Italian Chicken Cheese Tortellini Recipe

This Italian Chicken Cheese Tortellini recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy tortellini with a burst of Italian herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this one-pan wonder is comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with its robust flavors and ease of preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
2. One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup without sacrificing flavor.
3. Cheesy Goodness: Loaded with cheese tortellini and a creamy sauce for ultimate comfort.
4. Customizable: Adapt the recipe with your favorite vegetables or protein variations.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken
   • In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
   • Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken pieces.
2. Sear the Chicken
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
   • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. Sauté the Garlic
   • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
2. Build the Sauce Base
   • Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking to combine.
   • Stir in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using) until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 3: Cook the Tortellini

1. Add the Tortellini
   • Stir the cheese tortellini into the creamy sauce.
   • Cover the skillet and let simmer for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.
2. Incorporate the Vegetables
   • Add the cherry tomatoes and spinach to the skillet.
   • Cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften slightly.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Return the Chicken
   • Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet.
   • Toss everything together to coat the chicken and tortellini in the sauce.
2. Serve Hot
   • Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
   • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Success

Perfect Chicken

• Even Cooking: Cut chicken into uniform pieces for consistent cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary to ensure a good sear.

Creamy Sauce

• Don’t Boil the Cream: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to avoid curdling.
• Adjust Thickness: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it.

Tortellini Tips

• Use Fresh Tortellini: Fresh or refrigerated tortellini cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
• Cook Directly in Sauce: This saves time and ensures the tortellini are infused with flavor.

Variations

Protein Options

• Swap Chicken: Use shrimp, turkey, or Italian sausage for a different protein.

Vegetarian Option

• Omit Chicken: Add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Cheese Upgrade

• Cheese Variety: Substitute part of the Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Side Salad: A crisp Caesar or arugula salad complements the richness of the dish.

Beverages

• Wine: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well.
• Non-Alcoholic: Lemon-infused sparkling water or iced tea complements the flavors.

Why This Recipe Works

This Italian Chicken Cheese Tortellini recipe combines the richness of a creamy sauce with the hearty satisfaction of cheesy tortellini and savory chicken. The addition of fresh vegetables like spinach and cherry tomatoes brings brightness to the dish, balancing the flavors beautifully. Whether you’re feeding a family or indulging in comfort food for yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.

Yield: 4

Italian Chicken Cheese Tortellini Recipe

Print

This Italian Chicken Cheese Tortellini recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy tortellini with a burst of Italian herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this one-pan wonder is comfort food at its finest. Whether you're cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with its robust flavors and ease of preparation.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 2 medium chicken breasts, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Tortellini and Sauce:
• 1 (9-ounce) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup baby spinach
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Optional Garnish:
• Fresh basil leaves
• Additional grated Parmesan

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   Season the diced chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
   Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
   
2. Cook the Tortellini:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
   
3. Make the Sauce:
   In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat.
   Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
   Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
   Add Parmesan cheese and whisk until the sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes.
   Stir in cherry tomatoes and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften slightly, about 2 minutes. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
   
4. Combine:
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce.
   Add the cooked tortellini and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is coated in the creamy sauce.
   
5. Serve:
   Divide the tortellini among plates or serve family-style.
   Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

Substitutions: Swap cheese tortellini with spinach or mushroom tortellini for variation.

Additions: Include mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or zucchini for extra veggies.