Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, yet impressive dish that comes together with love in every bite, this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is a total game changer. I absolutely love how creamy, flavorful, and just downright delicious this meal turns out — it’s like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weekday dinner or a special date night at home, this recipe fits right in.

When I first tried this dish, I was blown away by how the sun-dried tomatoes and smoked paprika worked their magic with the tender chicken and cheesy tortellini. You’ll find that the balance of savory, creamy, and slightly tangy flavors makes this recipe worth trying again and again. Trust me, it’s one of those meals that gets your family going crazy for seconds!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to create that rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce you’ll want to savor. When shopping, look for good-quality sun-dried tomatoes in oil and fresh tortellini – these little details make a big difference!

• Chicken breast: Cutting the chicken into small chunks helps it cook quickly and absorb all the delicious seasonings.
• Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and building layers of flavor.
• Italian seasoning: A blend that adds that classic Italian taste without extra effort.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth you might not expect but absolutely love.
• All-purpose flour: Lightly coating the chicken gives a slight crust and helps thicken the sauce.
• Butter & olive oil: Using both gives you a nice balance of richness and a high smoke point.
• Shallot: Milder than onion, it melts into the sauce beautifully.
• Garlic: You can never have too much garlic in this recipe — it’s pure flavor magic.
• Red pepper flakes: Just a touch adds a tiny kick without overwhelming.
• Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: These little jewels pack a sweet and tangy punch that brightens the sauce.
• Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce perfectly.
• Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and keeps everything moist.
• Cheese tortellini: Fresh or frozen works, but fresh tortellini gives you that extra tender, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• Heavy cream: The key to the luscious, silky sauce you’ll want to dive into.
• Spinach: Adds a fresh pop of green and balances the richness.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for the best flavor and creamy finish.
• Fresh basil, black pepper, red pepper flakes, parmesan (for serving): These garnishes brighten and elevate the whole dish at the end.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often tweak it based on what we have in the fridge or what flavors I’m craving — and every time it turns out delicious. Don’t hesitate to experiment a bit yourself!

• Protein swaps: I’ve swapped chicken for turkey or even shrimp when I wanted a lighter twist, and it all works beautifully.
• Greens alternatives: Sometimes I switch spinach with kale or arugula for a peppery bite that adds a new dimension.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, I like adding extra red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne to turn up the flame.
• Dairy-free option: For dairy-free friends, coconut cream instead of heavy cream makes a surprisingly creamy sauce that’s just as tasty.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Step 1: Season and Flour the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into roughly one-inch chunks — I like them bite-sized so they cook quickly and evenly. Toss them in a bowl with kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika for that smoky warmth. Then sprinkle in the flour and gently toss again; this creates a light coating that helps the chicken brown beautifully and thickens the sauce later on. It’s a small step but trust me, it makes a huge difference!

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat, then add the butter and one tablespoon of olive oil. When you see the oil shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer — crowding the pan will steam the meat rather than brown it, so cook in batches if you need to. Toss the chicken a couple of times to get a nice golden color all over. Once cooked through (about 5-7 minutes), transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. Those browned bits left on the pan? They’re pure flavor gold.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Build Your Sauce

In the same pan, add your remaining tablespoon of olive oil, then toss in the minced shallot, garlic, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir frequently and cook for about 3 minutes until everything softens and fills your kitchen with amazing aromas. Season with red pepper flakes, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Next, add the tomato paste — don’t be shy, scraping up those brown bits from the bottom as you stir to unlock all those concentrated flavors. Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together so the sauce starts to come alive.

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini in the Sauce

Stir the cheese tortellini into the sauce and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan and lower heat to maintain that simmer, letting the tortellini cook through in about 3-4 minutes. Make sure to give it a gentle stir around the 2-minute mark to help the tortellini cook evenly and prevent sticking. This step is great because the pasta soaks up that gorgeous sauce while it cooks — convenience and flavor all rolled into one!

Step 5: Finish with Chicken, Spinach, Cream, and Parmesan

Remove the lid and gently stir in the cooked chicken, chopped spinach, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until everything is beautifully combined and creamy. The spinach wilts just perfectly into the sauce, adding freshness and color. At this point, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, topped with fresh basil, extra parmesan, cracked black pepper, and an optional sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little more heat. Ready for that first bite? You’re going to love it!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this dish with fresh basil and extra grated parmesan — it brightens the rich sauce beautifully and adds a burst of freshness. A sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes or freshly cracked black pepper gives a subtle kick that wakes up your palate. These simple garnishes make every serving feel special, like you spent way more time on it than you actually did.

Side Dishes

Serve this recipe alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to keep things light and fresh. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette is fantastic for soaking up the luscious sauce — my family can’t resist tearing off a slice! For an even heartier meal, steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts complement the flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For date nights or special occasions, I like to serve this dish in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprig of basil on top. Adding a few halved cherry tomatoes freshens up the presentation and adds color. You could even set the table with soft candlelight — suddenly, your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini feels like a dish from a trendy Italian trattoria.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I let leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe keeps well for 3-4 days, and the flavors often taste even better the next day as they’ve had time to meld together. Just be sure to avoid leaving it out too long before refrigerating to keep it safe.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times with pretty solid results — just make sure to cool it fully and use a freezer-safe container. When thawed, you might notice the spinach wilts more and the sauce thickens slightly, but a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating fixes the texture perfectly. Freezing is a lifesaver if you want to prep in advance or enjoy the comfort food later!

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a little broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. This helps keep the chicken tender and the tortellini from getting gummy. I avoid the microwave for reheating because it can make the cheese sauce separate or the pasta unevenly heated, but if you do use it, go for short bursts with stirring in between.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I’ll be honest: this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe is one of those meals I keep coming back to when I want something comforting, impressive, and totally delicious without a lot of fuss. It’s become a staple in my kitchen because it strikes the perfect balance between easy weeknight cooking and something that feels a bit special — the kind of meal you want to share with people you love. So next time you’re hunting for a dish that impresses tastes and hearts alike, give this recipe a try. Your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you!

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