Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh tortellini. However, fresh pasta cooks much faster than frozen. Add it towards the end of the cooking process, allowing just enough time to heat through without becoming too soft.

What if I do not have heavy cream?

If you need a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of whole milk and a bit of butter. However, the sauce will be slightly less creamy.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer. It should also be firm to the touch and no longer pink inside.

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Name: Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (19 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp paprika; 2 tbsp butter; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced thin; 3 tsp garlic, minced; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp paprika; 1 cup parmesan cheese, finely shredded; 2 cups baby spinach, chopped; Fresh parsley and extra parmesan for garnish

Description

This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that combines tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and a rich sun-dried tomato parmesan sauce. Made in one pan and ready in just 30 minutes, it is the perfect comfort food for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special occasion dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

1 (19 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini
2 tbsp olive oil
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
2 tbsp butter
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced thin
3 tsp garlic, minced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups heavy cream
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 cup parmesan cheese, finely shredded
2 cups baby spinach, chopped
Fresh parsley and extra parmesan for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Trim excess fat from the chicken and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Season with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika, ensuring the seasoning coats evenly.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces, spreading them out to ensure even cooking. Sauté until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Stir continuously and bring to a gentle simmer.
Incorporate Parmesan: Slowly add the parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce without clumping. Let the sauce thicken slightly as it simmers.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken, spinach, and frozen tortellini to the skillet. Stir gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the tortellini is tender and the spinach has wilted.
Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra parmesan before serving.

Notes

If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of extra chicken broth to loosen it.
For added flavor, a splash of white wine can be added when sautéing the garlic.
If using fresh tortellini, adjust cooking time to prevent overcooking.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 540 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 466mg
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 23g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 174mg