Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is that dish I reach for when I need dinner to taste special but still want to keep things simple. Pillowy cheese tortellini swirling in a sun-dried tomato parmesan cream with golden chicken—this recipe is as easy as it is crowd-pleasing and honestly feels like a restaurant meal at home.

When I first made this for my spouse it instantly became the most requested comfort meal in our house The leftovers disappear fast if there are any

Ingredients

• Cheese tortellini: buy frozen for ease and plump texture look for brands with visible cheese pieces
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: select even thickness for juicy meat cut into bite size for fast cooking
• Olive oil: opt for extra virgin for a hint of peppery flavor
• Black pepper: freshly cracked gives a bold background note
• Italian seasoning: use a good dried blend for layers of herby flavor
• Paprika: choose sweet smoked if you want extra depth
• Butter: brings a silky body to the sauce and rounds out the flavors
• Sun dried tomatoes in oil: seek out ones with a soft texture not tough or stringy
• Minced garlic: use fresh cloves for the best savory aroma
• Low sodium chicken broth: gives richness without overpowering salt
• Heavy cream: creates that luscious thick base
• Parmesan cheese: finely shredded melts smoothly and adds tang
• Baby spinach: adds color and a gentle earthiness leaves should be crisp and deep green

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken:

Toss your chicken pieces with black pepper Italian seasoning and paprika until each piece is evenly coated This helps them absorb flavor right from the start

Brown the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high Once shimmering add chicken in a single layer Cook for about eight minutes turning so all sides get golden and fully cooked through Work in batches to avoid steaming I always let the pieces sit undisturbed at first to get a nice sear

Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes:

Lower heat to medium low add the butter Let it melt then immediately add sun dried tomatoes and garlic Sauté for just thirty seconds until the kitchen smells amazing Stir often so the garlic does not burn

Build the Creamy Sauce:

Pour in chicken broth and cream Scrape up any golden bits from the skillet Toss in extra Italian seasoning black pepper and paprika Whisk until the sauce gently bubbles Add the Parmesan a bit at a time whisking until you have a smooth melted sauce

Combine Everything:

Return cooked chicken to the pan Add frozen tortellini and chopped spinach Give everything a gentle fold to coat in sauce Let it simmer about five minutes stirring now and then so nothing sticks The tortellini should be tender and the spinach wilted

Finish and Serve:

Remove from heat Let things sit for two minutes so the sauce thickens just enough Serve in big bowls Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and a shower of fresh parsley if you have it

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One of my personal secrets is sneaking an extra big handful of spinach in since it wilts down but you can hardly taste it My family always laughs at how much goes in but they never argue with the end result This dish brings back cozy Sunday dinners where we all piled around the table and nobody wanted to leave

Storage Tips

Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to three days The sauce thickens as it cools To reheat just add a splash of cream or broth and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until creamy again Avoid boiling to keep the tortellini soft

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken if in a hurry Swap tortellini with ravioli or even plain pasta and adjust timing Sun dried tomatoes jarred in oil add the best tang but if you only have dry soak them in warm water and a drizzle of olive oil for ten minutes before using

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty Italian bread for scooping up that sauce I love a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon for crunch and contrast For fancier meals try a glass of chilled white wine and steamed broccoli alongside

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Cultural and Historical Context

Marry Me Chicken is a playful name for a dish that stirs up feelings of comfort and romance The creamy sun dried tomato sauce comes from Italian American kitchens always aiming for cozy flavors with simple techniques The addition of tortellini turns it into a pasta main course that nods to classic trattoria fare

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh tortellini can be used; just reduce the simmering time so it doesn't overcook. Add towards the end and stir gently.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half can be swapped in, though the sauce may be slightly less rich. For a lighter option, try whole milk, but expect a thinner sauce.

→ Is it possible to add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas make great additions and can be tossed in with the spinach toward the end of cooking.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne with the spices for a gentle kick without overpowering the flavors.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of extra cream or milk to loosen the sauce as it thickens on standing.