-8 minutes.
  4. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, reserving the flavorful pan drippings.
  5. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low, introducing butter to create a rich base for the sauce.
  6. Quickly toast minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, releasing their intense aromatics in the butter.
  7. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking vigorously while incorporating remaining spices to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
  8. Gradually fold parmesan cheese into the simmering liquid, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and integrates seamlessly.
  9. Return chicken to the skillet, then gently introduce tortellini and fresh spinach, allowing them to nestle into the creamy sauce.
  10. Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until spinach wilts and tortellini becomes tender, approximately 5 minutes.
  11. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and an additional dusting of parmesan cheese.
  12. Serve immediately, allowing the vibrant flavors and creamy texture to delight your palate.

Notes

  • Customize the spice level by adjusting black pepper and paprika to suit personal taste preferences.
  • Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories.
  • Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas for a meat-free alternative.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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