When you think of a dish that’s bound to win hearts, “Marry Me Chicken Tortellini” springs to mind. This creamy, cheesy, and utterly delightful dish combines tender chicken with luscious tortellini in a sauce that could charm the socks off anyone—and then some. Picture this: a warm bowl of pasta enveloped in a rich, aromatic sauce, topped with fresh herbs and maybe a sprinkle of cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest, ready to sweep you off your feet. For more inspiration, check out this lunch options recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What type of chicken works best for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?
- Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
- How spicy is the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?
- 📖 Recipe Card
There’s something magical about serving a dish like this on a cozy night in or during a gathering with friends. I fondly remember the first time I made it; my friends were convinced I had an Italian grandmother hiding in my kitchen. The laughter and compliments flowed as freely as the wine that night, creating memories sweeter than any dessert.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights
- The rich flavors combine beautifully for an irresistible taste experience
- With vibrant colors and creamy textures, it looks gorgeous on your table
- It’s versatile enough for any occasion—date nights, family dinners, or even meal prep!
I once served this dish at a potluck, and you would have thought I’d discovered fire all over again by the way everyone reacted.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well; adjust based on how many mouths you’re feeding.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for the best flavor; they bring the entire dish to life.
Tortellini: Opt for cheese-filled tortellini for that extra layer of comfort and richness.
Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess that makes everything feel luxurious; it’s worth every calorie!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best; it melts beautifully into the sauce.
Spinach: Adds color and nutrition; plus, it wilts down nicely in the sauce.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives this dish its signature flavor profile—don’t skimp on this one!
Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken and garlic; use high-quality oil for better taste.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all those wonderful flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients together for ease of cooking. Chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic so it’s ready to go.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Cook chicken pieces until golden brown—about 5-7 minutes—while flipping occasionally for even cooking.
Add Garlic: Toss in minced garlic once chicken is nearly cooked through; cook until fragrant—about 1 minute—as it releases its aromatic goodness.
Pasta Time: Bring another pot of salted water to boil and cook tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain while reserving some pasta water for later.
Create the Sauce: Reduce heat in your skillet before adding heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until combined and simmer gently until slightly thickened—about 3-4 minutes.
Combine Everything: Add drained tortellini to the skillet along with spinach and Parmesan cheese. Stir well until everything is coated in that dreamy sauce; adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if necessary.
Now you have Marry Me Chicken Tortellini ready to impress anyone lucky enough to sit at your dinner table! Enjoy! For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
You Must Know
- Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a dish that’s not just delicious; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser
- The creamy sauce and tender tortellini create a meal that feels both cozy and elegant, making it perfect for any occasion
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first for flavor, then cook the tortellini while preparing the creamy sauce. This sequence ensures everything comes together seamlessly with each bite bursting with flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or add vegetables like spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for more color and nutrients. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can also elevate this dish!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh tortellini for the best texture and taste
- Cooking them just until al dente will prevent mushiness
- Don’t skip the searing step; it adds depth to your dish’s flavor profile
- A splash of white wine in the sauce can take it to another level too!
It’s funny how my friends now expect this dish whenever I host dinner parties. One time, I even caught someone sneaking a second helping before everyone had finished their first plate!
FAQ
What type of chicken works best for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?
Chicken breast or thighs work wonderfully, providing tenderness and absorbing flavors well.
Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just follow package instructions for cooking times when using frozen tortellini.
How spicy is the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?
This dish is mild, but feel free to add red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a delightful fusion of creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken, all enveloped in luscious tortellini. Perfect for date nights or casual gatherings, this dish promises warmth and satisfaction in every bite. With its rich flavors and vibrant colors, it’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to sit at your table.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 9 oz cheese-filled tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mincing the garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chicken until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- In a separate pot, boil salted water and cook tortellini according to package instructions; drain, saving some pasta water.
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning; simmer until slightly thickened (3-4 minutes).
- Combine drained tortellini with spinach and Parmesan cheese in the skillet; mix until coated and creamy, adjusting with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
