Name: Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 19 oz cheese tortellini; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 1 teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon seasoned salt; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon paprika; 2 tablespoons butter; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon seasoned salt; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 2 cups spinach

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 76 reviews

If you’re searching for a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. This luscious dish combines tender, seasoned chicken and pillowy cheese tortellini swathed in a creamy, garlicky sauce dotted with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Every bite bursts with rich flavors and velvety textures that promise comfort and a touch of elegance, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want to impress without stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several clear and white bowls arranged on a wooden surface, each filled with different ingredients. At the center bottom, there is a large clear glass bowl filled with yellow tortellini pasta. Above the pasta, to the left, is a clear glass bowl containing diced raw chicken pieces, and to the right, a small white bowl with a red powder, likely paprika. To the far left are fresh green spinach leaves in a white bowl. Above these ingredients, there is a clear glass cup of light yellow broth and a white bowl with shredded cheese. In the middle of the image is a small white bowl filled with dark red sun-dried tomatoes. A small wooden cutting board holds two white sticks of butter, a small glass bowl of minced garlic, and a white bowl of mixed herbs. To the top right, a clear measuring jug contains milk, and next to the spice bowl, there are metal measuring spoons with salt and pepper. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe lies in its straightforward, flavorful ingredients. Each plays an essential role, from the hearty tortellini providing a satisfying base to the seasoning elevating the chicken and sauce for a perfectly balanced dish bursting with depth and color.

19 oz cheese tortellini: The star pasta of this dish, offering creamy, cheesy pockets that soak up the sauce beautifully.

2 tbsp olive oil: For searing the chicken, adding a fruity richness and ensuring even cooking.
1 lb chicken breast, diced: Tender protein that absorbs the spices and complements the creamy sauce.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and earthy warmth to the chicken and sauce.

½ teaspoon seasoned salt: Brings a harmonious blend of savory notes enhancing every flavor.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: The Mediterranean herb mix creates a classic, aromatic base for the dish.
1 teaspoon paprika: Adds smoky depth and a beautiful hue to the chicken.

2 tablespoon butter: For enriching the sauce and softening the garlic’s bite.
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced: Intense, tangy bursts that cut through the creaminess with brightness.
4 garlic cloves, minced: Essential aromatic that livens up the sauce with its pungent warmth.

1 cup chicken broth: A flavorful liquid base that keeps the sauce light yet savory.
2 cups heavy cream: Creates the luscious, silky sauce that envelops every bite.
1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated: Sharp, nutty cheese that melts into the sauce for a luxurious finish.

2 cups spinach: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, leafy contrast that balances richness.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Season the Chicken

Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, then sprinkle it with black pepper, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Sauté until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. This combination of spices infuses the chicken with flavor that becomes the backbone of your dish. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. This step unlocks the rich, robust aromatics that give the sauce its signature depth. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Season the mixture again with black pepper, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, and paprika to layer the flavors expertly.

Step 3: Melt in the Parmesan

Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This is where the sauce transforms, turning luxuriously creamy and slightly thickened. The cheese not only adds a silky texture but also a sharp, nutty finish that ties all the ingredients together.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the fresh spinach and cheese tortellini. Stir gently to coat everything in that delicious sauce. Let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and the sauce thickens just enough to cling beautifully to every piece of chicken and tortellini.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

A large gray pan filled with tortellini pasta cooked in a creamy sauce, mixed with browned pieces of chicken and wilted green spinach leaves. The pasta is pale yellow with slight sauces staining, and the chicken pieces are golden brown with a textured surface. There are small bits of red sun-dried tomatoes scattered throughout, and the dish is sprinkled with grated cheese and fresh parsley leaves as garnish. The pan rests on a white marbled surface with a wooden spoon placed beside it, and in the background, there is a white plate with two gold forks on it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the dish further, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley over the top. The cheese adds an extra layer of umami, while parsley brings a fresh, herbal brightness that cuts through the creamy sauce—making each bite fresh and flavorful.

Side Dishes

This dish stands well on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread can round out the meal with added crunch and tang. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli are also ideal, bringing in texture and complementary earthy notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at dinner parties, consider serving the tortellini in shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few sun-dried tomato slices artfully arranged on top. Alternatively, individual servings in mini cast-iron skillets keep the dish warm and impressive for your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making the next-day taste just as enticing.

Freezing

While this recipe is best fresh, you can freeze leftovers by placing the tortellini and sauce in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Note that the texture may change slightly upon thawing due to the cream and spinach.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. This ensures the dish stays creamy and delicious without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cheese tortellini works wonderfully and is convenient. Just adjust the simmering time slightly to ensure they cook through perfectly within the sauce.

Is this dish very spicy?

Not at all. The paprika adds a mild smoky flavor without heat, making this recipe suitable for most palates. You can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a bit more kick.

Can I substitute chicken breast with another protein?

Yes, diced turkey or even shrimp would be great alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure your protein is perfectly cooked.

What can I do if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

Roasted red peppers or even cherry tomatoes sautéed until soft can provide a similar sweet and tangy element to the dish.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The traditional cheese tortellini contains gluten, but you can easily substitute with gluten-free tortellini to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe, it will soon become your go-to comfort dish for both cozy nights and special gatherings. The rich sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy tortellini come together in a way that feels both indulgent and satisfying. So go ahead, dive into this creamy, flavorful experience and share it with your favorite people—you’ll be so glad you did!

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need