Name: Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch chunks; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon butter; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 1 shallot, minced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, finely chopped; ¼ cup (3 oz) tomato paste; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 lb (16 oz) cheese tortellini; 1 cup heavy cream; 3 cups spinach, roughly chopped; ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated; Fresh basil, for serving; Black pepper, for serving; Red pepper flakes, for serving; Parmesan, for serving

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is more than just dinner; it’s a delicious culinary experience that you’ll want to share with everyone you love. Imagine tender chunks of chicken coated in flavorful spices, combined with creamy tortellini and vibrant greens, all simmered to perfection! I stumbled upon this recipe while searching for something comforting yet elevated, and it quickly became a go-to favorite in my kitchen. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight meal or an impressive weekend gathering, this dish is guaranteed to warm hearts and fill bellies.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Let’s be honest; who doesn’t crave a quick, wholesome meal that delivers big on flavor? Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is exactly that—comfort food at its finest. It’s not just about the ease of preparation, but also the delightful harmony of flavors that makes it stand out from other pasta dishes. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, which means fewer dishes to clean afterwards—score!

"I made this for my family during a hectic week, and everyone absolutely loved it! The kids devoured it and asked for seconds—definitely a winner in our household!"

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or as a dish to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s that balancing act of being both comforting and sophisticated that makes this dish so special.

Step-by-Step Overview

Creating Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a straightforward process that flows seamlessly. You’ll start by seasoning and searing the chicken to give it a nice golden color. Then, you’ll build a rich sauce with shallots, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes before adding in the tortellini. The final step is to combine everything with creamy goodness and fresh spinach for a vibrant finish. Easy enough for novice cooks yet satisfying for seasoned chefs, this meal is designed to impress.

What You’ll Need

Gather These Items:

1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch chunks
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 shallot, minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, finely chopped
¼ cup (3 oz) tomato paste
2 cups chicken broth
1 lb (16 oz) cheese tortellini
1 cup heavy cream
3 cups spinach, roughly chopped
½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Fresh basil, for serving
Black pepper, for serving
Red pepper flakes, for serving
Parmesan, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cube the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken into 1-inch chunks. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika, tossing to coat evenly. Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and toss again until lightly coated.
Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, lay the chicken in the pan in an even layer. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Build the Flavor: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic, shallot, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
Create the Sauce: Add the red pepper flakes, season with additional salt and black pepper, then stir in the tomato paste and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
Simmer with Tortellini: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer before adding the tortellini. Cover and let simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the tortellini is tender.
Combine Everything: Stir the cooked chicken back into the skillet, along with the chopped spinach, heavy cream, and grated parmesan. Mix until well combined and heated through.
Serve It Up: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil, additional grated parmesan, and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. Enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Best Ways to Enjoy It

This dish shines on its own, but a few side dishes can elevate your meal further. Consider pairing it with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for added texture and flavor. For a complete experience, serve alongside a light white wine or a sparkling water infused with citrus.

How to Store

Storing leftovers safely ensures you can enjoy this mouthwatering dish again! Keep any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will last for about 3 days. When reheating, I recommend using the stove over a low flame to retain the creamy texture, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if necessary to bring back the sauce’s consistency.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet to ensure even cooking and browning.
Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes according to your taste preference if you like it more or less spicy.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh spinach for added nutritional value and vibrant flavor, but frozen spinach can work in a pinch!

Recipe Variations

Get creative! Consider swapping in different proteins, like shrimp or turkey, or even making it vegetarian with sautéed mushrooms instead of chicken. You could also add in seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. If you enjoy a zestier taste, try incorporating lemon juice right before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the prep time for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?

Prep time is approximately 15-20 minutes, making it a quick option for busy weekdays.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes! Frozen tortellini can be used in this recipe; just increase the simmer time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked.

How do I reheat leftovers safely?

Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little broth or cream to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from drying out.