If you’re looking for a mouthwatering, easy dinner idea that’s perfect for date night or family dinner, this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is the ultimate comfort food recipe! With tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich, creamy sauce loaded with Italian flavors, this dish is quick to make and full of flavor. Made with ingredients like parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning, it brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen. This popular recipe is easy to follow and ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Discover why everyone is raving about this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini – your family will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients
Tortellini
- 1 (19 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini
Chicken
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
Marry Me Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and thinly sliced)
- 3 tsp minced garlic
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 cups chopped baby spinach
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add butter to the skillet. Sauté the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the Creamy Base: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk continuously until the sauce starts to bubble. Gradually whisk in the parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken, spinach, and tortellini to the skillet. Stir occasionally until the spinach wilts, and let it all simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is incredibly comforting, combining tender chicken, savory tortellini, and a rich, creamy sauce that’s perfectly seasoned with Italian spices. With sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan, it has the ideal mix of flavors that are sure to please everyone at the table.
Tips
- Use Fresh or Frozen Tortellini: Both work well, but fresh tortellini will cook slightly faster.
- Watch the Sauce: To avoid curdling, keep the heat at medium or lower once the cream is added.
- Add Cheese Slowly: Whisk in the parmesan gradually to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Substitute Greens: Swap spinach with kale or arugula for a different flavor profile.
- Try Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with shrimp or even Italian sausage.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While tortellini adds extra cheesiness, other pasta shapes work well with this sauce too.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Try using coconut cream and a dairy-free parmesan substitute for a creamy, dairy-free version.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini with garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal. A glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, makes a perfect pairing for the creamy flavors in this dish.
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