Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a delightful dish that brings comfort and love to the table. This creamy pasta recipe combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in one pan, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special date night, Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is sure to impress with its rich flavors and ease of preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: This dish requires minimal cleanup, as everything cooks in a single pan.
- Quick Preparation: With just 27 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy this delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of creamy sauce, savory chicken, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or protein options to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep or lunch.
Tools and Preparation
To make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini efficiently, you’ll need a few essential tools.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large oven-safe pan (3.5 quart)
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large oven-safe pan: This is crucial for cooking and baking the dish all in one container, saving time on cleanup.
- Whisk: A whisk helps achieve a smooth sauce by properly mixing the flour with butter and liquids without lumps.
Ingredients
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini features creamy, cheesy pasta with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach—all in one pan for an easy, irresistible meal!
For the Sauce
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (plus 1 tbsp oil)
- 8 ounces mushrooms (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1-1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 7/8 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
For the Pasta
- 9 ounces refrigerated Rana’s tortellini
For the Toppings
- 1-1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, coarsely chopped
- Salt and pepper
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Adjust oven rack to middle and preheat to 425°F.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In a large (3.5 quart) oven-safe pan over medium-high heat:
1. Heat 1 tbsp oil from the sun-dried tomatoes.
2. Add mushrooms and cook for 2–3 minutes until tender.
3. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook another 2–3 minutes.
4. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
5. Transfer everything to a separate plate.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same pan:
1. Melt remaining 4 tbsp butter.
2. Sprinkle flour over melted butter and whisk until smooth—about 1–2 minutes of cooking while whisking constantly.
3. Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), plus salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine Liquids
While whisking constantly:
1. Gradually pour in whole milk and chicken broth until smooth.
2. Bring mixture to a boil; then reduce heat to medium.
3. Simmer until slightly thickened (about 3–5 minutes).
4. Reduce heat to low; gradually stir in Parmesan cheese, adding two tablespoons at a time until melted.
Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients
Return cooked veggies back into the pan along with their juices:
1. Add shredded rotisserie chicken, tortellini, and chopped spinach.
2. Gently stir everything together ensuring tortellini is submerged in the sauce as much as possible.
Step 6: Bake
Place pan in preheated oven:
1. Bake for about 8 minutes.
2. Remove from oven; stir well and press into an even layer.
3. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan over top; bake for an additional 3 minutes.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Remove from oven:
– Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
– Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
– Serve right away for best taste as tortellini absorbs sauce over time.
Enjoy your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini!
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a delightful dish that combines creamy pasta with tender chicken and vibrant veggies. Serving it with the right accompaniments can elevate your meal to another level.
With Garlic Bread
- Garlic bread is a classic pairing. Its crunchy texture and buttery flavor complement the creamy tortellini beautifully.
Tossed Salad
- A fresh, crisp salad adds a refreshing contrast. Consider using mixed greens topped with your favorite vinaigrette for balance.
Wine Pairing
- A glass of white wine, like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, enhances the flavors of the dish. Serve chilled for the best experience.
Fresh Herbs Garnish
- Garnishing with freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a burst of color and freshness. It also enhances the aroma of your dish.
Parmesan Cheese
- A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving enriches the cheesy flavor. It’s an easy way to make it even more indulgent.
How to Perfect Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
To ensure your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips for best results.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes will enhance flavor and texture.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the spices according to your taste. Adding more red pepper flakes can give it a spicy kick!
- Cook Tortellini Al Dente: Make sure not to overcook the tortellini. Al dente will hold up better in the creamy sauce.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after baking lets flavors meld together, creating a richer taste.
- Experiment with Proteins: Try swapping rotisserie chicken for shrimp or sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Pairing side dishes with Marry Me Chicken Tortellini can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Steamed Broccoli: This simple side adds color and nutrients while being easy to prepare.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad brings a tangy twist that complements the rich tortellini.
- Roasted Asparagus: The earthy flavor of roasted asparagus pairs well with creamy pasta dishes.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil serves as a fresh appetizer before the main course.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb alternative, serve zucchini noodles on the side for added texture.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort and go well with any Italian-inspired meal.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds sweetness and crunch, creating a lovely contrast with the creamy tortellini.
- Antipasto Platter: An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables offers variety and fun sharing options at dinner.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Marry Me Chicken Tortellini can be simple, but there are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add essential flavor. Make sure to include them for that rich taste.
- Overcooking the Tortellini: Follow cooking times on the package. Overcooked tortellini can turn mushy and lose their texture.
- Not Seasoning Properly: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper to enhance flavors throughout the cooking process.
- Ignoring Cheese Measurements: Use the correct amount of Parmesan for a creamy, cheesy sauce. Too little can lead to a bland dish.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh spinach and good-quality cheese. Quality ingredients make a significant difference in flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3–4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through (about 15–20 minutes).
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat with a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Marry Me Chicken Tortellini that can help improve your cooking experience.
What is Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, all cooked in one pan.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Frozen tortellini works well; just follow package instructions for cooking time.
How do I customize Marry Me Chicken Tortellini?
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Also, try different protein sources such as shrimp or tofu.
Is Marry Me Chicken Tortellini healthy?
While it’s indulgent, you can make it healthier by using whole-grain tortellini and adding more vegetables.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust the spice levels. This dish promises comfort and satisfaction, making it perfect for any dinner occasion. Give it a try today!
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach into a delicious dish that’s ready in just 27 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (plus 1 tbsp oil)
- 8 ounces mushrooms (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1-1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 9 ounces refrigerated tortellini
- 1-1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Sauté mushrooms in oil from sun-dried tomatoes until tender. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, then transfer to a plate.
- In the same pan, melt butter. Whisk in flour until smooth, then gradually add milk and broth. Bring to a boil, simmer until thickened, then stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Return veggies to the sauce along with chicken, tortellini, and spinach. Stir gently.
- Bake for about 8 minutes, stir again, sprinkle with Parmesan, and bake for an additional 3 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
