This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini dish is a delightful mix of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy tortellini. It’s so tasty, it might just lead you to pop the question!
It’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup super easy. I love serving it with garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce—yum! Who could resist such a romantic meal? ❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to choice here. If you want a lighter option, use chicken thighs or even shrimp. If you need a vegetarian version, consider using chickpeas or a mix of your favorite vegetables.
Tortellini: I recommend cheese tortellini as it pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. If you can’t find tortellini, any pasta like bow ties or penne will work. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta used.
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a nice color and nutritional boost. If unavailable, kale or arugula are good substitutes. You can also use frozen spinach; just make sure to thaw and drain it well.
Sun-dried Tomatoes: These add a delightful tanginess. If you don’t have them, try using fresh tomatoes (just sauté them a bit longer) or even roasted red peppers for a different flavor.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter sauce, you can swap in half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free option. This may change the flavor a bit, but it gives a nice creamy texture.
How Do I Create a Creamy Sauce Without Curdling?
One of the key points in this recipe is making a creamy sauce that doesn’t curdle. The trick is to keep the heat low once you add the cream. Here’s how you can avoid curdling:
- After adding the chicken broth and heavy cream, keep the skillet on medium heat. Allow it to simmer, but don’t let it boil.
- Always scrape the bottom of the skillet to lift any browned bits for more flavor, but be gentle to avoid splattering.
- Stir constantly to help combine the cream with the broth and prevent sticking.
This way, your sauce will turn out smooth and creamy, perfect for coating the tortellini!
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, including cooking time. It’s quick and easy—perfect for a cozy dinner that feels special!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. While the oil heats up, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Cook it for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
3. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the skillet to release any delicious browned bits. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine all the flavors.
4. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will add a nice burst of flavor to your dish.
5. Cook the Tortellini:
Add the cheese tortellini to the skillet, making sure to follow the package instructions for cooking times. For fresh tortellini, it usually takes about 3-5 minutes, while frozen tortellini might need around 7-9 minutes. Keep an eye on it!
6. Combine Everything:
Once the tortellini is cooked, add the cooked chicken and chopped spinach to the skillet. Give everything a good stir to mix it all together.
7. Finish with Cheese:
Next, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Taste the mixture and add any extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat. If you want, garnish your dish with fresh basil for a lovely touch. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Marry Me Chicken Tortellini! It’s sure to impress!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen tortellini, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time as indicated on the package (usually 7-9 minutes). Add it directly to the skillet as instructed, and make sure to stir gently to avoid sticking.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt. For a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute, just be aware that the flavor may slightly change!
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add in other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms. Just sauté them in the skillet before adding the garlic to ensure they cook through and blend well with the flavors.
