Dinner

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

ByGabriel Langdon October 15, 2025October 15, 2025

Introduction

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich sun-dried tomato sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special without a lot of fuss.

A close-up of a black pan filled with creamy tortellini pasta cooked with small, golden-brown chicken pieces, wilted dark green spinach leaves, and bits of sun-dried red tomatoes, all mixed in a smooth, orange-yellow cheesy sauce. A wooden spoon with a curved scoop is resting inside the pan, partially buried in the pasta. The pan is set on a white marbled surface with a blue and white patterned cloth visible at the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon 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 the heat to medium-low and melt the butter in the same skillet. Sauté the minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes for 30 seconds.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Whisk continuously until the sauce starts to bubble.
Step 5: Slowly whisk in the shredded parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 6: Add the cooked chicken, chopped spinach, and frozen tortellini to the skillet. Stir occasionally until the spinach wilts and the tortellini are heated through. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley and additional parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use fresh tortellini instead of frozen for a more tender texture.
Swap baby spinach for kale or arugula for a different leafy green flavor.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick of heat.
For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.

Storage

Store any leftover Marry Me Chicken Tortellini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from separating.

How to Serve

A large black skillet filled with three layers of creamy pasta: the bottom layer is soft yellow tortellini coated in a thick, smooth orange sauce; the middle layer has chunks of browned chicken and dark green spinach leaves mixed evenly throughout; the top layer shows more tortellini with small pieces of sun-dried tomatoes adding red spots, and a wooden spoon resting inside the skillet, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while cheese tortellini works best for this recipe, you can substitute other stuffed pasta like ravioli or even penne or fusilli for a different texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can make this dish dairy-free by using a plant-based cream substitute and dairy-free parmesan alternatives, but the texture and flavor will differ slightly from the original.