Description
A creamy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe featuring tender chicken, cheese tortellini, and a rich parmesan sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
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.
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner