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If you’re looking for a comforting yet elegant dish to wow your family or friends, the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is a true winner. Imagine tender chicken bites tossed with pillowy cheese tortellini, all enveloped in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that is deeply flavorful and utterly addictive. It’s a meal that invites cozy nights in, celebrations, or simply the rewarding feeling of cooking something special from scratch. Every bite promises a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and slightly tangy notes that will keep you coming back for more.

A close-up view of a black pan filled with creamy yellow-orange tortellini pasta mixed with chunks of light brown cooked chicken pieces, dark green spinach leaves, and small bits of red sun-dried tomatoes, all coated evenly in a rich sauce. A wooden spoon rests on top of the pasta, slightly dipped in, showing the thick texture of the sauce. The pan is on a white marbled surface with a blue and white patterned cloth partially visible on the upper left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of simple, quality ingredients is all it takes to bring this recipe alive. Each component plays a unique role, from the silky texture of the tortellini to the aromatic spices seasoning the chicken, creating a symphony of flavors and colors on your plate.

Frozen cheese tortellini: The cheesy, tender pasta foundation that soaks up the luscious sauce beautifully.
Olive oil: Provides a rich base for cooking the chicken and building layers of flavor.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, even cooking and juicy tenderness.
Black pepper: Adds mild heat and a subtle earthiness to both chicken and sauce.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings Mediterranean warmth and depth.
Paprika: Offers a hint of smoky sweetness and an inviting reddish hue.
Butter: Melts into the sauce to create silkiness and enhanced richness.
Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: These add bursts of tangy sweetness and a chewy texture that makes the dish pop.
Garlic: Minced for intense aroma and flavor, essential for that savory punch.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce light yet flavorful without overpowering saltiness.
Heavy cream: The heart of the sauce, lending incredible creaminess and indulgence.
Parmesan cheese: Finely shredded for melting seamlessly into the sauce, boosting umami.
Baby spinach: Chopped for freshness, color, and a nutritional boost that balances richness.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Start by seasoning the bite-sized chicken pieces generously with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. This simple seasoning ensures the chicken is bursting with flavor before it even hits the pan. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook it until beautifully golden brown and perfectly cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This step locks in juices and creates a delicious crust that will elevate the entire dish.

Step 2: Build Your Sauce Base

Reduce the heat to medium-low and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing just for about 30 seconds until the kitchen is filled with that irresistible aroma. This careful sauté develops layers of flavor that will shine in the final sauce. The combination of garlic and sun-dried tomatoes adds warmth and complexity every spoonful needs.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the heavy cream, followed by the Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk continuously to combine everything smoothly and wait patiently for the sauce to bubble gently. Now comes the magic touch: slowly sprinkle in the finely shredded Parmesan cheese while whisking. This transforms the sauce into a silky, cheesy delight that will cling to every piece of chicken and pasta, enticing you to dive right in.

Step 4: Combine Chicken, Tortellini, and Spinach

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the chopped baby spinach, and toss in the frozen cheese tortellini (no need to thaw). Stir everything together occasionally as the spinach starts to wilt and the tortellini cooks through in about five minutes. This step brings all the elements together, allowing the creamy sauce to infuse the pasta and greens, producing that unparalleled harmony found only in a great Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For the finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and a little extra grated Parmesan cheese on top. These simple garnishes brighten the dish visually and add a fresh herbal note that balances the creaminess. It’s amazing how a little green and extra cheese can elevate the whole presentation and flavor profile effortlessly.

Side Dishes

This recipe is a meal all on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. The freshness and crunch of a side salad contrast the luscious pasta perfectly, while roasted veggies add earthiness and texture, rounding out a satisfying dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family dinner, serve this right from the skillet for that warm, communal feel. Hosting guests? Plate the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe elegantly in shallow bowls and drizzle a touch of extra virgin olive oil on top. Adding a sprinkle of chili flakes or a wedge of lemon on the side can also bring an exciting twist that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and that’s a great problem to have), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce stays delicious for up to 3 days, making it an easy and quick go-to meal for busy nights.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but be mindful that the creamy sauce may change texture slightly upon thawing. If freezing, place portions in freezer-safe containers and keep them for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent splitting of the sauce. A splash of chicken broth or milk can help bring back that fresh-from-the-pan creaminess. Avoid the microwave for reheating if you want to retain the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh tortellini will cook even faster and offer a tender bite. Just reduce the simmer time slightly to avoid overcooking.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts for a delicious vegetarian version, keeping the rest of the recipe the same.

What type of sun-dried tomatoes works best?

Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil are preferable since they’re soft and add a richer flavor, but you can rehydrate dry-packed tomatoes in warm water if needed.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

While milk can lighten things up, heavy cream gives the sauce its luxurious texture. Mixing milk with a little cornstarch might help thicken the sauce if you want a lighter option.

How spicy is this dish?

The paprika and black pepper add mild warmth but no real heat. Feel free to add chili flakes if you want a little kick.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe — it’s a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable, sophisticated yet simple enough for any weeknight. It brings people together around the table and leaves everyone happily satisfied. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone who loves creamy, flavorful pasta dishes with a personal touch. Give it a try and get ready to cherish it as much as I do!

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Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe