Description
Chicken Tortellini is a comforting and easy-to-make pasta dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces, cheese-filled tortellini, fresh spinach, and a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe combines simple ingredients with flavorful seasoning to create a delicious and hearty dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Sauce and Pasta
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 9 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them evenly with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to build flavor right from the start.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Cook the tortellini: Add the cheese tortellini to the simmering sauce. Cook according to the package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes, until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.
- Add cheese and spinach: Stir grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce to enrich it. Then add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes, incorporating freshness and texture.
- Combine chicken and simmer: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Stir all ingredients together gently and let simmer for a few more minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors are well blended.
- Finish and serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm for a comforting and hearty meal.
Notes
- Add vegetables such as mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, broccoli, peas, or roasted red peppers for variety and extra nutrition.
- Swap chicken with Italian sausage or cooked shrimp to change up the protein.
- For a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days and reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.
- Frozen tortellini can be used, adjusting cooking time as needed. Refrigerated tortellini cooks quickly and works well.
- Rotisserie chicken can be used; add shredded towards the end and heat through.
- Freezing creamy chicken tortellini can affect texture; refrigeration is preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
