Marry Me Chicken Tortellini (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 1 package (19 oz) frozen cheese tortellini

→ For the Chicken

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
04 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
05 - ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
06 - ½ teaspoon paprika

→ For the Creamy Sauce

07 - 2 tablespoons butter
08 - ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and thinly sliced
09 - 3 teaspoons minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
10 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
11 - 2 cups heavy cream
12 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
13 - 1 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 1 teaspoon paprika
15 - 1 cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded
16 - 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped

# Instructions:

01 - In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with ½ teaspoon each of black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika until evenly coated. Set aside while you prepare other ingredients.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and set aside.
03 - Reduce the heat to medium-low and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
04 - Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add 1 teaspoon each of Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk continuously until the mixture starts to bubble gently. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
05 - Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the frozen tortellini and chopped spinach. Gently stir to coat everything in the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is tender and the spinach has wilted.
06 - Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve in bowls, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.

# Notes:

01 - This dish is perfect for busy weeknights as it comes together in just 30 minutes.
02 - For best results, cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces so they cook uniformly.
03 - You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick of heat.
04 - The dish will continue to thicken as it stands, so serve promptly or add a splash of cream when reheating leftovers.