why make this recipe
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful tortellini. It is not just a meal; it’s a heartwarming experience. The rich, creamy sauce mixed with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach brings out amazing flavors that can make anyone fall in love with this recipe. Whether you’re making dinner for a loved one or celebrating a special occasion, this dish has a special touch that makes it memorable.
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 about 5-7 minutes until it is browned and cooked through. Once done, set it aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté it until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then 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. Stir in the heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Combine and Cook: Add the tortellini to the skillet, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until the tortellini is tender. Then, stir in the cooked chicken and Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce thickens. Add the chopped spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until it wilts.
Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the dish sit for a moment to thicken. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
how to serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini hot and garnished with fresh parsley or basil. It pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it in large bowls, making it a cozy dish for any gathering.
how to store Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
To store any leftovers, let the dish cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it. It stays fresh for about 3-4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container, where it will last for about 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
tips to make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
- Make sure to not overcook the tortellini to keep its texture.
- Use fresh herbs for garnishing; it enhances the flavor significantly.
- Adjust seasonings to your preference—feel free to add more spices for a kick.
- To save time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
variation (if any)
You can easily modify this recipe to fit your taste. For a lighter version, use half and half instead of heavy cream. You can also add other vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms. For a vegetarian option, skip the chicken and use more veggies or substitute with plant-based protein.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh tortellini! Just reduce the cooking time slightly.
2. Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
Yes, you can use coconut cream or a mix of milk and cornstarch for a lighter alternative.
3. Can I make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just be careful not to overheat as it can dry out the cream sauce.
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful dish combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful tortellini that creates a heartwarming experience.
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)
Instructions
- 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 about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the tortellini to the skillet and ensure it’s fully submerged. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender. Stir in the cooked chicken and Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens. Add the chopped spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted.
- Remove from heat and let sit for a moment to thicken. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
Serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread. Can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian