Easy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe – Love On A Plate

Tender tortellini dances with creamy, garlic-infused sauce in this irresistible marry me chicken tortellini recipe that promises to steal hearts.

Succulent chicken breasts nestle perfectly among cheese-filled pasta, creating a romantic meal that sparks culinary passion.

The blend of sun-dried tomatoes and herbs adds depth and complexity to each delectable bite.

Parmesan cheese melts luxuriously, coating every morsel with rich, comforting flavor.

Each forkful tells a story of love and deliciousness that transcends ordinary weeknight dinners.

This dish transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary experience that will have everyone at the table swooning.

Prepare to fall head over heels for a meal so delightful, it might just earn you a proposal.

Great Pairings for Chicken Tortellini

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy sauce and cut through the richness of the Parmesan cheese.
• Craft Herb Accompaniment: Serve a fresh Mediterranean-style salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's creamy texture and add a bright, zesty contrast.
• Create Bread Sidekick: Pair with warm garlic focaccia or crusty Italian bread to soak up the luxurious sauce and provide a delightful textural element to the meal.
• Match Drink Alternative: Opt for a light, citrusy craft beer like a wheat ale or Belgian-style beer to refresh the palate and enhance the dish's complex flavor profile.

Different Styles of Chicken Tortellini

• Gluten-Free Variation: Replace regular tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini and use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening the sauce.
• Vegetarian Twist: Swap chicken with plant-based chicken alternatives or extra-firm tofu, keeping the creamy sauce and tortellini intact.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the rich, creamy flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan, and dairy-free butter alternative to create a similar texture and taste for those with dairy restrictions.

FAQs

• Why use sun-dried tomatoes in this recipe?

Sun-dried tomatoes add a rich, concentrated sweet-tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish, providing depth and complexity to the creamy sauce.

• Can I substitute the tortellini with another pasta?

While tortellini works best, you can use cheese ravioli or regular cheese-filled pasta as alternatives. Just ensure they are similar in size and cooking time.

• Is it necessary to use heavy cream?

Heavy cream creates the signature rich and creamy texture. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less thick and luxurious.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Cook the chicken over medium-high heat and avoid overcooking. Remove the chicken pieces from the skillet as soon as they turn golden brown and are cooked through to maintain their tenderness and juiciness.

Reasons to Love Chicken Tortellini

• Enjoy a complete meal prepared entirely in a single skillet, reducing dishwashing time and making post-meal cleanup a breeze while still delivering maximum flavor.
• Easily modify the recipe by swapping spinach with other greens, adjusting cheese quantities, or adding extra protein to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences without compromising the dish's delightful essence.
• Delight both kids and adults with this creamy, cheesy tortellini that combines familiar flavors of chicken, pasta, and rich sauce, making it an instant hit at family dinners and gatherings.

Chicken Tortellini Ingredient List

• Chicken: Tender, bite-sized pieces seasoned with Italian flavors for a delicious base protein.

• Tortellini: Soft, cheese-filled pasta that adds a comforting and hearty element to the dish.

• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Creates a rich, velvety sauce foundation.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps develop the sauce's depth.

• Garlic: Brings a pungent, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning, Black Pepper, Paprika: Blend of spices that enhances the overall taste profile.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Offers a tangy, concentrated tomato flavor.
• Spinach: Adds a fresh, green element and nutritional boost.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a bright, final touch to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and developing golden color on the chicken.

Cooking Steps for Chicken Tortellini

Step 1: Season Chicken Pieces

Grab your chicken and sprinkle it with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

Let the flavors mingle while you prepare the skillet.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss in the seasoned chicken pieces and cook them until they turn golden and crispy, about 6-8 minutes.

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate.

Step 3: Build Flavor Base

Reduce the heat to medium-low and melt butter in the same skillet.

• Minced garlic
• Sliced sun-dried tomatoes

Sauté for a quick 30 seconds to release their aromatic goodness.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream.

Whisk in Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika.

Keep stirring until the sauce starts to bubble and thicken slightly.

Step 5: Melt in Parmesan Magic

Gradually sprinkle in shredded Parmesan cheese.

Whisk continuously until the cheese melts completely, creating a smooth, luxurious sauce.

Step 6: Bring Everything Together

Add back the cooked chicken to the skillet.

• Frozen tortellini
• Chopped spinach

Stir and let everything simmer for about 5 minutes until the tortellini are tender and the spinach wilts.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top and add an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese.

Dive into this creamy, dreamy tortellini that’s sure to make someone fall in love!

Helpful Tips for Chicken Tortellini

• Marinate the chicken with extra herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance its taste profile and create deeper, more complex flavors.
• Reduce heat when adding cream and cheese, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth, velvety sauce without curdling or breaking.
• Choose fresh tortellini for a more tender bite, or select whole wheat varieties to add extra nutrition and nutty undertones to the dish.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to create a delicious lactose-free version that maintains creamy richness.
• Add spinach at the very end of cooking to preserve its bright green color and prevent overcooking, maintaining maximum nutritional value and fresh taste.

Storage Tips for Chicken Tortellini

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the dish stays fresh and delicious.
• Transfer cooled tortellini to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 2 months, preserving the meal's quality and flavor.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying.
• Warm leftovers in skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently. Add small amount of cream or broth to restore sauce's creamy consistency. Heat until thoroughly warmed, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent marry me chicken tortellini delivers Italian-inspired romance on a plate, promising culinary passion with each creamy, herb-infused bite. Hearty comfort meets elegant simplicity, ensuring pure deliciousness you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 (19 ounces/540 grams) bag of frozen cheese tortellini

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for chicken)
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for chicken)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for chicken)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for sauce)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (for sauce)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (for sauce)

Sauce and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sauteing chicken)
• 2 tablespoons butter (for sauce)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and sliced thin)
• 3 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
• 2 cups chopped baby spinach
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Additional parmesan cheese (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by coating bite-sized pieces with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika, allowing flavors to meld while prepping the skillet.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then cook chicken for 6-8 minutes, rotating periodically until golden and thoroughly cooked. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
3. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low, melt butter, and quickly sauté minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
4. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, whisking consistently. Add Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika, stirring until sauce begins to bubble and slightly thicken.
5. Gradually incorporate shredded Parmesan cheese, continuously whisking until the sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency.
6. Reintroduce cooked chicken to the skillet, then add frozen tortellini and chopped spinach. Gently stir and simmer for approximately 5 minutes, ensuring tortellini are fully heated and spinach wilts.
7. Complete the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese on top, creating a visually appealing and flavorful meal.

Notes

• Choose chicken breasts cut into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help create a beautiful golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking chicken to maintain high heat and achieve perfect caramelization.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a smoother, more authentic sauce compared to pre-packaged shredded varieties.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk and reduce the butter quantity.
• Add red pepper flakes for extra heat and complexity if you enjoy spicier flavor profiles.
• Swap tortellini with gluten-free alternatives to make the recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 700
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg