Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Whenever I think of comfort food, the first dish that comes to mind is Marry Me Chicken Tortellini. It’s a meal that not only satisfies my hunger but also warms my heart. I remember the first time I made it for a gathering, hoping to impress my friends with something special. The aroma of the cooking ingredients filled the kitchen, making everyone curious about what was happening inside. Once it was served, the delighted faces were all I needed to see. Each bite was a combination of creamy and savory flavors, with the tender triangles of tortellini soaking in all the deliciousness. It quickly became a go-to dish in my recipe book, especially for cozy nights at home or when I simply wanted to treat myself.

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Ingredients

The ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini combine to create a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Each component plays a vital role in building the dish’s rich, creamy profile. Let’s talk about the key players:

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided – Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
• 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes plus 1 tbsp oil – Provides a sweet and tangy flavor.
• 8 ounces mushrooms, thinly sliced – Adds earthiness and texture.
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic – Infuses a burst of flavor.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – Thickens the sauce beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning – Brings a medley of herbs to the dish.
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika – Adds a hint of warmth and color.
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – For those who enjoy a little heat.
• 1-1/4 cups whole milk – Creates a creamy base for the sauce.
• 1 cup chicken broth – Enhances the savory notes.
• 7/8 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds richness and a cheesy flavor.
• 9 ounces refrigerated Rana’s tortellini – The star of the dish, tender and filled with goodness.
• 1-1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken – Saves time and adds delightful flavor.
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach, coarsely chopped – For a pop of color and nutrition.
• Salt and pepper to taste

Putting Together Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process of Marry Me Chicken Tortellini. It’s easier than you might think! Follow these steps for a delicious result.

1. Adjust the oven rack to the middle and preheat to 425°F. This ensures your dish cooks evenly and achieves a lovely golden color.
2. In a large (3.5 quart) oven-safe pan over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomatoes. This will add flavor to the cooking process. Add the mushrooms and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re tender and slightly browned. Next, add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. The aroma will be fantastic!
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently to avoid burning it. Garlic should be fragrant but not brown. Transfer everything to a separate plate and set aside.
4. In the same pan, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle flour over the melted butter and whisk briskly until smooth. Cook this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook and lose its raw taste.
5. Stir in the Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), along with salt and pepper to taste. The mix should smell heavenly!
6. While whisking constantly, gradually pour in the whole milk and chicken broth. Continue until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken. Bring it to a boil before reducing the heat to medium; let it simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Reduce the heat to low and gradually add 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese at a time, stirring until melted into the sauce. This step is crucial for that creamy texture!
8. Return the cooked vegetables and their accumulated liquid back into the pan. Now, add the shredded rotisserie chicken, tortellini, and fresh baby spinach. Gently stir to combine, making sure that the tortellini is submerged in the liquid as much as possible. Spread it out evenly.
9. Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 8 minutes. After that, remove it from the oven, stir everything well, and press it down to create an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 3 tablespoons of Parmesan over the top and return it to the oven for an additional 3 minutes.
10. Once done, remove from the oven and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately for best results, as the tortellini will continue to absorb the sauce if left to sit. Enjoy your delicious Marry Me Chicken Tortellini!

Helpful Notes about Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

To make sure you get the most out of your cooking experience with Marry Me Chicken Tortellini, here are some helpful tips:

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the dish in a suitable container. Just remember to add a splash of broth when reheating for creaminess.
• Pairing: Serve it with garlic bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
• Recipe Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables or proteins based on your preference.
• Leftover Chicken: Any leftover cooked chicken is perfect for this recipe; it saves time and adds flavor.

Perfect Matches for Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

When it comes to serving Marry Me Chicken Tortellini, you have plenty of options to enhance your meal experience:

• Garlic Bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread pairs perfectly with this creamy dish and is great for soaking up leftover sauce.
• Side Salad: A fresh salad topped with vinaigrette adds a crisp contrast to the rich flavors of the tortellini.
• Wine Pairing: If you enjoy wine, a light white wine can complement the flavors beautifully for special occasions.
• Lunch or Dinner: This dish works for both lunch and dinner, making it versatile for any time of the day.
• Perfect for Dates: Hosting a romantic dinner? Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is sure to impress your partner!

FAQ

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a dish that combines comfort and flavor in a way that truly feels special. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it a favorite for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating or simply enjoying a cozy dinner at home. I encourage you to try this delightful recipe; it’s sure to become a cherished part of your meal rotation!

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

The ultimate comfort food, Marry Me Chicken Tortellini combines creamy flavors with tender tortellini and succulent chicken. It's perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this easy weeknight dinner tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• Oven-safe pan

Ingredients

  

• 5 tablespoons Unsalted butter divided
• 3/4 cup Sun-dried tomatoes plus 1 tbsp oil, see note 1
• 8 ounces Mushrooms thinly sliced, I love Baby Bella
• 1 tablespoon Minced garlic
• 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon Paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon Red pepper flakes optional, add to heat preference, up to 1/2 tsp
• 1-1/4 cups Whole milk
• 1 cup Chicken broth
• 7/8 cup Grated Parmesan cheese 7/8 cup = 1/2 cup + 3 tbsp; divided, see note 2
• 9 ounces Refrigerated Rana’s tortellini 2-1/2 cups, see note 3
• 1-1/2 cups Shredded rotisserie chicken or diced, see note 4
• 2 cups Fresh baby spinach coarsely chopped
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Adjust the oven rack to the middle and preheat to 425°F.
• In a large (3.5 quart) oven-safe pan over medium-high heat, heat 1 tbsp oil from the sun-dried tomatoes. Add mushrooms and cook for 2–3 minutes. Then add sun-dried tomatoes and cook another 2–3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Transfer everything to a separate plate.
• In the same pan, melt remaining 4 tbsp butter. Sprinkle flour over the melted butter and whisk briskly until smooth. Continue cooking and whisking constantly for 1–2 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), plus salt and pepper to taste.
• While whisking constantly, very gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer until slightly thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and gradually add 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese at a time, stirring until melted.
• Return the cooked veggies (along with accumulated liquid) to the pan. Add rotisserie chicken, tortellini, and chopped spinach. Gently stir to combine, ensuring the tortellini is submerged in the liquid as much as possible and smooth into an even layer.
• Place pan in oven and bake for 8 minutes. Remove from oven, stir everything well, and press into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 3 tablespoons of Parmesan over the top and bake for an additional 3 minutes.
• Remove from oven, season with additional salt and pepper if needed, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately for best results, as the tortellini will continue to absorb the sauce if left to sit.

Notes

• Tip 1: Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, preferably julienne cut and packed in herbs for extra flavor.
• Tip 2: Use fresh Parmesan from the deli section or grate from a block of Parmesan using the small holes of a cheese grater.
• Tip 3: Fresh refrigerated tortellini that cooks in boiling water within 4–5 minutes is recommended for accurate timing and liquid quantities.
• Tip 4: Any leftover cooked chicken, particularly herbed rotisserie chicken, works well in this recipe.
• Tip 5: Best served immediately! Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth to bring the sauce back to its original texture.

Keyword Comfort Food Pasta, Creamy Tortellini Recipe, Easy Chicken Dinner, Weeknight Meal Idea