Chicken Taco Tortellini Skillet Recipe

The Chicken Taco Tortellini Skillet is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines the delicious taste of chicken tacos with the hearty texture of tortellini pasta. This one-skillet meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, comforting dinner. With tender chicken, spicy taco seasoning, cheesy tortellini, and a medley of vegetables, this dish has all the flavors of your favorite taco, but with a unique twist.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken breasts. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, cooking it for about 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Make sure to stir occasionally so that the chicken browns evenly on all sides.

2. Add Vegetables and Garlic:

• After the chicken is cooked, add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.

3. Incorporate Taco Seasoning:

• Once the vegetables are softened, sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir everything well to ensure that the seasoning evenly coats the chicken and vegetables. If you’re using homemade taco seasoning, you can adjust the amount according to your preference for spice. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the seasoning to blend with the ingredients.

4. Add Diced Tomatoes and Broth:

• Pour in the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies and 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. The liquid will help deglaze the pan and add extra flavor to the dish. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-4 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

5. Add Tortellini and Corn:

• Once the tomato mixture is simmering, stir in the cheese tortellini and frozen corn (if using). Make sure the tortellini is submerged in the sauce so it can cook evenly. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 6-8 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through. If the skillet seems too dry, you can add a little more chicken broth as needed to keep the tortellini from sticking.

6. Finish with Cheese and Sour Cream:

• Once the tortellini is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of sour cream. The cheese will melt into the sauce, creating a creamy, rich texture. Stir everything together until the cheese and sour cream are fully incorporated, making sure the sauce coats the tortellini and chicken evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper, if necessary.

7. Serve and Garnish:

• Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness. Serve the dish directly from the skillet for a rustic, family-style meal. You can also add optional toppings such as sliced avocado, jalapeños, or a spoonful of salsa for an extra layer of flavor. The creaminess of the dish pairs beautifully with these fresh and zesty toppings.

Tips for Success:

1. Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: If you’re short on time, you can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for this recipe. Just add the chicken during the taco seasoning step and follow the rest of the recipe.
2. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce to the taco seasoning. For a milder version, reduce the amount of taco seasoning or use mild diced tomatoes.
3. Alternative Vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach would be great additions. The corn adds a slight sweetness that balances the savory flavors, but it’s optional and can be swapped for other veggies.
4. Tortellini Alternatives: If you can’t find cheese tortellini, you can substitute with regular pasta or even ravioli. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the type of pasta used.
5. Cheese Choices: While cheddar cheese works wonderfully in this dish, you can experiment with other types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a Mexican cheese blend. Each cheese will add a slightly different flavor and texture to the dish.

Variations:

• Vegetarian Version: To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add extra veggies like black beans, zucchini, or even more bell peppers. You could also use plant-based chicken substitutes.
• Beef Taco Tortellini: Swap out the chicken for ground beef or turkey to create a beefy twist on the dish. Brown the ground beef with the taco seasoning and follow the same steps for the vegetables and tortellini.
• Creamy Taco Soup Variation: For a soupier version, add an extra cup of chicken broth and a can of drained black beans. Simmer until everything is heated through and top with tortilla chips for a fun twist on taco soup.

Serving Suggestions:

• With a Side Salad: Pair this rich and cheesy dish with a light, refreshing salad. A simple green salad with avocado, lime dressing, and crispy tortilla strips would complement the flavors beautifully.
• Serve with Tortilla Chips: For a crunch, serve the skillet dish with a side of tortilla chips. You can scoop up the cheesy, saucy tortellini with the chips for a fun and tasty bite.
• Toppings Galore: This dish pairs wonderfully with taco-inspired toppings like sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, a dollop of guacamole, or extra salsa. You could even add a drizzle of chipotle mayo for a smoky kick.

Storage and Reheating:

1. Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave the portion on medium heat until warmed through, or reheat on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
2. Freezing: This dish can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze it before adding the cheese and sour cream, as these ingredients can separate when thawed. Freeze the taco tortellini in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop and stir in the cheese and sour cream just before serving.

Conclusion:

The Chicken Taco Tortellini Skillet is a perfect blend of taco-inspired flavors and creamy pasta goodness. It’s a quick, one-skillet meal that delivers comfort and satisfaction with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a fun weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

Yield: 4-6

Chicken Taco Tortellini Skillet Recipe

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The Chicken Taco Tortellini Skillet is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines the delicious taste of chicken tacos with the hearty texture of tortellini pasta. This one-skillet meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, comforting dinner. With tender chicken, spicy taco seasoning, cheesy tortellini, and a medley of vegetables, this dish has all the flavors of your favorite taco, but with a unique twist.

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Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with green chilies for extra heat)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Sliced jalapeños, for garnish (optional)
• Sour cream or guacamole, for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Sauté Vegetables:

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add Taco Flavor:

Stir in the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Cook for 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors.

4. Simmer with Tortellini:

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the cheese tortellini and cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.

5. Add Creaminess:

Reduce the heat to low, stir in the sour cream, and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

6. Serve:

Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños (if using), and serve with extra sour cream or guacamole on the side.

Notes

• Tortellini: You can use refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini. If using frozen, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add more veggies like zucchini, corn, or black beans.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.