Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a rich and creamy Italian-American skillet dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces, cheese tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a luscious Parmesan-infused cream sauce. This comforting one-pan meal blends fragrant garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika for a flavorful experience that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
- Author: Dana
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce and Pasta
- 1 (19 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and thinly sliced
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 cups chopped baby spinach
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 3 teaspoons minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in ½ cup thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 2 more minutes. Pour in 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the skillet bottom. Then add 2 cups heavy cream, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Combine and Cook: Add the frozen cheese tortellini to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until the tortellini are tender. Stir in the cooked chicken and 1 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Add 2 cups chopped baby spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and allow the dish to rest for a couple of minutes to let the sauce thicken further. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
- Variations include swapping chicken for mushrooms for a vegetarian option, adding red pepper flakes for some heat, or using gluten-free tortellini for dietary needs.
- For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a light cream alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, Chicken Tortellini, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Italian-American Recipe, One-Pan Dinner, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Parmesan Sauce