When 6 pm hits and we’re hungry, finding a quick dinner can be tough. Work, family, and life’s tasks leave us little time for cooking. But, this quick and creamy chicken tortellini recipe is here to help!
In just 15 minutes, you can make a delicious pasta dish that everyone will love. Tender chicken, soft tortellini, and a rich cream sauce come together. It’s a meal that will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Key Takeaways
- Prep and cook this creamy chicken tortellini dish in just 15 minutes
- One-pot meal that requires minimal chopping and active time
- Satisfying comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights
- Creamy, restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days or frozen for up to 2 months
Why This Creamy Pasta Dish Will Become Your Family Favorite
Our Creamy Chicken Tortellini is a family-friendly meal that’s easy to make and tastes like gourmet food. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll love how simple it is to make and how little cleanup you’ll need.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
This recipe is quick, with only 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking. Just sear the chicken, make the creamy sauce, and add the tortellini. Dinner is ready in no time!
One-Pan Wonder
This dish is not only fast but also a one-pan meal. That means less cleanup for you. The chicken, tortellini, and creamy sauce all cook together in one skillet, making it easy and delicious.
Restaurant-Quality Results
The flavors and textures in this dish are what make it special. The chicken, tortellini, and sauce all come together beautifully. Add some Parmesan cheese on top, and your family will think you’re a pro in the kitchen.
Make this Creamy Chicken Tortellini your go-to family dish. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s easy cleanup and tastes like gourmet food. It’s the perfect choice for a tasty weeknight dinner.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken Tortellini
To make a creamy chicken tortellini dish, we need a few key ingredients. The main ingredient is cheese-filled tortellini pasta. We suggest using fresh or frozen tortellini for the best taste and texture.
Next, we need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes. This makes them easy to cook. For the creamy sauce, we’ll use heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Allouette or Boursin cheese adds richness and flavor.
Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness, while frozen chopped spinach adds nutrition. We’ll also use olive oil for searing the chicken and salt and pepper for seasoning. To finish, a sprinkle of Parmesan and a lemon zest will brighten the flavors.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cheese-filled tortellini (fresh or frozen) | 1 (9-ounce) package |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed | 1.5 cups |
| Allouette or Boursin cheese | 4 ounces |
| Heavy cream | 3/4 cup |
| Sundried tomatoes, chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Frozen chopped spinach | 1 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Lemon, for zesting | 1 |
With these ingredients, we can make a delicious and creamy chicken tortellini dish. It’s sure to be a hit with your family.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Get ready for a delicious one-skillet dish with our creamy chicken tortellini recipe. Follow these steps to make this tasty meal.
Preparing the Chicken
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Then, pan-sear the chicken cubes for 3-4 minutes. This will give them a golden-brown crust.
Creating the Creamy Sauce
After browning the chicken, it’s time for the creamy sauce. Melt the Allouette or Boursin cheese in the skillet. Then, pour in the heavy cream.
Let the sauce simmer, stirring now and then. This will make it smooth and creamy.
Combining the Components
Add sun-dried tomatoes and tortellini to the skillet. Cover the pan and let them simmer for 4-5 minutes. This will cook the tortellini and thicken the sauce.
Next, add fresh baby spinach. Cook for another minute until it wilts. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and black pepper on top.
Serve this creamy chicken tortellini right away. Enjoy the perfect mix of flavors in every bite!
Tips for Making the Creamiest Sauce
Creating a rich and creamy pasta sauce is all about mastering a few key pasta cooking techniques. Stir the pasta right after adding it to boiling water. This stops the pasta from sticking together. So, every bite is perfectly cooked and covered in sauce.
Another important tip is to reserve some of the pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy liquid helps make the sauce thicker and tastier. Start with a little and add more until it’s just right.
- Use refrigerated tortellini for quicker cooking.
- For extra richness, add more heavy cream in half-cup increments if needed.
- Ensure all ingredients are well combined and simmer until the desired sauce consistency is reached.
- Finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for optimal creaminess and flavor enhancement.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be on your way to creating a creamy, restaurant-quality pasta sauce that your family will love.
“The key to a truly creamy sauce lies in the little details – from stirring the pasta to adjusting the consistency with pasta water.”
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
It’s easy to make our creamy chicken tortellini recipe your own. You can change up the protein, add different veggies, or try new sauces. This way, you can enjoy the dish just how you like it.
Protein Options
Our recipe uses chicken breasts, but you can swap it out for something else. Try using rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or even shrimp or salmon. It’s a great way to mix things up.
Vegetable Add-ins
Adding fresh veggies can make this dish even better. Spinach, broccoli, or green beans are all great choices. They add flavor and nutrients to the creamy pasta.
Sauce Alternatives
Want a thicker, soup-like sauce? Just add more chicken broth and cream. For a veggie option, use white beans instead of chicken. You can also play with different cheeses to find your perfect sauce.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts | 1 lb, boneless, skinless |
| Garlic Cloves | 3 |
| Chicken Broth | 1 cup, low-sodium |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup |
| Cheese Tortellini | 3 cups, fresh or frozen |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/2 cup |
With these options, you can make our creamy chicken tortellini your own. It’s a great way to enjoy a favorite dish while meeting your dietary needs and taste preferences.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken tortellini recipe is a great versatile pasta recipe for busy homes. It combines tender chicken, cheese-filled pasta, and a rich sauce. This mix makes a dish that everyone loves.
It’s quick to make and easy to clean up. Plus, it tastes like you’re at a restaurant. This recipe will soon be a staple in your meals, offering comfort and flavor with every bite.
Looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner or a quick meal solution for busy nights? This chicken tortellini is perfect. It uses pre-made tortellini and is easy to prepare. The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it taste like a restaurant dish.
Adding this recipe to your meal plan is a smart choice. It satisfies your cravings, saves time, and tastes amazing. Let this chicken tortellini dish become a favorite in your home.
FAQ
What are the key ingredients in this creamy chicken tortellini recipe?
The main ingredients are frozen or fresh tortellini, boneless chicken breasts, and Allouette or Boursin cheese. You’ll also need heavy cream, sundried tomatoes, and frozen chopped spinach. Grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest are also important. Don’t forget olive oil, salt, and pepper.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
This creamy chicken tortellini dish is quick to make. It only takes 30 minutes to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
Is this a one-pan meal?
Yes, it’s a one-pan meal. This makes it easy to clean up and a great choice for a fast, tasty dinner.
What are the benefits of this recipe?
This dish is a balanced meal with protein, veggies, and carbs. It’s also easy to make at home, just like a restaurant.
How can I achieve the creamiest sauce?
For the creamiest sauce, stir the pasta right after adding it to the water. This prevents sticking. Also, save some pasta water to add to the sauce for better flavor and texture. Use cold tortellini for faster cooking. If the sauce is too thick, add more heavy cream in half-cup increments.
Can I customize this recipe?
Yes, you can make it your own. Try different tortellini fillings or use gnocchi instead. You can also swap the chicken for rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or seafood. Add your favorite veggies to make it even better.
