Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
Introduction
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that feels special without a lot of fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 (19 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced thin
- 3 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, finely shredded
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken pieces with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Set aside.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low and melt the butter in the same skillet. Sauté the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk continuously until the sauce starts to bubble.
- Step 5: Slowly whisk in the parmesan cheese until completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet, add the chopped spinach and frozen tortellini. Stir occasionally until the spinach wilts and the tortellini is heated through, simmering for about 5 minutes.
- Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Swap baby spinach for kale or arugula for a different green flavor.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in water to reduce oiliness.
- Cook the tortellini separately according to package instructions if you prefer a firmer texture.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh?
It’s best to use fresh chicken for even cooking and the best texture. If using frozen, thaw thoroughly before cooking.
Can I freeze this dish?
While you can freeze it, the cream sauce may separate upon reheating. For best results, freeze the cooked chicken and tortellini separately from the sauce and combine when reheating.
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Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, comforting one-skillet dish featuring tender chicken bites, cheese tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach simmered in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines savory herbs and spices for a flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Protein & Pasta
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 (19 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (for chicken)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (for chicken)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (for chicken)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for sauce)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (for sauce)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for sauce)
Others
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced thin
- 3 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Mix well and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet and melt it. Add the minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Pour in 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth and 2 cups heavy cream. Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Whisk continuously as the sauce heats until it starts bubbling. Gradually whisk in 1 cup Parmesan cheese until melted completely, creating a smooth creamy sauce.
- Combine ingredients and simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with 2 cups chopped baby spinach and the frozen cheese tortellini. Stir gently and let the mixture cook and simmer for about 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tortellini is heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this creamy, hearty dish.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- If fresh spinach is unavailable, frozen spinach can be used but ensure to thaw and drain it well.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy depth; drain excess oil to avoid an overly greasy sauce.
- To make the dish lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half but note the sauce will be less rich.
- Parmesan cheese should be freshly shredded for best melting and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, Cheese Tortellini Recipe, Creamy Chicken Pasta, One Skillet Dinner, Italian Chicken Recipe
