Creamy Garlic Chicken Tortellini Skillet ππ§π§
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Tortellini Skillet is a rich, comforting one-pan meal with tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, garlic cream sauce, Parmesan, and spinach. Itβs a restaurant-style dinner that comes together quickly.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
Chicken & Tortellini
- 1Β½ lbs (680 g) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Β½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- Β½ tsp black pepper
- 20 oz (570 g) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
Optional Additions
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- Β½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with:
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
- Add chicken and cook for 5β7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
2. Make the Garlic Sauce
- Lower heat to medium.
- Add butter and garlic to the same skillet.
- Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Cook the Tortellini
- Add tortellini directly to the skillet.
- Cover and simmer for 8β10 minutes until tender.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Finish the Dish
- Return chicken to the skillet.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until creamy.
- Fold in spinach and cook for 1β2 minutes until wilted.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan.
Delicious Variations
π₯ Bacon Garlic Chicken Tortellini
Add crispy bacon pieces before serving.
π Mushroom Parmesan Tortellini
SautΓ© mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy flavor.
πΆ Spicy Creamy Tortellini
Add:
- Red pepper flakes
- Cajun seasoning
- Hot sauce
π₯¦ Vegetable Version
Add:
- Broccoli
- Zucchini
- Bell peppers
- Asparagus
Serving Suggestions
Pair with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed green beans
- Fresh tomato salad
Tips for the Best Tortellini Skillet
- Use refrigerated tortellini for the best texture.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
- Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent curdling.
- Let the skillet rest for 5 minutes before servingβthe sauce thickens beautifully.
A creamy, garlicky, cheesy pasta dinner thatβs cozy enough for a family meal and impressive enough for guests. πβ¨