Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, flavorful skillet meal featuring tender bite-sized chicken, cheese tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. This easy stovetop recipe combines Italian-inspired herbs and spices for a comforting dinner perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 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
Pasta and Greens
- 1 (19 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 cups chopped baby spinach
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add the chicken, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Sauté 3 teaspoons minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add ½ cup thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Pour in 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in 2 cups heavy cream, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Combine and Cook: Add the frozen 19 oz bag of cheese tortellini to the skillet, ensuring the tortellini is submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until the tortellini is tender. Stir in the cooked chicken and 1 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. Add 2 cups chopped baby spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish rest for a few minutes to thicken further. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving. Enjoy your creamy, comforting Marry Me Chicken Tortellini!
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add the best flavor and texture; drain and slice them thinly before cooking.
- If fresh spinach is unavailable, frozen spinach can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain it well.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, chicken tortellini, creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, Italian skillet dinner, quick chicken recipe