Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that is both indulgent and easy to make, this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe is your answer. It’s a creamy, savory dish that pairs tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a luscious sauce full of flavor from sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan. Whether you’re looking to impress someone special or simply treat yourself to a cozy dinner, this dish has all the makings of a winner. It’s a one-pan recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, yet fancy enough for special occasions.

What is Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?

The “Marry Me Chicken” recipe has become a viral sensation, named after the idea that this dish is so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal. But we’re taking it to the next level by adding cheese tortellini, creating an irresistibly creamy, cheesy pasta dish that is perfect for any dinner occasion. With its rich sauce, juicy chicken, and tender pasta, this is a recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular meal rotation.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s everything you need to prepare this delicious dish, along with possible substitutions to suit your preferences:

For the Tortellini and Chicken:

• 1 (19 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini – If you’re gluten-free, opt for a gluten-free tortellini.
• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces) – You can substitute chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
• 2 tbsp olive oil – Perfect for searing the chicken; feel free to use avocado oil as an alternative.
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning – A blend of oregano, thyme, and basil that infuses the chicken with flavor.
• ½ tsp paprika – Adds a hint of smokiness to the dish.

For the Marry Me Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter – Gives the sauce a rich, buttery base.
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and sliced thin) – Adds a tangy-sweet burst of flavor.
• 3 tsp garlic (minced) – Fresh garlic gives depth to the sauce.
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth – Balances out the creaminess with a savory base.
• 2 cups heavy cream – The star of the sauce, making it luxuriously creamy.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 cup parmesan cheese (finely shredded) – For the best results, use freshly grated parmesan.
• 2 cups baby spinach (chopped) – Adds color, nutrients, and freshness.

this RECIPE

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Let’s break down the steps to make this delectable Marry Me Chicken Tortellini:

1. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, season your chicken pieces with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Toss to ensure every piece is coated evenly. This will infuse the chicken with robust flavors right from the start.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium-low, then melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
4. Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk continuously as the sauce heats up. Once it begins to bubble, slowly whisk in the parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Combine Chicken, Tortellini, and Spinach: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cheese tortellini and chopped spinach. Stir gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Let the dish simmer for 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tortellini is heated through.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese before serving. This dish is best enjoyed immediately!

Tips for Cooking Chicken Perfectly

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This allows the pieces to sear properly and develop a golden crust instead of steaming.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked through but still juicy, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
• Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before adding it to the sauce. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat tender.

Making the Marry Me Sauce

The sauce is where all the magic happens! Here’s how to make sure it turns out perfectly:

• Whisk Constantly: As you’re heating the sauce, make sure to whisk continuously. This will prevent the cream from curdling and ensures a smooth, velvety consistency.
• Add Parmesan Slowly: To avoid clumping, add the parmesan cheese in small batches while continuously whisking. This will help the cheese melt evenly into the sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

• Overcooking the Chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken during the initial searing. Overcooked chicken can become tough and dry.
• Too Thick Sauce: If your sauce turns out too thick, you can thin it out by adding a splash of extra chicken broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
• Undercooked Tortellini: Make sure the tortellini is fully heated through. Since it’s frozen, it needs time to thaw and cook properly in the sauce.

How to Serve and Garnish Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

For a restaurant-quality presentation, serve your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in a shallow dish, allowing the sauce to pool around the pasta. Garnish generously with freshly grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkling of chopped parsley. To make it a complete meal, pair it with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette.

Variations and Swaps: Make It Your Own

• Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the sun-dried tomatoes for an earthy twist.
• Try Different Greens: If you don’t have spinach, kale or arugula work wonderfully as substitutes.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.

Storage and Leftover Tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare, but possible!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce, as it tends to thicken in the fridge. Avoid freezing this dish, as the sauce can become grainy once thawed due to the cream content.

FAQ for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

• Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen? Yes, fresh tortellini can be used. Just reduce the cooking time slightly as it doesn’t take as long to cook as frozen tortellini.
• Can I make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! You can omit the chicken and replace it with more veggies like mushrooms or zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• What can I substitute for heavy cream? Half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream cheese can work in a pinch, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking to win someone over with your cooking or simply enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal, this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe is sure to impress. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory, and is guaranteed to become a favorite in your home. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and subscribe to the blog for more mouthwatering meals!

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