Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

If you’re searching for an irresistible dinner that feels both luxurious and comforting, Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is your golden ticket. This dish wraps plump cheese tortellini and tender chicken in a creamy, sun-dried tomato–infused sauce that delights with every forkful. Whether you’re trying to impress someone special or just craving a cozy night in, this recipe brings a burst of flavor and an impressive look, yet comes together with surprising ease. One bite, and you’ll see why so many have fallen head-over-heels for this unforgettable Marry Me Chicken Tortellini!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the gorgeous flavors fool you—Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is created from simple, everyday ingredients. Each one plays an important role, bringing unique color, depth, or richness. Here’s your list, along with why each item is essential.

• Frozen cheese tortellini: The heart of the dish, cheesy little pasta pockets that soak up all that luscious sauce.
• Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and boosting its flavor right from the start.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Chopped up for even cooking and juicy, meaty bites throughout.
• Black pepper: Adds a hint of heat and depth, both in seasoning and the creamy sauce.
• Italian seasoning: The unmistakable herbal backbone, lending a Mediterranean flair.
• Paprika: Provides subtle warmth and a lovely touch of color.
• Butter: Brings richness and helps create that silky-smooth sauce.
• Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: Tiny flavor bombs—tangy, chewy, and beautifully colorful.
• Garlic: A must-have aromatic that perfumes the whole sauce.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce from being too heavy.
• Heavy cream: For that dreamy, creamy texture every “Marry Me” recipe is famous for.
• Parmesan cheese, finely shredded: Nutty, salty, and the perfect finishing touch for melting into the sauce.
• Baby spinach, chopped: Sneaks in some leafy green goodness and brightens up the final dish.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by giving your chicken a really good coat of flavor. Toss the bite-sized pieces with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika in a big bowl—it should look speckled and aromatic. Let it sit and soak in that herby goodness while you prep the other ingredients. This step is small but mighty for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat up your olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and let them sizzle away, turning occasionally so you get a golden crust on all sides. After about 6 to 8 minutes, check a piece—if it’s opaque and cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. That tasty fond left in the pan is flavor gold for your sauce.

Step 3: Start the Sauce

Turn your heat down to medium-low and melt the butter in the same skillet. Now, toss in the minced garlic and thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until everything smells irresistible. The garlic should soften but not brown; you want aromatics, not bitterness.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Base

Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, extra black pepper, and another dash of paprika. Keep whisking gently—the goal is a smooth, bubbling sauce. Once it’s simmering, gradually sprinkle in the parmesan, whisking all the while, until it melts completely and the sauce thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Let’s bring it all together! Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, then toss in the chopped spinach and frozen cheese tortellini. Gently fold and stir as the spinach softens and the tortellini plump up—about 5 minutes of simmering does the trick. You’ll see the sauce clinging to every bite, ready to enchant anyone who tastes it.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

With everything bubbling and beautiful, sprinkle fresh parsley and extra parmesan over the top. Serve this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini piping hot and watch everyone’s faces light up as that creamy sauce stretches and spins off each forkful.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Garnishes

For the prettiest—and tastiest—presentation, scatter fresh chopped parsley and a little more shredded parmesan over your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini. A drizzle of good olive oil or some cracked black pepper can really make the colors pop. These little touches take the dish from “weeknight dinner” to “wow, you made this?”

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta is rich and satisfying, so it pairs well with bright, simple sides like lemony arugula salad or garlicky roasted broccoli. Crusty bread is always a hit for mopping up extra sauce—don’t let a single drop go to waste!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini the star of a dinner party, try serving it in shallow bowls with a swirl of sauce and a cluster of sun-dried tomatoes on top. Or go family-style in a big skillet at the center of the table, inviting everyone to dig in. Even baked in a casserole dish and broiled for a crispy cheese topping, it never fails to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Marry Me Chicken Tortellini keeps surprisingly well! Simply transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and stash them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days—making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to.

Freezing

If you want to save some for the future, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind the sauce may thicken a bit more once thawed, but the cheesy tortellini and juicy chicken stay delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. If you’re microwaving, cover loosely and stir in intervals so everything heats evenly. The tortellini will get luscious and saucy all over again!

FAQs

Can I use refrigerated tortellini instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you’re using refrigerated tortellini, just keep in mind they cook faster—add them a little later during simmering to prevent overcooking.

What’s the best substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich. Full-fat coconut milk can also work if you want a dairy-free option, though the flavor will be a little different.

How spicy is this dish?

The paprika and black pepper give gentle warmth, but Marry Me Chicken Tortellini isn’t spicy as written. If you want more heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! This recipe is flexible—add mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or peas along with the spinach for extra color and nutrition. Just be sure any added veggies are cut small so they cook quickly.

What if I only have chicken thighs?

Chicken thighs work beautifully! They’re wonderfully juicy and flavorful. Trim any excess fat and proceed as usual—just adjust your cooking time as thighs may take a minute or two longer to sear through.

Final Thoughts

Few dinners create as much excitement at the table as Marry Me Chicken Tortellini. If you’ve ever wished for restaurant-level flavor at home, this one truly delivers. Give it a try the next time you want to make an ordinary night extraordinary—you might just find yourself adding it to your regular rotation. Happy cooking!

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