This Easy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a creamy and comforting dish packed with flavors that you and your loved ones will adore. The cheesy tortellini dances with succulent chicken and a rich sauce!
I mean, who wouldn’t want to marry into a dish this good? I love making it for dinner on busy nights—it’s so quick to whip up, and it always gets rave reviews around the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe as they cook quickly. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey breast can be a great substitute. For a vegetarian twist, try using mushrooms or chickpeas instead!
Tortellini: You can use cheese tortellini for a creamy taste. If you’re gluten-sensitive, there are gluten-free tortellini options available, or you could substitute with other types of pasta like penne or farfalle.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For a fresher flavor, try using diced fresh tomatoes, though the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes is hard to beat. You can also omit them completely if you prefer a simpler flavor.
Heavy Cream: If you want a lighter version, substitute with half-and-half or a plant-based cream like coconut cream. This will still give you a creamy texture without the full calories of heavy cream.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best as it melts nicely. However, you can use Pecorino Romano or Nutritional Yeast for a vegan option.
How Do You Perfectly Sauté Chicken for This Dish?
Sautéing chicken correctly is key to achieving that perfect flavor and texture. Here are some simple tips:
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the olive oil. This helps to seal in the juices.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. This allows for better browning. If you’re cooking a lot, do it in batches.
- Cook on medium-high heat for even cooking, but adjust as needed to avoid burning.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken with your desired seasonings for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Taking these steps will help ensure your chicken is tender and packed with flavor, making your tortellini dish even more delightful!
Easy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 package (about 9 oz/250g) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil, drained)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes in total: around 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that still feels special!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces. Season them with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you’d like a little kick). Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. After that, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. This will bring out the rich flavor of the garlic!
3. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Now, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté them for an additional minute. This will help enhance their flavor in the dish.
4. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to mix everything together. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. You want it to be warm but not boiling.
5. Cook the Tortellini:
Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the skillet. Cook according to the package instructions, which is generally about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking.
6. Incorporate Chicken and Spinach:
Once the tortellini is tender, stir back in the cooked chicken and fresh spinach. Cook everything together for 1-2 minutes until the spinach has wilted. It will add a vibrant color and fresh flavor!
7. Finish the Dish:
Next, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens up a bit. Take a moment to taste it and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed.
8. Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat. If you like, garnish with freshly chopped basil. Serve warm and enjoy this delightful dish with family and friends!
This creamy, cheesy tortellini with tender chicken and vibrant spinach in a sun-dried tomato sauce makes for a satisfying and impressive weeknight dinner that everyone will love!
FAQ for Easy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking! You can thaw frozen chicken in the fridge overnight or use a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for a quicker option. Pat it dry before adding to the skillet for better browning.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You could also use chickpeas or tofu for added protein. Just be sure to sauté them until tender before adding the other ingredients.
How Do You Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore its creamy consistency.
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You could also serve it with steamed vegetables to add some freshness and color to your plate!
