Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Gathering the right ingredients is key to making Marry Me Chicken Tortellini. You start with two juicy chicken breasts that are boneless and skinless. Season them well with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste for extra flavor. You'll need olive oil to sauté the chicken. For that creamy sauce, grab heavy cream and chicken broth. Cherry tomatoes add a nice sweetness and color. Fresh spinach adds nutrition and a lovely green touch to the dish. Don't forget the cheese tortellini, which is the star of this meal. Finally, some grated Parmesan cheese will bring it all together. Fresh basil leaves are great for garnishing. They add a pop of color and flavor that makes your dish shine. With these ingredients, you are ready to create a delightful meal that impresses everyone. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Seasoning the chicken breasts: Start by taking your chicken breasts. Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on both sides. Make sure every part is coated well. 2. Cooking chicken in skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside. 1. Sautéing tomatoes: In the same skillet, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. This adds a nice sweetness to your dish. 2. Making the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well to combine. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat. 3. Cooking tortellini: Add the tortellini to the skillet. Cook according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You want them to be al dente. 1. Adding spinach and cheese: Stir in the fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. This will create a rich and creamy texture. Allow the spinach to wilt and the cheese to melt. 2. Combining chicken with sauce: Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Return the chicken to the skillet and mix gently. Let it simmer for another minute to heat everything through. 3. Serving suggestions: Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves. This adds a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini! How to achieve perfect chicken To get juicy chicken, season both sides well. Use garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken in olive oil over medium heat. This takes about 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden color and ensure it’s cooked through. Ensuring tortellini is al dente For the best texture, cook tortellini according to the package. Usually, this means boiling for 3-5 minutes. Check it a minute early. You want it firm yet tender when you bite. Adjusting creaminess to taste To change the creaminess, add more heavy cream if you like. For a lighter version, use less cream and more chicken broth. This gives you control over how rich the sauce feels. Best types of cheese to use Parmesan cheese works great in this dish. It melts well and adds flavor. If you want something different, try Pecorino Romano. It has a sharper taste that can enhance the sauce. Garnishing ideas with basil Fresh basil makes this dish pop. Tear the leaves and sprinkle them on top before serving. This adds color and a nice aroma. You can also add a few whole leaves for a nice touch. Serving choices (e.g., bowls vs. plates) You can serve this dish in bowls or on plates. Using bowls helps keep the sauce contained. Plates allow for more presentation flair. Either way, enjoy the vibrant colors on display! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil not only adds flavor but also enhances the dish's presentation. Consider adding other fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for added depth. Perfectly Cook Tortellini: To avoid overcooking the tortellini, set a timer based on the package instructions and taste a piece a minute before the time is up to ensure it’s al dente. Chicken Temperature: Ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the dish for extra nutrients and flavor. Just sauté them with the tomatoes for even cooking. {{image_2}} You can make this dish even better by swapping out some ingredients. Here are a few ideas: - Alternative proteins: Use turkey or tofu instead of chicken. Both options provide a tasty twist. - Dairy-free options: For a dairy-free dish, try coconut cream and dairy-free cheese. These substitutions keep the dish fun and friendly for everyone's needs! Want to change up the taste? Here are some fun ways to add flavor: - Adding spices or herbs: Mix in some red pepper flakes for heat or fresh thyme for earthy notes. Both will liven up the dish. - Vegetables to incorporate: Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. These add color and nutrients. You can be creative and make it your own! If you want to switch up the pasta, consider these options: - Gluten-free pasta options: Look for gluten-free tortellini or use rice or quinoa pasta. - Other pasta shapes to use: Instead of tortellini, try bow ties or shells. They work great in this sauce. Experimenting with pasta can change the whole vibe of your meal! To keep your Marry Me Chicken Tortellini fresh, follow these simple steps. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This helps prevent air and moisture from ruining the dish. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. In the fridge, your meal will stay good for about three days. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing. To freeze Marry Me Chicken Tortellini, first, let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, heat it gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth if it’s too thick. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy your meal just like the first time! What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken Tortellini? You can pair this dish with garlic bread or a fresh salad. A light green salad with lemon dressing works well. You might also enjoy roasted vegetables for extra flavor. Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can prep some parts ahead. Cook the chicken and sauce, then store them separately. Just add the tortellini and spinach before serving. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. How long does it take to cook the tortellini? Cooking tortellini takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Just follow the package instructions for perfect results. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. What if the sauce is too thick? If your sauce is too thick, simply add more chicken broth or cream. Stir well until you reach your desired consistency. This will keep the flavors rich and creamy. How to fix overcooked tortellini? If your tortellini gets overcooked, try adding them to the sauce right away. This helps them soak up some moisture. You can also add a splash of broth to help soften them. This dish brings together simple ingredients for a delicious meal. We started with chicken and creamy sauce, then added fresh tortellini and vibrant spinach. You learned tips for cooking chicken perfectly and making the best cream sauce. I shared ways to customize flavors and how to store leftovers. As you try this recipe, remember to enjoy the process. Mix in your favorite ingredients and make it your own. Happy cooking!$

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

A creamy and flavorful chicken tortellini dish that is sure to impress.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste Salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup fresh spinach
9 ounces cheese tortellini
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
Add the tortellini to the skillet and cook according to package instructions until they are al dente, about 3-5 minutes.
Stir in the fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the spinach to wilt and cheese to melt into the sauce.
Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet, stirring gently to combine everything. Simmer for an additional minute to heat through.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color.

Notes

Serve warm with fresh basil for added flavor.

Keyword chicken, creamy, dinner, pasta, tortellini