Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! If you’re looking for a dish that practically screams romance, I’ve got just the thing: Marry Me Chicken Tortellini! The first time I made this dish, it was one of those magical nights when I was trying to impress someone special. Spoiler alert: It worked! There’s something about the combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and delightful cheese tortellini that just puts everyone in a good mood. Plus, the colors from the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach make it look like a masterpiece—so a definite win in my book!
This dish is also perfect for those evenings when you don’t have a lot of time but still want to serve something impressive. It’s hearty enough to satisfy but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into the details so you can make this delicious creation for yourself or someone you love!
What’s in Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?
Olive Oil: A must for that tasty sautéing action. I always go for extra virgin olive oil because it adds that rich flavor right from the start.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish! Cubing them helps them cook quickly and evenly, making them easy to mix into the sauce.
Salt and Pepper: The dynamic duo of seasoning! Adjust these to your taste—don’t hold back on the flavor!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is where the magic starts! Just a few cloves can elevate a dish from mundane to magnificent.
Italian Seasoning: A mix of dried herbs that brings warmth and depth to the sauce. Trust me, you’ll want a good sprinkle of this!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little gems add a sweet and tangy punch. I usually buy them packed in oil for extra richness.
Baby Spinach: A quick-cooking green that brightens up the dish and adds a lovely color contrast.
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce ultra-creamy and luscious. It’s indulgent, but oh, so worth it!
Chicken Broth: It helps to thin out the sauce a bit, and using a low-sodium option keeps it healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Because everything is better with cheese! The nuttiness of Parmesan melds perfectly with the sauce. Get the good stuff!
Cheese Tortellini: The ultimate comfort food! The cheese-filled pasta adds even more creaminess and satisfaction to the dish.
Fresh Basil: This is optional, but if you have it on hand, it adds a fresh finishing touch that takes the dish to the next level.
Is Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about health benefits. While this creamy delight is definitely a treat, it has some positives!
Chicken: It’s a high-protein, low-fat option when you choose lean cuts like breast. It’s also packed with vital nutrients like B vitamins!
Spinach: This leafy green is a powerhouse! It provides iron, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants—but do remember to wash it well.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, these add a bit of sweet-and-sour goodness—plus they can give your heart a little extra love!
However, the richness of the cream and cheese means this dish is more of an indulgence than a daily staple. So, enjoy every bite but balance it with lighter meals through the week. And hey, if you want to make it a tad lighter, you could swap half of the heavy cream for Greek yogurt—if you dare!
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1 cup baby spinach
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 package (9 ounces) cheese tortellini
– Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
*Serves: 4*
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the cubed chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach to the skillet, cooking until the spinach has wilted.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing to a simmer. Allow the mixture to cook for about 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Then add the cooked chicken back to the skillet.
6. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions, then drain and add it to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the tortellini in the sauce.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Delicious Tips and Twists
Okay, before you dive in, here are a few little nuggets of wisdom for the road! If you want to kick things up a notch, try adding a splash of white wine while cooking the sun-dried tomatoes. It adds a lovely depth to the sauce.
Also, feel free to swap in other veggies—zucchini or bell peppers would be great additions. If you’re in the mood for something different, consider swapping cheese tortellini for a different type of pasta.
And for those who are wondering if this dish can be made ahead of time, it absolutely can! Just store the components separately until you’re ready to serve. A little extra effort on a weeknight will make someone feel like a star!
So there you have it, my friends! I can’t wait for you to try this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini and hopefully set the stage for a wonderful evening. Let me know how it goes—I have a good feeling about it! Happy cooking!
