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There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty meal that feels like a hug on a plate, and that’s exactly what you’ll get with this Creamy Chicken Tortellini: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe!. Imagine tender chicken, savory cheese-filled tortellini, and a creamy sauce packed with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. It’s a dish that screams comfort while being elegant enough to serve at a dinner party.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for satisfying meals that are simple yet incredibly flavorful. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this creamy, dreamy dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy chicken tortellini ticks all the boxes for an amazing meal:
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- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich and Flavorful: The “Marry Me Sauce” is irresistibly creamy and savory.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike love this dish.
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to clean and more time to relax.
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Tortellini
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this comfort food masterpiece.
For the Chicken
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 1½ lbs |
Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
Black Pepper | ½ tsp |
Italian Seasoning | ½ tsp |
Paprika | ½ tsp |
For the Tortellini
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Frozen Cheese Tortellini | 1 (19 oz) bag |
For the Marry Me Sauce
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Butter | 2 tbsp |
Sun-Dried Tomatoes (sliced thin) | ½ cup |
Garlic (minced) | 3 tsp |
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth | 1 cup |
Heavy Cream | 2 cups |
Italian Seasoning | 1 tsp |
Black Pepper | 1 tsp |
Paprika | 1 tsp |
Parmesan Cheese (shredded) | 1 cup |
Baby Spinach (chopped) | 2 cups |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break down the recipe into simple, manageable steps.
1. Season the Chicken
- Begin by cutting the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- In a small bowl, mix black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken pieces and set them aside.
2. Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Marry Me Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and melt butter in the same skillet.
- Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the butter, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika.
- Whisk continuously until the sauce begins to bubble gently.
- Gradually whisk in the parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine and Simmer
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet.
- Pour in the frozen tortellini and the chopped baby spinach.
- Stir everything together until well coated.
- Let the dish simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts and the tortellini is heated through.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
- Serve the creamy chicken tortellini hot and enjoy the explosion of flavors.
What is Marry Me Sauce?
The “Marry Me Sauce” is a creamy, rich sauce made with a heavenly combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. The name comes from its irresistible taste—legend has it that it’s so good, it could inspire a marriage proposal!
The Secret to Perfect Tortellini
Tortellini is the star of this dish, and here’s how to cook it perfectly:
- Use frozen cheese tortellini for convenience and consistent texture.
- Simmer the tortellini directly in the sauce to let it soak up all the flavors.
- Avoid overcooking, as tortellini can become too soft and lose its shape.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (based on 6 servings):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 610 kcal |
Protein | 40 g |
Carbohydrates | 45 g |
Fat | 35 g |
Sodium | 780 mg |
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Parmesan Cheese: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly as freshly shredded parmesan.
- Don’t Skip the Garlic: Garlic adds depth to the sauce, so make sure it’s fresh and aromatic.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Control the Salt: Since parmesan and chicken broth are naturally salty, taste the sauce before adding additional salt.
- Whisk Continuously: This prevents the sauce from curdling and ensures a creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh tortellini works just as well, but it cooks much faster. Add it in the last few minutes to prevent overcooking.
2. What’s the best substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of cornstarch can work as a lighter alternative.
3. How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. How do I reheat creamy chicken tortellini?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
6. What other proteins can I use?
Shrimp, sausage, or tofu are excellent substitutes for chicken in this recipe.
Pairing Suggestions
Creamy chicken tortellini pairs wonderfully with:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp, tangy salad balances the richness of the dish.
- White Wine: A light, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors beautifully.
The Comfort Food You Deserve
Now that you have everything you need to make Creamy Chicken Tortellini: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe!, it’s time to head to the kitchen and get cooking. This recipe is more than just a meal—it’s an experience that brings warmth and joy to your table.
Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself to a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!
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Creamy Chicken Tortellini: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Creamy Chicken Tortellini is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, savory cheese-filled tortellini, and a rich, creamy sauce packed with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. This dish is a perfect blend of hearty and elegant, ideal for both family dinners and dinner parties.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
For the Tortellini:
- 1 (19 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini
For the Marry Me Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, 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, shredded
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
Instructions
- Season the Chicken:
- Cut the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- In a small bowl, mix black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken pieces and set them aside.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Make the Marry Me Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and melt butter in the same skillet.
- Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the butter, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika.
- Whisk continuously until the sauce begins to bubble gently.
- Gradually whisk in the parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Simmer:
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet.
- Pour in the frozen tortellini and the chopped baby spinach.
- Stir everything together until well coated.
- Let the dish simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts and the tortellini is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
- Serve the creamy chicken tortellini hot and enjoy the explosion of flavors.
Notes
- Use Fresh Parmesan Cheese: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly as freshly shredded parmesan.
- Don’t Skip the Garlic: Garlic adds depth to the sauce, so make sure it’s fresh and aromatic.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Control the Salt: Since parmesan and chicken broth are naturally salty, taste the sauce before adding additional salt.
- Whisk Continuously: This prevents the sauce from curdling and ensures a creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American