Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Introduction to Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s sure to win hearts, the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is exactly what you need. This creamy and indulgent dish combines tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken with soft, cheese-filled tortellini, all tossed in a rich, flavorful sauce that’s loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or hosting a special meal, this one-pot dish is bound to become an instant favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Marry Me Chicken Tortellini isn’t just a catchy name—it’s an unforgettable dish that combines incredible flavors with a comforting texture. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Rich, creamy sauce: The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a velvety sauce that clings to every piece of chicken and tortellini.
• Easy to make: Despite the restaurant-quality taste, this recipe is straightforward and can be made in just one pan.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a romantic meal, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.

Essential Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Tortellini: 1 (19 oz) bag of frozen cheese tortellini
• Chicken: 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Olive oil: 2 tbsp for sautéing the chicken
• Seasonings: ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp paprika for the chicken
• Butter: 2 tbsp for the sauce
• Sun-dried tomatoes: ½ cup, drained and sliced thin
• Garlic: 3 tsp minced, to add depth to the sauce
• Chicken broth: 1 cup of low-sodium broth to enhance the savory flavor
• Heavy cream: 2 cups for that signature creamy texture
• Italian seasoning: 1 tsp to infuse the sauce with classic Mediterranean herbs
• Black pepper: 1 tsp, for a gentle kick of heat
• Paprika: 1 tsp to give a mild smoky flavor
• Parmesan cheese: 1 cup, finely shredded, for richness
• Baby spinach: 2 cups, chopped, to add a fresh and healthy element to the dish
• Fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese: For garnish

this RECIPE

Step-by-Step Preparation of Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Follow these steps to make your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini:

1. Season the Chicken: Begin by seasoning the bite-sized chicken pieces with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Set them aside to marinate while you heat the skillet.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, sauté the minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
4. Make the Creamy Base: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously. Add the Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Keep whisking until the sauce starts to bubble and thicken slightly.
5. Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually whisk in the shredded Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
6. Combine Chicken, Tortellini, and Spinach: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the frozen tortellini and chopped spinach. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, until the tortellini are fully cooked, and the spinach has wilted.
7. Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy this irresistible, creamy tortellini dish!

How to Make the Creamy Marry Me Sauce

The secret to this recipe’s irresistible flavor lies in the sauce. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese gives the sauce a complex, savory taste that complements the richness of the cream. Here are a few tips for making the perfect sauce:

• Slowly add the cheese: Gradually whisking the Parmesan into the sauce ensures that it melts smoothly without clumping.
• Whisk continuously: Stirring the sauce as it cooks helps it thicken evenly and prevents burning.

Cooking Chicken for Marry Me Tortellini

Cooking the chicken just right is key to ensuring juicy, tender bites. Here are a few tips:

• Cut the chicken into even pieces so they cook uniformly.
• Sear the chicken in a hot skillet to lock in moisture and achieve that beautiful golden-brown color.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcooking the chicken: This can lead to dry and tough chicken. Make sure to remove it from the skillet as soon as it’s fully cooked.
• Rushing the sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken slowly for the best texture and flavor. Avoid boiling the cream to prevent it from curdling.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Tips

For a beautiful presentation, serve the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in shallow bowls, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a simple side salad to balance out the richness of the sauce. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a side of steamed green beans for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to make a few tweaks to this recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences:

• Swap the tortellini: You can substitute the cheese tortellini with spinach or mushroom-filled tortellini for a different flavor.
• Add mushrooms: For an extra layer of earthiness, sauté sliced mushrooms along with the sun-dried tomatoes.
• Use half-and-half: If you want a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerate: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm the tortellini gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore the creamy texture if needed.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this dish:

• Large skillet
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh tortellini can be used. Simply adjust the cooking time as fresh tortellini will cook faster than frozen.

Can I use other types of cheese for the sauce?
While Parmesan cheese provides the best flavor, you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a slightly different taste.

Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
You can lighten the dish by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and opting for whole wheat tortellini.

Conclusion

The Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a dish that is sure to impress with its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a special meal for a loved one, this easy and delicious recipe is a guaranteed hit. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and subscribe to the blog for more great recipes like this!

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