Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

$To make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini, gather these must-have items: - 2 chicken breasts, diced - 2 cups fresh tortellini (cheese or chicken filling) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving These ingredients blend together to create a rich and creamy dish. The chicken adds protein, while the tortellini offers a tender bite. Spinach and tomatoes give freshness, making each bite feel light yet satisfying. If you want to take your dish to the next level, consider adding these optional items: - Red pepper flakes for heat - Mushrooms for earthiness - Sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist - Lemon zest for brightness These extras can make the dish even more unique. For example, red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. Lemon zest brightens the dish, making it taste fresh and vibrant. You can easily adjust this recipe for different diets by using these substitutions: - Use tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken for a vegetarian option. - Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free choice. - Choose gluten-free tortellini to make it gluten-free. These swaps allow everyone to enjoy this dish. You can keep the flavor strong while catering to specific needs. Feel free to experiment and make it your own! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Heat the Skillet: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken. Season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6-7 minutes, until the chicken is brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside. 3. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds. Make sure it does not burn. 4. Add Tomatoes: Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for 3-4 minutes until they soften. 5. Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer. Then, add the heavy cream and stir well. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens a bit. 6. Incorporate Spinach and Chicken: Add the roughly chopped spinach and the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Let the spinach wilt for 1-2 minutes. 7. Cook Tortellini: While the sauce cooks, prepare the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain it and set aside. 8. Mix Everything Together: Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet. Stir gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. 9. Serve: Finally, serve hot! Garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. - Medium Heat: Always use medium heat for cooking chicken. This ensures even cooking without burning. - Simmer Gently: When simmering the sauce, avoid boiling. A gentle simmer keeps the flavors balanced. - Prep Ahead: Have all ingredients ready before starting. This helps you stay on track and speed up cooking. - Overcooking Chicken: Don't cook the chicken too long. It should be juicy, not dry. - Burning Garlic: Keep an eye on the garlic. It cooks fast and can burn easily. - Skipping Seasoning: Don’t forget to season as you go. This builds flavor in every layer. - Not Adjusting Sauce: Always taste the sauce before serving. You may need more salt or pepper for balance. To make a rich, creamy sauce, start with heavy cream. This gives the sauce a nice texture. Mix it with chicken broth for flavor. Heat the sauce gently, so it thickens without boiling. Stir often to keep it smooth. If it gets too thick, add more broth or cream. Always taste and adjust the salt and pepper. This small step makes a big difference. Garnishing makes your dish look great. Use fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. They add flavor too! Grated Parmesan cheese is another tasty touch. It adds a salty note that pairs well with the creamy sauce. A sprinkle of black pepper can also enhance the look. These simple garnishes make your dish restaurant-worthy. Marry Me Chicken Tortellini goes well with side dishes. A fresh green salad is a great choice. The crispness of the greens complements the creamy sauce. Garlic bread is another perfect pairing. It helps soak up any leftover sauce. For drinks, a light white wine works well. It balances the richness of the meal. These pairings enhance your dining experience. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tortellini and seasonal vegetables enhance the flavor and texture of the dish, making it more vibrant and delicious. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half for a less rich flavor. Perfectly Cooked Spinach: Add the spinach just before serving to keep it vibrant and retain its nutrients, avoiding overcooking. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh basil and grated Parmesan not only add visual appeal but also enhance the dish's flavor profile significantly. {{image_2}} You can easily make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini vegetarian. Swap the chicken for mushrooms. Use a mix of cremini and shiitake for great flavor. You can also add extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a rich taste. This keeps the dish both creamy and satisfying. To enhance the flavor, try adding spices. Red pepper flakes give a nice kick. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano add depth. You can also sprinkle in some smoked paprika for a unique twist. If you like garlic, add more minced garlic for extra aroma. Each spice or herb brings a new layer to your dish. If you want variety, you can change the protein. Shrimp works well and cooks quickly. You can try diced sausage for a smoky flavor or tofu for a plant-based option. Each protein choice alters the dish's taste and texture. This makes it fun to experiment with what you have at home. After enjoying Marry Me Chicken Tortellini, store any leftovers in airtight containers. Let the dish cool to room temperature first. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. For best taste, eat it within this time frame. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat them gently. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. Stir often to heat evenly. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the dish from drying out. If you want to freeze Marry Me Chicken Tortellini, do so before adding cream. Cool the dish and place it in freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat on the stove with cream added back in. This keeps the texture rich and flavorful. You can use coconut milk or cashew cream. Both options work well. They give a nice creaminess without dairy. For a lighter choice, try half-and-half. This will still keep your dish rich and tasty. Yes, frozen tortellini is a great option. Just cook it according to the package directions. It saves time and still tastes good. Add it directly to the creamy sauce once cooked. Cook the chicken and sauce first. Then, cool them down and store in the fridge. You can cook the tortellini just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and warm. Absolutely! Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream. You can also skip the cheese or use dairy-free cheese. This way, you can enjoy the dish without dairy. Yes, you can! Zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms are great choices. Just sauté them with the garlic. This adds flavor and nutrition to your dish. Feel free to get creative! Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a simple dish with great flavor. We explored key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips to perfect this meal. You also learned how to make it fit various diets and preferences. In closing, try different spices or vegetables to make it your own. This dish can be a crowd-pleaser and sparks joy around the table. Enjoy cooking and sharing it with others!$

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

A creamy and delicious chicken tortellini dish that's sure to win hearts.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces chicken breasts, diced
2 cups fresh tortellini (cheese or chicken filling)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste fresh basil leaves for garnish
to taste grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the heavy cream and stir to combine, letting it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Toss in the spinach and cooked chicken, allowing the spinach to wilt for about 1-2 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the tortellini according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, gently stirring to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

Feel free to use different types of tortellini or add more vegetables.

Keyword chicken, creamy, pasta, tortellini