Description
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
The Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe gets its charming name from its irresistible flavors that are said to be good enough to make anyone propose! This creamy pasta dish features tender chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, and rich parmesan cheese sauce, all paired with cheesy tortellini for a comforting, indulgent experience. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a cozy weeknight meal, this dish is a surefire way to win hearts and make every meal memorable.
19 oz frozen cheese tortellini
2 tbsp olive oil
1½ lbs chicken breasts, bite-sized
½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp paprika
2 tbsp butter
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
3 tsp minced garlic
1 cup chicken broth, 2 cups heavy cream
1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp paprika
1 cup parmesan cheese, 2 cups chopped spinach
Directions:
1. Season chicken and cook until golden brown.
2. Make sauce, add chicken, spinach, and tortellini, and cook until spinach wilts.
3. Garnish with parsley and serve!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Kcal: 540
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Begin by seasoning the 1½ lbs of bite-sized chicken breast with ½ tsp each of black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter. Add the ½ cup of sun-dried tomatoes and 3 tsp of minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Then, add 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 tsp each of Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Whisk in 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Add the cooked chicken, 19 oz of frozen cheese tortellini (no need to thaw), and 2 cups of chopped spinach to the sauce.
5. Stir everything together, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and the spinach has wilted. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this indulgent dish immediately while hot and creamy. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or with crusty garlic bread for dipping into the luxurious sauce.
How-to Summary
Sear seasoned chicken and set aside. In the same pan, create a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, broth, cream, and parmesan. Add back the chicken along with frozen tortellini and spinach. Simmer until the pasta is cooked and the spinach is wilted. Garnish and serve hot for a decadent, proposal-worthy meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen? Yes, fresh tortellini works perfectly. Add it to the sauce in the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, as it requires less time to become tender.
How can I make this dish less rich? Substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half. The sauce will be slightly thinner but still delicious.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes? Roasted red peppers make an excellent substitute, offering a similar sweet and tangy flavor profile.
Can I prepare Marry Me Chicken Tortellini ahead of time? It’s best served fresh, as the tortellini can absorb the sauce and become soft upon reheating. You can prep the chicken and sauce base ahead, then combine with pasta and spinach when ready to serve.
How should I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the chicken at the start, as it will continue to simmer in the sauce later. Do not boil the cream sauce vigorously after adding the cheese, as this can cause it to separate or become grainy—maintain a gentle simmer. Finally, ensure you use grated parmesan, not the powdered kind, for a smooth, cohesive sauce.
Conclusion
This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is the ultimate comfort food, blending creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy pasta into one show-stopping dish. Its romantic name is well-earned, promising a meal that’s both impressively flavorful and surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether for a special date night or a treat-yourself dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to delight and satisfy.