Name: Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 (19 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini; 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced thin; 3 teaspoons garlic, minced; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup parmesan cheese, finely shredded; 2 cups baby spinach, chopped; ½ teaspoon black pepper (for chicken); ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (for chicken); ½ teaspoon paprika (for chicken); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for sauce); 1 teaspoon black pepper (for sauce); 1 teaspoon paprika (for sauce)

Jump to Recipe

If you are looking for a dish that will captivate taste buds and feel like a warm hug on a plate, the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is exactly what you need in your dinner rotation. This luscious meal combines tender chicken, pillowy cheese tortellini, and a creamy, garlicky sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach that dances with flavor. It’s comforting, elegant, and surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight crowd-pleaser or a romantic dinner to impress without stress.

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to capturing the magic of the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role—from the seasoning that lifts the chicken to the creamy elements that make the sauce irresistibly rich and the fresh spinach that adds a burst of color and nutrition.

Frozen cheese tortellini: These pockets of cheesy goodness form the hearty base and soak up the sauce beautifully.
Olive oil: Use it to achieve a golden sear on the chicken, adding depth and texture.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, they cook quickly and stay tender.
Black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika: A simple but flavorful blend to season the chicken perfectly.
Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: These bring an intense, tangy sweetness that balances the creaminess.
Minced garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base for the sauce while keeping it light.
Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its luscious, velvety texture.
Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for that signature savory punch.
Baby spinach: Adds freshness and a cheerful pop of green, plus a boost of nutrients.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken pieces generously with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. This blend infuses the meat with a subtle smoky and herbal flavor that will shine through after cooking. Letting the chicken rest briefly with the spices helps them penetrate the meat for maximum deliciousness.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces and cook them for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low and melt the butter in the same skillet, taking advantage of the flavorful bits left behind. Add the minced garlic and thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing them for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then whisk in the second round of Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Keep whisking until the sauce bubbles gently. Slowly incorporate the finely shredded Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce for a creamy, cheesy consistency.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the frozen cheese tortellini and chopped baby spinach. Stir everything gently to combine, allowing the spinach to wilt and the tortellini to heat through. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so all the flavors marry beautifully in this rich, comforting sauce.

Step 5: Serve

Your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is now ready to serve! Spoon the creamy concoction into bowls or onto plates, get ready to garnish, and prepare to delight every hungry palate.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh parsley and a dusting of extra Parmesan cheese on top finishes the dish perfectly. The green parsley brightens the presentation and adds a mild herbaceous note that complements the creamy sauce, while the Parmesan sprinkles enhance its cheesy richness.

Side Dishes

This dish stands happily on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, light sides work best. Consider a crisp Caesar salad or steamed green beans tossed with a little lemon and olive oil. These fresh, crunchy accompaniments provide contrast in texture and offer a refreshing balance to the indulgent tortellini.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe in shallow pasta bowls with a swirl of extra cream drizzled over the top. You can also sprinkle chopped toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes for a surprising crunch or heat. Setting the table with soft candlelight and fresh herbs nearby adds to the cozy, intimate vibe this dish naturally invites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers — and honestly, it’s hard not to — store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce holds up well for about 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy the flavors again with minimal effort.

Freezing

Freezing the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is possible but not ideal because the heavy cream can separate when thawed. If you must freeze, place portions in freezer-safe containers and consume within one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently over low heat, stirring frequently to help the sauce regain its creamy texture. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can revive the sauce if it seems too thick. Using the microwave works too, but be sure to stir every 30 seconds to keep it warm evenly.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh tortellini cooks quickly and will work beautifully in this recipe. Just reduce the simmering time since fresh pasta is more delicate than frozen.

Is this recipe spicy?

The Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe has a gentle warmth from paprika and black pepper but is not spicy hot. If you love heat, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce to taste.

Can I substitute chicken breasts with thighs?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs would add a slightly richer flavor and remain juicy. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you prefer a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour to thicken can be a substitute, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream and replace Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese alternative. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ but it can still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

The Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is a true showcase of comfort food magic—rich, creamy, and bursting with layers of flavor that make every bite special. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or treating yourself after a busy day, this dish delivers on taste and satisfaction every time. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes one of your absolute favorites too!

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: Naomi
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini recipe is a creamy and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a rich parmesan cream sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner with a touch of elegance and full of bold flavors.

Instructions

Season the chicken. In a bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Set aside to marinate briefly.
Cook the chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low and melt 2 tablespoons butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes; sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, 2 cups heavy cream, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Whisk constantly until the sauce begins to bubble gently. Gradually whisk in 1 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
Combine ingredients. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, then add 2 cups chopped baby spinach and the entire 19 oz bag of frozen cheese tortellini. Stir gently to combine. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts and the tortellini is heated through.
Serve. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and additional parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini!

Notes

Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level in this dish.
Freshly grated parmesan cheese melts more smoothly for the sauce than pre-shredded varieties.
If baby spinach is unavailable, you can substitute with fresh arugula or kale, but adjust cooking time as needed for wilt.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil provide the best flavor; drain well to avoid excess oiliness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner, Pasta, Chicken
Method: Sautéing, Simmering
Cuisine: Italian