Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that doubles as a showstopper for your next dinner night, you’re about to fall head over heels for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini. Creamy, dreamy, and bursting with bold flavors thanks to luscious cheese tortellini, juicy chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes, this swoon-worthy skillet meal is the kind of dish people beg for seconds (and the recipe). One bite, and you’ll understand why it’s earned its playful name—because it just might inspire a proposal or two!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a breeze, but don’t underestimate how each makes a difference. Every component works together to build the signature creamy sauce, juicy chicken bites, and irresistible cheesy pillows that make this dish special.

• Frozen cheese tortellini: Choose good-quality tortellini for tender pasta and a melty, cheesy center that takes this dish to the next level.
• Olive oil: The perfect start for searing chicken, olive oil adds a subtle richness and helps the seasoning stick.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, this chicken cooks quickly and soaks up every bit of flavor from the sauce.
• Black pepper: Adds just the right touch of earthy spice to both the chicken and the sauce.
• Italian seasoning: A pantry hero that brings herby, aromatic flavor to every layer of Marry Me Chicken Tortellini.
• Paprika: Just a little creates gentle warmth and gorgeous color.
• Butter: Butter gives the sauce a velvety finish with a subtle hint of richness.
• Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: Their tangy sweetness and chewy texture make the sauce truly unforgettable.
• Garlic: A quick sauté adds depth and irresistible fragrance.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: This keeps the sauce savory without overpowering the other flavors or tipping it into saltiness.
• Heavy cream: The secret to an ultra-creamy, luxurious sauce everyone raves about.
• Parmesan cheese: Finely shredded parmesan melts smoothly, giving the sauce a nutty, salty finish.
• Baby spinach: Wilts beautifully into the sauce, adding a fresh pop of green and a nutrient boost.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Let’s give the chicken its signature flavor. Toss your chicken pieces with a blend of black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. The spices stick to the meat thanks to the natural moisture, seasoning every bite with warmth and herby goodness. Set the chicken aside—you’re already building up anticipation!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it shimmers, add your seasoned chicken pieces, spreading them out for even browning. Cook, undisturbed, until golden on one side, then toss occasionally until cooked through and deeply caramelized, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside; you’ll add them back later for maximum juiciness.

Step 3: Sauté Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Garlic

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let butter melt into the skillet, picking up all the tasty brown bits left by the chicken. Toss in sliced sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds. This quick sauté is where the foundation of that signature Marry Me Chicken Tortellini flavor is built—the aroma is wildly tempting!

Step 4: Craft the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then season again with Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk as the mixture heats and starts to bubble, combining everything into a silky, fragrant sauce. Now, very slowly whisk in the parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted, resulting in a lustrous, cheesy sauce that practically begs for a taste test.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

To finish, return the cooked chicken, stir in the chopped baby spinach, and gently fold in the frozen cheese tortellini. Stir occasionally as the skillet simmers for about 5 minutes. The spinach will wilt, the tortellini will become plump and tender, and the entire dish will be woven together by the dreamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then get ready for the grand reveal.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Garnishes

For an eye-catching and fresh finish, sprinkle lots of finely grated parmesan cheese over the top, followed by a flurry of chopped fresh parsley. The bright green herbs and snowy cheese contrast beautifully with the sun-dried tomatoes, elevating your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini from cozy to company-worthy.

Side Dishes

This rich and velvety dish pairs perfectly with simple sides like a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette or roasted asparagus for a pop of freshness. For a truly indulgent touch, add warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that heavenly sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get playful, serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in individual pasta bowls, or spoon into a beautiful casserole dish and let everyone help themselves family-style. For special occasions, garnish each bowl with a few extra sun-dried tomatoes and a curl of parmesan for a restaurant-caliber plate at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Marry Me Chicken Tortellini will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—the sauce thickens as it sits, making reheated portions stand-out comfort food all over again!

Freezing

If you want to freeze, portion the cooled Marry Me Chicken Tortellini into freezer-safe containers. It should freeze well for up to 2 months. Just know that creamy sauces can sometimes change texture after thawing, so plan to give it a good stir and possibly add a splash of cream or broth when reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring in a few tablespoons of cream, milk, or broth to loosen up the sauce if needed. The flavors meld even more overnight, so leftovers can be just as delicious—if not better—than day one!

FAQs

Can I use refrigerated or dried tortellini instead of frozen?

Absolutely! You can swap in refrigerated tortellini; just reduce the simmer time by a couple of minutes since they cook faster. Dried tortellini will need to be pre-cooked before adding, as their texture takes longer to soften.

Is it possible to make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini with rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken or any cooked, shredded chicken is a quick shortcut. Simply skip the browning step and add the cooked chicken when you return the chicken to the sauce, warming it through with the tortellini and spinach.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or extra tortellini, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and follow the same method. It’s just as comforting and flavorful in a meatless version.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you want a lighter (but still creamy) sauce, use half-and-half or evaporated milk. Avoid milk alone, as it may not thicken as well, but these substitutes get you close to the same silky texture.

How can I make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini spicy?

If you love some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or toss a little cayenne pepper with the chicken before browning. The flavors take on a whole other personality with just a hint of spice!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a skillet of Marry Me Chicken Tortellini bubbling away on your stove—a dish that’s both heartwarming and secretly impressive. Whether you’re cooking for your family or making a weeknight feel special, this recipe guarantees smiles all around. Give it a try and see why it’s captured the hearts (and taste buds) of everyone who tries it!

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