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Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

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Author: Esperanza Valdez
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Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in a cast iron skillet with creamy sauce

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table fast, offering a delicious solution for busy weeknights. I remember how a good creamy pasta could silence a room full of hungry farmhands in seconds, and this dish does exactly that with minimal fuss. Back on the farm, Sundays were for long simmering sauces, but weeknights needed something quicker without skimping on love. This dish reminds me of those bustling evenings when the kids were rushing in from 4-H practice, and I needed a hearty meal that felt like a hug in a bowl. The aroma of garlic and sun-dried tomatoes sizzling in butter still takes me back to that cozy kitchen where we shared our day stories. It is a simple joy to watch the sauce thicken up just right, promising a delicious dinner. Your kitchen is about to smell incredible.

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in a cast iron skillet with creamy sauce

Why This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Belongs in Your Recipe Box

This is not just dinner; it is a guaranteed crowd pleaser that fits right into our busy lives, much like the recipes from my grandmother’s farmhouse table. When I first started making one-pan pasta dishes, I realized how much easier cleanup was, leaving more time for family. This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini uses simple ingredients to create a luxurious meal that tastes like you spent hours stirring the pot. If you love the classic version of this dish, you should also try my popular Marry Me Chicken recipe which inspired this tasty variation.

One-pan preparation makes cleanup a breeze, so you spend less time at the sink and more time with family.
Ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights when time is short but hunger is high.
Packed with rich flavors from sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan that everyone loves.
Includes fresh spinach for a pop of color and a little extra nutrition hidden in the creamy sauce.
Hearty and satisfying meal that leaves everyone at the table full and happy.
High protein content makes it a filling option for active families.

What Goes Into This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Chicken Breasts

I always cut these into bite sized pieces so they cook evenly and quickly, ensuring every bite is tender.

Frozen Cheese Tortellini

This saves so much time compared to boiling water separately; just drop them right into the simmering sauce.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

These little gems add a wonderful tangy depth that makes the sauce taste like it simmered all day on the back burner.

Heavy Cream

It creates that luscious, velvety texture that coats every piece of tortellini perfectly, just like a good country gravy.

Parmesan Cheese

I prefer freshly shredding my own cheese; it melts much smoother into the sauce than the pre-shredded bags do.

Baby Spinach

Adding this at the end keeps it fresh and vibrant, adding a nice contrast to the rich cream sauce.

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in a cast iron skillet with creamy sauce

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Step 1.

In a mixing bowl, season the chicken pieces with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika to build a flavorful base right from the start.

Step 2.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat, then add the seasoned chicken to cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and cooked through, then set aside.

Step 3.

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter; saute the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4.

Stir in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes to release their oils and flavor into the butter.

Step 5.

Pour in the chicken broth to scrape up those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan; Betty’s tip: this adds so much depth to your sauce.

Step 6.

Add the heavy cream, the rest of the Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika; stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 7.

Add the frozen cheese tortellini directly to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce; cover and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until tender.

Step 8.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens up nicely.

Step 9.

Add the chopped spinach and cook for about 2 minutes until wilted, stirring gently to combine everything.

Step 10.

Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken further, then garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Storage and Reheating Tips

I typically store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors often meld together even better the next day, making it a delicious lunch option. Betty’s freezing method works well because the sauce is creamy; you can freeze it for up to 3 months, though the texture of the tortellini might change slightly upon reheating.

For the best texture, I reheat by warming it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge. This helps bring back that creamy consistency we love.

Perfect Partners for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread: This is the ideal side for soaking up every last drop of that delicious creamy sauce.

Simple Green Salad: Adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich and hearty main dish.

Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo: If you love one-pot comfort food, this is another family favorite you should try.

Crockpot Tuscan Chicken: For another meal with those incredible sun-dried tomato flavors, this slow cooker recipe is a winner.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?

I recommend reducing the cooking time by a few minutes if using fresh tortellini, as they cook much faster than frozen ones.

How do I prevent the tortellini from getting mushy?

To prevent mushy pasta, keep an eye on the timer and stir gently; frozen tortellini cooks surprisingly fast in the sauce.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Many home cooks find success with preparing the sauce and chicken ahead, then cooking the tortellini fresh when ready to serve for the best texture.

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in a cast iron skillet with creamy sauce

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a one-pan wonder that combines tender chicken, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, and cheese-filled tortellini.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bag frozen cheese tortellini 19 oz
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper for chicken seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning for chicken seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika for chicken seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil drained and thinly sliced
  • 3 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 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 finely shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups chopped baby spinach
  • Fresh parsley or basil chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. In a mixing bowl, season the chicken pieces with ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon paprika.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Stir in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
  5. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
  6. Add 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
  7. Add the frozen cheese tortellini to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.
  8. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir in 1 cup of Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens.
  9. Add 2 cups of chopped spinach and cook for about 2 minutes until wilted.
  10. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken further. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat with a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce thickens too much. This is a high protein recipe.

Nonna Food
Welcome to NonnaFood!

I’m Nonna, and cooking is how I show love. From my garden kitchen to yours, I share fresh, simple recipes rooted in tradition and made with heart. Let’s create delicious memories together!

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