Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s cozy yet fancy enough to wow your guests, the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is an absolute game-changer. I absolutely love how this dish comes together quickly but still feels indulgent with creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy tortellini. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll find it’s one of those meals that never fails to impress.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without a ton of effort, or even for date nights at home when you want to add a little extra romance to dinner. The Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe gets its name for a reason – the rich flavors and creamy texture practically whisper, “marry me!” in every bite. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a favorite at your table.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the things I love about the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is that it uses pretty common ingredients that come together beautifully. When shopping, pick fresh spinach and good-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for the best flavor punch.

• Chicken breast: Cutting it into small chunks helps it cook quickly and evenly, plus it soaks up the seasoning better.
• Kosher salt & black pepper: Basic but essential for seasoning the chicken and sauce.
• Italian seasoning: A blend like this gives the dish that classic Italian flavor you want without extra hassle.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that makes the chicken extra special.
• All-purpose flour: Helps lightly coat the chicken for a slight crust and thickens the sauce.
• Butter & olive oil: Using both gives richness and a nice sear when cooking the chicken.
• Shallot & garlic: These aromatics form the savory base of the sauce.
• Red pepper flakes: A pinch adds just enough heat without overpowering the dish.
• Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: They bring a tangy sweetness that balances out the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that gives the sauce body and richness.
• Chicken broth: Keeps the sauce light while adding savory depth.
• Cheese tortellini: I prefer fresh or refrigerated tortellini for tender texture and cheesy goodness.
• Heavy cream: The key to that velvety, luscious sauce you ll want to savor.
• Spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and a fresh bite to the creamy sauce.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for the best texture and flavor kick.
• Fresh basil, black pepper, red pepper flakes, parmesan (for serving): Garnishes that add freshness and visual appeal to the final dish.

Variations

While I adore the classic version of the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe, you can definitely make it your own! I often swap in different greens or add extra spices depending on what I have on hand.

• Protein Swap: Tried it once with turkey breast chunks, and my family enjoyed the lighter twist just as much.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with mushrooms or roasted vegetables and use vegetable broth – still super comforting!
• Spice It Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a bolder kick.
• Cheese Variety: Experiment with adding goat cheese or mozzarella for different creamy textures.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Step 1: Season and Coat the Chicken

I like to cut the chicken into small, bite-sized chunks-it helps them cook faster and ensures every piece is tender. Toss the chicken with kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika to layer in that smoky, herby flavor. Then sprinkle in the flour and toss gently to coat-this little step gives the chicken a nice golden crust when cooked and also helps thicken the sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat-the combo gives you a beautiful sear without burning. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and resist the urge to overcrowd the pan; you want that golden crust, not steaming. Toss every couple of minutes and cook until chicken is browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Set it aside while we build that amazing sauce.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil, then toss in minced shallot, garlic, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Their sweetness and tang complement the smoky chicken perfectly. Sauté for about 3 minutes until fragrant and softened, then add red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir in the tomato paste so it gets toasty and rich, followed by the chicken broth. Use your spatula to scrape up those caramelized bits stuck to the pan-that s pure flavor magic.

Step 4: Simmer the Tortellini

Stir in the cheese tortellini and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the tortellini are tender. Halfway through, at the 2-minute mark, give it a good stir to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn t stick to the bottom.

Step 5: Finish with Cream, Spinach, and Cheese

Remove the lid and stir in your cooked chicken, roughly chopped spinach, heavy cream, and freshly grated parmesan. The spinach wilts just right, adding freshness and color, while the cream and cheese transform the sauce into something silky and dreamy. Heat just until everything is warmed through and melted together-don t let it boil!

Serve hot and garnish with fresh basil, an extra sprinkle of parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little more heat. The first time I served this, my family literally asked for seconds before I had even sat down!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Garnishes

I usually go simple with fresh basil leaves, an extra dusting of parmesan, and freshly cracked black pepper on top. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those of us who enjoy a touch of heat. These little finishing touches brighten the dish and make it look restaurant-worthy right on your dinner table.

Side Dishes

Since the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is packed with creamy goodness, I like to balance it out with something green and fresh, like a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread is another favorite in my house – it s perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this dish in deep white bowls to really show off the creamy sauce and colorful spinach. Topping with edible flowers or finely chopped fresh herbs can add a beautiful pop. It s also lovely to plate alongside a glass of chilled white wine – instant date night!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. One helpful tip I discovered: the tortellini tends to soak up the sauce overnight. To refresh it, just stir in a splash of water before reheating to loosen things up.

Freezing

While I don t often freeze this dish because we typically eat it up, it does freeze well. Just be sure to cool it completely, freeze in a sealed container, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The sauce might need a little extra cream or broth stirred in to bring back that silky texture after freezing.

Reheating

I recommend reheating leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring in a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This method keeps the tortellini from drying out and maintains the creamy, saucy consistency that makes this dish so irresistible.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I love how the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe feels like a little culinary hug-you know, that warm, creamy, satisfying dish that feels like a special treat even on ordinary days. Honestly, once I started making this, it became my go-to when I want to impress with minimal effort. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do and find yourself making it over and over again. Go ahead-pop that skillet on your stove and get ready for some serious comfort food magic.

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 54 reviews

• Author: Wesley
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

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Description

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, savory one-pan dish featuring tender seasoned chicken breast chunks, cheese tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a rich tomato cream sauce. Finished with parmesan cheese and fresh basil, this comforting Italian-inspired skillet meal delivers bold flavors with a perfect balance of spicy, smoky, and cheesy elements. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a delightful dinner to impress loved ones or enjoy any night of the week.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (for cooking chicken)

Sauce and Pasta

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (for sauce)
• 1 shallot, minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (3 oz) tomato paste
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 lb (16 oz) cheese tortellini
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated

For Serving

• Fresh basil leaves
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Extra red pepper flakes (optional)
• Extra parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Season the chicken: Cube the chicken into small, bite-sized chunks. Place them in a medium bowl and season with kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Add the all-purpose flour and gently toss again until the chicken pieces are lightly dusted.
2. Cook chicken: Heat a large cast iron or ceramic-coated nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in an even layer. Cook, tossing 2-3 times until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate or bowl.
3. Build the sauce: To the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon olive oil. Add the minced garlic, shallot, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring often, until softened and fragrant. Season with red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in the tomato paste and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits.
4. Add pasta: Stir in the cheese tortellini and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking to ensure the tortellini cooks evenly and does not stick.
5. Finish it up: Remove the lid and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the chopped spinach, heavy cream, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly to combine and wilt the spinach. Cook for an additional minute or two until everything is heated through and the cheese has melted. Serve immediately garnished with fresh basil, additional parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

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Notes

• For reheating leftovers, add a splash of water to loosen the sauce as the tortellini tends to absorb it. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to restore the creamy consistency.
• Tortellini package sizes vary from 12 to 20 oz. This recipe uses 1 lb (16 oz), but you can adjust the amount with corresponding changes to the broth for desired sauciness.
• Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and smooth melting texture.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level for a milder or spicier dish.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
• Calories: 479
• Sugar: 3.3 g
• Sodium: 903 mg
• Fat: 19.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32.6 g
• Cholesterol: 121 mg