why make this recipe
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and savory tortellini. The ingredients come together to create a comforting meal that feels special enough for a date night but is also easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Plus, who wouldn’t want a meal that might lead to that big question, right? This recipe is perfect for sharing, easy to make, and bursting with flavors that everyone will love.
how to make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients:
- 1 (19 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and thinly sliced
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups chopped baby spinach
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until it is browned and cooked through. Set it aside once done.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Next, add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Then stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Bring this mixture to a simmer.
Combine and Cook: Add the frozen tortellini to the skillet, making sure it is submerged in the sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until the tortellini becomes tender. Stir in the cooked chicken and the Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce thickens. Finally, add the chopped spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until it wilts.
Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish rest to thicken slightly. Before serving, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil.
how to serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner. Serve it warm in deep bowls. Pair it with a side salad or some warm bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A glass of wine can make the meal feel even more special.
how to store Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
To store leftovers, let the dish cool down and transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store it for longer, consider freezing it. Just make sure to place it in a freezer-safe container, and it can last up to 2-3 months. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to help restore the creaminess.
tips to make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
- Use fresh herbs for added flavor. Basil and parsley make great options.
- If you prefer a bit more heat, you could add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to substitute the chicken with shrimp or another protein if desired.
- Make sure to stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the skillet.
variation (if any)
You can customize this recipe in various ways. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. If you like a nuttier taste, consider adding some pine nuts on top before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh tortellini. Just reduce the cooking time according to the package instructions, as fresh tortellini cooks faster.
2. Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Just combine everything before serving. However, the tortellini tastes best when cooked fresh.
3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, you can substitute heavy cream with a non-dairy cream option and leave out the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag frozen cheese tortellini (19 oz)
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and thinly sliced
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups chopped baby spinach
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken pieces with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
Sauce Preparation
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Bring to a simmer.
Combining and Cooking
- Add frozen tortellini to the skillet, ensuring it’s submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until tortellini is tender.
- Stir in cooked chicken and Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens. Add chopped spinach and cook for 2 more minutes.
Serving
- Remove skillet from heat and let rest to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.