Flavorful Chicken Tortellini Recipe for A Perfect Dinner
Allow me to introduce you to a dish that will leave your taste buds singing and your dinner guests coming back for seconds – my delicious Chicken Tortellini Recipe. This recipe is the perfect solution for when you want something hearty and comforting, yet also quick and easy to prepare. It’s a fabulous option for busy weeknights or as an impressive main course at your next dinner party.
The combination of tender boneless skinless chicken breasts, savory cheese tortellini, and creamy parmesan sauce creates an explosion of flavors in your mouth. You’ll savor each bite of the cheesy chicken and tortellini skillet recipe that is so deceptively simple to make yet brings an air of elegance to any occasion.
In just under 30 minutes, you can have this satisfying meal on the table, ready for all those anxious forks and knives. Trust me – this recipe is one that you’ll want to keep handy for years to come. So put on your apron, sharpen your knives, and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, then you’re going to absolutely love this chicken tortellini recipe. Not only is it an extremely easy dish to prepare, but it’s also incredibly versatile and can be served as a main course, side dish or even as an appetizer.
This recipe is perfect for those who are short on time, but still want to create something delicious and satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients and one pot, you can have a fantastic meal ready to serve in less than 30 minutes.
The combination of tender, juicy chicken breast and savory cheese tortellini provides the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The rich and creamy parmesan sauce ties everything together harmoniously, leaving you with a feeling of pure satisfaction.
Furthermore, this recipe allows for plenty of substitutions and variations. You can swap out the chicken for different proteins such as beef or shrimp, or add in some vegetables like broccoli or spinach to give it an added nutritional boost.
What’s more is that this dish pairs exceptionally well with a variety of wines, so whether you’re hosting an elegant dinner party or just enjoying a cozy night at home, this chicken tortellini recipe will definitely not disappoint your taste buds.
In conclusion, if you want an easy-to-make meal that is packed with flavor and versatility, then try making this chicken tortellini recipe today. You won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this chicken tortellini recipe:
For the Chicken Tortellini Skillet Recipe:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 8 oz cheese tortellini
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Creamy Parmesan Chicken Tortellini:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 20 oz package of frozen cheese tortellini
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon italian seasoning
- 2 cups milk
- 3/4 cups grated parmesan cheese
For the Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Soup:
- One pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Two tablespoons olive oil**
- Three cups fresh broccoli florets
- One can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- Four and a half (4.5) cups low-sodium chicken stock
- Two cloves garlic, minced
- One teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- Two teaspoon dried basil leaves
- One teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- One teaspoon onion powder
- One teaspoon garlic powder
- One teaspoon salt
- Half (0.5) teaspoon black pepper
- Twenty (20) oz package cheese tortellini
- Three (3) cups fresh baby spinach
- One pint heavy cream
- Three-quarters (0.75) cup grated parmesan cheese
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Cook Chicken and Tortellini Simultaneously
To start, cut one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-size pieces. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the pan, and season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Cook the chicken, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes or until it’s golden brown and no longer pink. In the same pan, cook 20 oz. of cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente.
When the tortellini is ready, drain it and set aside in a separate dish while leaving some water in the pot so that it doesn’t dry out.
Note: If using fresh tortellini pasta instead of cheese, follow the same instructions above but only cook for 3-4 minutes.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. When melted, add 3 cups of fresh broccoli florets, and sautéed for about 3-4 minutes until just tender. Additionally, you could also add any other vegetables of your choosing like mushrooms or zucchini.
After that, add two cloves of minced garlic into the pan along with some optional toppings like chopped green onions, stirring constantly for about one more minute.
Now it’s time to create the creamy parmesan sauce! To do this, pour 2 cups of milk, whisking as you pour it into a separate bowl containing 1/4 cup of flour until there are no clumps.
Pour this mixture into the skillet with an additional 1 cup of chicken broth along with 2 teaspoons each of dried oregano and Italian seasoning.
Turn the heat back up to medium-high and stir everything together before bringing it to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for another five minutes or until thickened.
Finally, stir in grated Swiss cheese (8 oz) until melted followed by adding in cooked chicken and tortellini pasta into this cheesy mixture. Toss everything together while making sure that each piece is coated well with sauce.
For an added twist, substitute half or all cheese tortellini with spinach tortellini or even toss in some frozen cheese tortellini to create a ‘cheesy overload’!
Serve hot garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your creamilicious Italian Chicken Tortellini that’s perfect for dinner parties or quick family meals!
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is versatile and allows you to play around with the ingredients, switch them up as you like, or even add some more. Here are some substitution and variation ideas to inspire you:
– Tortellini: You can substitute chicken tortellini for cheese tortellini, spinach tortellini, or even a mix of all. Additionally, you may try using frozen cheese tortellini which makes the recipe preparation simpler and more comfortable.
