Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a delicious and creamy dish that combines tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and spices. This one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, as it comes together quickly and is sure to impress anyone at the dinner table. The name “Marry Me” suggests that this dish is so good, it might just win over your loved ones!

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini.

Origin of Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

The original “Marry Me Chicken” recipe gained popularity on social media and food blogs, often featuring chicken cooked in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs. The addition of tortellini transforms this dish into a complete meal, making it not only flavorful but also hearty. This combination has become a favorite among home cooks looking for an easy yet impressive dinner option.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Sauce:

2 large chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For the Tortellini:

21 ounces fresh cheese tortellini (or frozen)
2 cups fresh spinach (washed and roughly chopped)
¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Method of Preparation

Step 1: Season the Chicken

In a bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss the chicken pieces in the seasoning mixture until evenly coated.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6–8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, heavy cream, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Cook Tortellini

While the sauce simmers, cook tortellini according to package instructions in a separate pot. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce along with the drained tortellini and chopped spinach. Stir gently to combine and let everything heat through for about 2–3 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.

Cooking Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality sun-dried tomatoes can elevate the flavor of this dish.
Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
Check Tortellini Doneness: Be careful not to overcook the tortellini; they should be tender but still firm.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the Pan: If you have too much chicken or ingredients in your pan at once, they may steam instead of brown.
Not Tasting Before Serving: Always taste your sauce before serving; adjust seasoning as needed.
Skipping Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs add brightness; don’t skip them if you want maximum flavor.

Serving Tips

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is best served warm. Consider pairing it with:

A side salad for freshness.
Garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up any extra sauce.
A glass of white wine to complement the flavors.

Health Benefits of Ingredients

Chicken Breast: A lean source of protein that supports muscle health.
Spinach: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron; it promotes overall health.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Packed with antioxidants and vitamins; they add depth of flavor to dishes.

Why Everyone Loves This Dish

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini has captured hearts due to its creamy texture and rich flavors that come together effortlessly. The combination of tender chicken with cheesy tortellini makes it comforting yet elegant enough for special occasions. It’s an easy recipe that delivers big on taste, making it a favorite among home cooks looking for quick yet impressive meals.

Interesting Facts About Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

One-Pot Wonder: This dish minimizes cleanup since everything is cooked in one pot.
Quick Preparation: You can have this meal ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Versatile Recipe: You can easily swap out proteins or vegetables based on what you have on hand.

Summarized Recipe

Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika; cook in olive oil until golden brown.
Sauté garlic; add sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, cream, oregano, and red pepper flakes; simmer.
Cook tortellini separately; drain and set aside.
Combine cooked chicken, tortellini, and spinach into sauce; stir gently until heated through.
Serve hot garnished with basil and Parmesan cheese.

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with flavor that brings comfort to any dinner table! Enjoy this delightful dish at your next family gathering or as an easy weeknight dinner!