Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Quick & Dreamy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Creamy marry me chicken tortellini has seduced taste buds across dinner tables everywhere!

Passionate home cooks adore this romantic pasta dish that promises culinary magic.

Romantic flavors dance between tender chicken and soft cheese-filled pasta shells.

Rich parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes create an irresistible combination that feels indulgent yet simple.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly, producing a meal that could spark instant love.

Hearty portions make this recipe perfect for intimate dinners or casual weekend gatherings.

Why Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Will Steal Your Heart

  • Savor Quick Family Comfort: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers delicious comfort food that brings everyone together around the table with minimal cooking stress.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like using different cheese types or adding extra veggies, making this dish adaptable to personal tastes and pantry availability.
  • Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home: Gourmet-tasting dish with sun-dried tomatoes and creamy sauce creates a luxurious meal that feels like dining out without the expensive bill.
  • One-Skillet Convenience: Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking process means you can enjoy a delectable meal without creating a mountain of dishes afterwards.

Essential Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: A lean protein that provides a hearty and satisfying base for the dish.
  • Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that adds a delightful texture and richness to the recipe.
Dairy Components:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and creamy sauce base.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty and tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
  • Butter: Provides a rich and smooth foundation for sautéing and creating depth in the sauce.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Offer intense and concentrated flavor profiles that elevate the entire dish.
  • Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Paprika: Blend of spices that add warmth, complexity, and a subtle kick to the recipe.
Supporting Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps with cooking and prevents sticking.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the savory flavor of the sauce.
  • Spinach: Introduces a fresh, nutritious green element to balance the rich sauce.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Step 1: Boil Tortellini Perfection

Cook the tortellini in a pot of boiling water following the package directions.

Once tender, drain completely and set aside, keeping them warm and ready for the next delicious stage.

Step 2: Sizzle Chicken with Spices

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add chicken pieces and sprinkle with:
  • Black pepper
  • Italian seasoning
  • Paprika

Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown and is thoroughly cooked through.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and add:
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Minced garlic

Saute for a brief moment until the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrance.

Step 4: Build Creamy Sauce

Pour into the skillet:
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream

Stir the liquids together and season with Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika.

Allow the sauce to simmer and gradually thicken.

Step 5: Melt and Incorporate Cheese

Stir in parmesan cheese until it melts completely and creates a smooth, silky sauce.

Add chopped spinach and cook until it wilts and blends into the creamy mixture.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked chicken and tortellini to the skillet.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece is generously coated with the luxurious sauce.

Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Pro Tips to Perfect Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

  • Choose high-quality, fresh tortellini for the best flavor and texture in your dish.
  • Adjust sauce consistency by simmering longer for a thicker sauce or adding more broth for a lighter texture.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F without becoming dry or tough.
  • Add a splash of lemon juice or white wine to cut through the richness of the heavy cream and parmesan.
  • Build depth by adding spices at different cooking stages, enhancing the overall taste profile of the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini.

Delicious Variations for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using same seasoning and cooking method.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese.
  • Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi, keeping the creamy sauce and protein intact.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, use feta cheese instead of parmesan, incorporate kalamata olives for extra flavor complexity.

Serving Ideas for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

  • Romantic Dinner Date: Perfect for an intimate evening with your partner, serving this creamy tortellini dish by candlelight creates a magical atmosphere.
  • Casual Family Feast: Kids and adults will love the rich flavors and cheesy sauce, making it a crowd-pleasing meal for weeknight dinners.
  • Elegant Gathering: Pair with a crisp white wine and fresh garden salad to elevate this dish for sophisticated dinner parties with friends.
  • Quick Meal Prep: Pack leftovers in airtight containers for a delicious next-day lunch that reheats beautifully in the microwave.

How to Store Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Properly

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish.
  • Transfer cooled tortellini to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Place portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
  • Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore sauce consistency. Stir gently to prevent breaking the tortellini, heating until steaming hot.

FAQs

  • What makes this dish different from other pasta recipes?

This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini combines creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken for a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to make at home.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

No, the recipe uses mild seasonings like Italian seasoning and paprika, creating a flavorful but not spicy dish that’s suitable for most taste preferences.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

While the recipe calls for tortellini, you can substitute with other filled pastas like ravioli or use regular pasta shapes if preferred.

  • Do I need any special cooking skills to make this?

This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic cooking techniques like sautéing chicken and creating a simple cream sauce, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

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Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe


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4.6 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy marry me chicken tortellini promises culinary romance with Italian-inspired flavors that dance across your palate. Succulent chicken, tender tortellini, and rich sun-dried tomato sauce create an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 (19 ounces / 540 grams) bag frozen cheese tortellini
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 2 cups baby spinach (chopped)
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese (finely shredded)

Sauce Components:

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and sliced thin)

Seasonings and Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 teaspoons garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare tortellini according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain and reserve.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F. Season chicken with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Sear until golden brown and fully cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
  3. Reduce skillet heat to medium. Melt butter and introduce sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Sauté for 45-60 seconds until aromatic, releasing intense flavors.
  4. Gradually pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Whisk ingredients together, incorporating additional Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Allow sauce to simmer and reduce, thickening for 3-4 minutes.
  5. Incorporate parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until completely melted and sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Add fresh spinach, cooking until leaves wilt and integrate into the sauce.
  6. Reintroduce cooked chicken and tortellini into the skillet. Gently toss to ensure complete sauce coverage, warming ingredients for 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately while hot and perfectly coated.

Notes

  • Enhance flavor by marinating chicken in Italian seasoning and garlic powder for 30 minutes before cooking to deepen taste profile.
  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for lighter versions, maintaining creamy texture without compromising richness.
  • Add red pepper flakes for extra heat and complexity, balancing the creamy sauce with a subtle spicy kick.
  • Use fresh tortellini from refrigerated section for more authentic texture and richer pasta experience compared to dried versions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 708 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 490 mg
  • Fat: 48 g
  • Saturated Fat: 23 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 42 g
  • Cholesterol: 165 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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