Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini combines tender chicken, cheese tortellini, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy parmesan sauce in one hearty skillet. It is a cozy family dinner that also feels special enough for a quiet dinner for two.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Deep skillet or braiser
- Cutting Board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 19 oz bag frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper for chicken
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning for chicken
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika for chicken
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil drained and sliced thin
- 3 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning for sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper for sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika for sauce
- 1 cup parmesan cheese finely shredded
- 2 cups baby spinach chopped
Instructions
- Keep the frozen tortellini near the stove and cut the chicken into even bite-sized pieces.
- Toss the chicken pieces with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until browned and nearly cooked through.
- Reduce the heat to medium, add butter, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic, and cook until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift the browned bits.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, black pepper, paprika, and parmesan until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
- Add the frozen tortellini, cover, and simmer gently until the tortellini is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Stir in chopped spinach, cook just until wilted, then rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days once cooled.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Freezing: Freeze portions for up to 2 months, but expect the cream sauce to soften and need stirring after thawing.
Expert Tips: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer after adding cream and parmesan so it stays smooth.
Variations: Use chicken thighs, add mushrooms, stir in extra spinach, or add crushed red pepper for gentle heat.
Serving Ideas: Pair with garlic bread, green salad, roasted broccoli, or asparagus for a fuller dinner plate.