Italian Chicken Tortellini Skillet

Italian Chicken Tortellini Skillet is a delightful one-pot meal that brings together tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and a medley of vegetables in a creamy, flavorful sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying and hearty meal with minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet, making preparation and cleanup a breeze.
• Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a luscious sauce that perfectly complements the chicken and tortellini.
• Nutritious and Colorful: Incorporating spinach, roasted red peppers, and tomatoes adds vibrant colors and beneficial nutrients to the dish.
• Quick and Easy: With a total cook time of around 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for those seeking a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon canola or olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ⅛ teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes (with liquid)
• ½ cup roasted red peppers, chopped
• ½ cup cream (heavy cream or milk)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 3 cups frozen cheese tortellini
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and no longer pink in the center, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Incorporate the minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, dried thyme, and red chili flakes into the skillet. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Prepare the Sauce: Add the canned diced tomatoes (with their liquid), chopped roasted red peppers, and cream to the skillet. Stir to combine.
4. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring to integrate.
5. Cook the Tortellini: Add the frozen cheese tortellini to the skillet. Cover the pan and let it simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.
6. Incorporate Spinach and Cheese: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking until the spinach wilts and the cheeses have melted into the sauce.
7. Serve: Once everything is well combined and heated through, serve the Italian Chicken Tortellini hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Protein Alternatives: Substitute the chicken with Italian sausage or shrimp for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or artichoke hearts. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Pasta Choices: While cheese tortellini is recommended, you can use other stuffed pastas like ravioli or even plain pasta shapes if preferred.
• Spice Level: Adjust the red chili flakes to your desired heat level, or omit them entirely for a milder dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
• Reheating: Reheat portions in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream, milk, or chicken broth to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency, as the tortellini may absorb some liquid during storage.

FAQs

What type of tortellini should I use for this recipe?

You can use either fresh or frozen cheese tortellini. If using fresh tortellini, monitor the cooking time closely, as it may cook faster than frozen varieties.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that the tortellini may absorb some of the sauce, so you might need to add a bit of cream or broth when reheating to restore the desired consistency.

Is it possible to freeze this meal?

While it’s possible to freeze this dish, be aware that the texture of the tortellini and the cream-based sauce may change upon thawing and reheating. If you choose to freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop, adding extra liquid as needed.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Certainly! While mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone or Asiago

Italian Chicken Tortellini Skillet

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• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A delicious one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and a creamy, flavorful sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a hearty and satisfying dish with minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

• 1 tbsp canola or olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ⅛ tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 14 oz canned diced tomatoes (with liquid)
• ½ cup roasted red peppers, chopped
• ½ cup cream (heavy cream or milk)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 3 cups frozen cheese tortellini
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

• Sauté the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic, basil, oregano, salt, thyme, and red chili flakes. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
• Make the Sauce: Add diced tomatoes (with liquid), roasted red peppers, and cream. Stir to combine.
• Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth. Pour into the skillet, stirring well.
• Cook the Tortellini: Add frozen cheese tortellini, cover, and let simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the tortellini are tender.
• Incorporate Spinach and Cheese: Stir in chopped spinach, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Cook until the spinach wilts and the cheeses melt into the sauce.
• Serve: Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

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Notes

• Protein Swap: Try Italian sausage or shrimp instead of chicken for a different twist.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit chicken and add more veggies like mushrooms or zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead.
• Pasta Choices: Cheese tortellini is best, but ravioli or other stuffed pastas work too.
• Adjust Spice Level: Increase or decrease red chili flakes based on your preference.