– Chicken: Instead of boneless skinless chicken breasts, you can use boneless skinless thighs or any other chicken parts that you prefer. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, skip the chicken altogether and use tofu, portobello mushrooms, or eggplant instead.
– Vegetables: Add other vegetables to the skillet besides just broccoli florets. Try zucchini slices or diced bell peppers for added color and flavor.
– Cheese: use different kinds of cheese based on your preferences. For example, you can substitute Swiss cheese with Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, or mozzarella cheese.
Do not be scared to experiment with different combinations and variations. Alway remember having fun in the kitchen is one of the greatest pleasures in cooking!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve completed this delectable dish, the next question is what to serve it with? Well, I highly recommend pairing this chicken tortellini recipe with a crisp green salad, garlic bread or bruschetta. The salad will nicely balance out the richness of the sauce while adding fresh flavors to the meal. The garlic bread or bruschetta will not only complement the dish but also add some texture and crunch.
For drinks, white wines such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complement this dish. A light beer can also pair nicely with this creamy parmesan chicken tortellini. On the other hand, if you prefer a non-alcoholic drink, try serving it with lemonade or an iced tea.
When serving plates of chicken tortellini recipe to guests, be sure to add just the right amount of sauce on top. Remember that pasta lovers get into different styles of sauces- add more sauce for those who prefer it saucy!
Don’t forget to sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top to enhance the flavor profile and presentation of the dish. This will not only elevate your gourmet meal but also indicate your attention to detail.
So go ahead and grab your favorite plates and glasses because it’s time to enjoy your creamy chicken tortellini while still hot!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
For busy home cooks or party planners, the ability to make food ahead of time is a valuable luxury that can save time and reduce stress. Luckily, this chicken tortellini recipe is perfectly suited for advance preparation.
To make the dish ahead of time, simply follow the instructions for the chicken tortellini skillet recipe as usual, but stop short of adding the fresh broccoli florets. Once cooked and assembled, transfer the chicken tortellini to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
When you’re ready to serve the dish, take it out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before proceeding. While you wait, you can easily steam some fresh broccoli separately as a side dish. If desired, you can also reheat the chicken tortellini in a skillet over medium-high heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
In terms of storing leftovers, this chicken tortellini recipe will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 2 months. When reheating from frozen, allow ample time for thawing before reheating by either microwaving on defrost setting or letting sit on countertop.
I hope these tips help you plan your party without any stress and give you more reasons to love this delicious chicken tortellini recipe!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to creating the perfect chicken tortellini dish, there are a few simple things that can be done to make sure your final product is something you and your guests will absolutely love. Here are some tips for achieving flawless and delicious results with this recipe:
First, don’t skimp on the seasoning. The combination of salt, pepper, and garlic is what gives this dish its bold flavor. Be sure to season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper on all sides before cooking, and don’t forget to add minced garlic to the skillet as well or to the sauce.
Secondly, be careful not to overcook the chicken. One of the biggest mistakes people make when cooking boneless, skinless chicken breast is leaving it on the heat for too long. Chicken should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Thirdly, allow the skillet time to heat up before adding your chicken. This ensures that your meat will cook evenly and won’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
Fourthly, once you’ve added your chicken to the skillet, avoid moving it around too much. Let each side sear for about three minutes before flipping it over. This helps create a beautiful crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
Fifthly, use high-quality ingredients for optimal results. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and Swiss cheese will give this dish a rich flavor that generic store-bought versions simply cannot match.
Lastly, don’t forget about presentation! Sprinkling chopped green onions or parsley on top of the finished dish adds a pop of color and a fresh touch that can elevate simple home-cooked meals from good to great.
Overall, following these tips can help ensure that your chicken tortellini turns out beautifully every time you whip up this favorite dish in your kitchen!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this chicken tortellini recipe is a game changer. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to treat yourself and your loved ones to a delicious and hearty meal, this recipe is definitely worth trying. With its easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a dish that will leave everyone impressed and asking for seconds.
So, what are you waiting for? Go grab those boneless skinless chicken breasts, tortellini pasta, and cheese while they’re on sale at your local grocery store! With this recipe in your arsenal, you’ll never have to wonder what to make for dinner again. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll be the go-to chef among your family and friends!
Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced in strips (fairly large ones)
- 1 (16 ounce) package frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 cups milk or 2 cups cream (give or take depending on how much sauce you like)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded swiss cheese
- pepper
Instructions
- Cook tortellini according to package directions, drain and rinse.
- Brown chicken strips in olive oil in large skillet.
- Melt the butter and stir in flour to make roux.
- Whisk in cream, garlic, salt, pepper and onions.
- Cook on low until sauce thickens, stirring occasionally and stir in swiss cheese.
- Drain off oil from chicken and add tortellini and sauce to skillet.
- Mix together and serve.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!