This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor! Made with juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and tortellini, it’s a dish that warms the heart and stomach!
I love how quick this recipe is to whip up after a long day. It brings happiness to the table without all the fuss. Plus, who can resist that creamy goodness?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: You can use fresh or frozen cheese tortellini here. I enjoy using fresh for a lovely texture but frozen is a time-saver and works well too. If you want a lighter option, try using whole wheat or gluten-free tortellini.
Chicken: Diced chicken breast is ideal, but feel free to use thighs for juiciness. For a vegetarian version, swap chicken for cooked chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a punch of flavor. If you can’t find oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, you can rehydrate dry ones in warm water for about 30 minutes, or use roasted red peppers for a different taste.
Heavy Cream: If you’re looking to lighten things up, half-and-half or a mix of plain yogurt with milk can be good substitutes. Just remember, it might change the sauce’s creaminess slightly!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for its texture and flavor. However, if you have frozen, you can use that too—just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Chicken?
Cooking chicken perfectly is crucial for this dish. Start by dicing your chicken into even pieces so they cook evenly. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and don’t crowd the pan; this helps achieve a nice golden color.
- Season the chicken well with salt and pepper before adding it to the hot oil.
- Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes before stirring, so it gets browned nicely.
- Ensure it’s cooked through (internal temp of 165°F) before removing from the pan.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tortellini:
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed or rehydrated)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 20 minutes in total. You’ll spend approximately 10 minutes prepping and cooking the chicken, and another 10 minutes to finish up the sauce and combine everything. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by cooking the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. This usually takes just a few minutes. Once done, drain them well and set them aside for later. You want them ready to soak up all that delicious sauce!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken breast. Season it with salt and black pepper. Cook the chicken for about 7-10 minutes until it’s browned on the outside and fully cooked. After that, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet with all those yummy drippings, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Make the Sauce:
Now, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken just a little. It should smell amazing!
5. Add the Fresh Spinach:
Next, toss in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts down, which will take about 2-3 minutes. Don’t worry if it looks like a lot at first; it will shrink down as it cooks!
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained tortellini. Gently toss everything together so the tortellini and chicken are coated in that creamy sauce. Allow it to heat through for just a minute or two.
7. Add Parmesan and Serve:
Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and creamy. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini immediately, garnished with fresh basil if you like.
Enjoy every bite of this delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen tortellini, simply cook them according to the package instructions. Frozen tortellini may take a minute or two longer to cook, so keep an eye on them to ensure they’re heated through.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt for a creamy texture. Just be cautious, as lower-fat options may not thicken as well, so consider adding a bit of flour or cornstarch to help with the consistency.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to prevent the dish from drying out. Microwave or warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Certainly! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just sauté them along with the garlic before adding the other ingredients to ensure they’re cooked through and flavorful.
