If you are on the lookout for a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’re in the right place. This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken with pillowy cheese tortellini bathed in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce. With bright bursts of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a subtle hint of spice, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a beloved classic that everyone asks for again. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish promises to deliver comfort and elegance all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a critical role, from the juicy chicken that brings protein and texture, to the rich cream that creates a velvety sauce. Together, these simple yet essential components build a perfect balance of flavor, color, and mouthfeel that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 1 lb chicken breast: Cut into chunks for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- 1 lb cheese tortellini: The star pasta that soaks up the creamy sauce gorgeously.
- 3 cups fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, slight earthiness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce rich, silky, and utterly indulgent.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Provides a flavorful base that deepens the sauce.
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil: Offers tangy sweetness and chewy texture.
- 1/4 cup tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and adds richness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings umami depth and creamy saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon butter: For browning the chicken and enriching the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Used for sautéing and adding fruitiness.
- 1 minced shallot: Delivers mild, sweet onion notes without overpowering.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors harmoniously.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Blends herbs like oregano and basil for authentic taste.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Introduces a gentle smoky undertone.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Provides just a touch of kick to keep things interesting.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps form a light crust on the chicken for texture.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Begin by cutting your chicken breast into 1-inch chunks for easy cooking and consistent texture. Season the pieces generously with kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, then dredge them evenly in all-purpose flour. This coating will give your chicken a lovely golden crust that seals in juices and adds flavor at every bite.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add butter along with olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken chunks and sear them without moving until they develop a beautiful golden brown crust on one side, about 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until fully cooked but still juicy inside, roughly another 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm while you build the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Toss in the minced shallot, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the shallots are soft and everything smells absolutely heavenly. Don’t forget to scrape any browned bits off the skillet’s bottom — those bits are pure flavor gold.
Step 4: Develop the Sauce Base
Stir in the tomato paste, combining it fully with the shallots and tomatoes. Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping the pan to lift all those concentrated flavors from the bottom. This sauce base is where your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe really begins to shine.
Step 5: Cook the Tortellini in the Sauce
Add the cheese tortellini directly into the simmering sauce. Let them cook gently according to the package’s instructions — usually 3-4 minutes — stirring every minute or so to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The tortellini will soak up the sauce, blending flavors beautifully without becoming mushy.
Step 6: Finish with Cream, Spinach, and Parmesan
Now it’s time for the magic touch. Stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the spinach wilts down and the sauce becomes gloriously creamy and smooth. This is the heart of the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe: a velvety sauce enveloping every ingredient with luscious richness and brightness.
Step 7: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Give your sauce a quick taste and adjust with extra kosher salt, black pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your preference. Serve the dish piping hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan if you like. Prepare yourself to be asked for this recipe over and over again!
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate this dish beautifully. Fresh basil leaves add fragrant herbal notes while extra Parmesan cheese enhances the creamy texture and rich flavor. A drizzle of good quality olive oil or a dash of red pepper flakes can bring a classy finishing touch that’s perfect for impressing guests or family.
Side Dishes
This dish is so satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables can add refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a warm baguette are wonderful companions to mop up every bit of the luscious sauce. Lightly steamed asparagus or sautéed green beans also bring a lovely balance to the creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a wow factor, consider serving this recipe in rustic shallow bowls that showcase the vibrant colors of the spinach and tomatoes. Garnish with microgreens or edible flowers to brighten the presentation. You could also bake it briefly with extra Parmesan on top for a gratin-style finish that adds a crispy, golden layer—a delightful twist that makes Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe utterly irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect next-day lunch or dinner option. The flavors continue to meld and deepen, and a quick reheat will have you savoring every bite again.
Freezing
Although freezing this creamy pasta dish is possible, it’s best done with care to maintain texture. Store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawed, the sauce might separate slightly but whisking gently during reheating helps restore creaminess.
Reheating
To reheat, use a low heat setting on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce seems thick or dry. This gentle reheating method ensures the chicken remains tender and the sauce luscious, just as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta instead of tortellini?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini offers a delightful stuffed texture, you can substitute with ravioli, gnocchi, or even plain pasta like penne or farfalle. Keep cooking times in mind, as stuffed pastas often cook quicker than dried pasta.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to keep that cheesy depth. Butter can be replaced with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine alternative for sautéing.
How spicy is the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe?
The dish includes just a hint of spice from red pepper flakes and smoked paprika, giving a mellow warmth without overwhelming heat. You can always adjust or omit the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based protein substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It still results in a creamy, comforting dish loaded with flavor.
What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays tender?
Cutting the chicken into uniform chunks, seasoning, dredging lightly in flour, and searing it properly over medium-high heat seals in moisture and creates a golden crust. Avoid overcooking by turning only once and cooking until just opaque inside for juicy results.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is truly a celebration of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly for an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish welcomes all home cooks to create something heartwarming and impressive. Grab your skillet, invite your favorite people, and fall in love with this cozy, creamy masterpiece—you might just end up making it your go-to comfort food for life!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender chicken breast chunks seared to perfection, simmered in a rich tomato and cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, shallots, and fresh spinach. The cheese-filled tortellini cooks right in the sauce, making a comforting and easy Italian-inspired meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb (454 g) 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 (15 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon (14 g) butter
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
Sauce and Pasta
- 1 lb (454 g) cheese tortellini
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 1/4 cup (60 g) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 minced shallot
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 cups (about 90 g) chopped fresh spinach
Instructions
- Prepare and Season Chicken: Cut the chicken into 1-inch chunks. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Dredge the pieces evenly in all-purpose flour to coat.
- Sear Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and olive oil. When hot, place the coated chicken pieces in the skillet. Sear without moving until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes total. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Add minced shallot, minced garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté over medium heat stirring frequently until shallots and garlic are soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, scraping up browned bits from the skillet.
- Add Tomato Paste and Broth: Stir in tomato paste, then pour in chicken broth and sprinkle red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, scraping any remaining browned bits from the pan.
- Cook Tortellini: Add cheese tortellini to the simmering sauce. Cook according to package instructions, about 3-4 minutes, stirring gently every minute to ensure even cooking. Maintain a gentle simmer to avoid overcooking.
- Finish with Cream, Spinach, and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream, chopped spinach, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the spinach wilts and the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Season to Taste and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional kosher salt, black pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan if preferred.
Notes
- Use fresh cheese tortellini for best texture and flavor.
- If sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, include some of the oil for extra flavor when sautéing.
- Maintain a gentle simmer to prevent tortellini from overcooking and becoming mushy.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to desired spice level.
- Fresh basil garnish adds a bright, fresh finish but is optional.
- Can substitute chicken breast with thighs for a juicier result.
