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Italian Chicken Tortellini Skillet Recipe

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3.9 from 81 reviews

A creamy and flavorful Italian Chicken Tortellini Skillet that combines tender chicken, cheese tortellini, and a rich tomato cream sauce, all cooked in one pan for a quick and satisfying meal.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Protein and Vegetables

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½” pieces (about 1 lb)
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • ½ cup roasted red peppers, chopped
  • 1 cup chopped fresh spinach

Spices and Herbs

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ⅛ teaspoon red chili flakes

Liquids and Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with juice (14 oz or 398 ml)
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Pasta and Cheese

  • 3 cups fresh or frozen cheese tortellini (12 oz or 350 g)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken: Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are no longer pink and cooked through.
  2. Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, salt, thyme, and red chili flakes. Cook the mixture for 1 minute to release the flavors.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Cream: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, roasted red peppers, and heavy whipping cream. Stir everything together to combine the sauce.
  4. Prepare and Add Broth Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth, then stir this mixture into the saucepan. This will help thicken the sauce.
  5. Add Tortellini and Simmer: Add the fresh or frozen cheese tortellini to the pan. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the sauce to a simmer. Then reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the tortellini is tender.
  6. Finish with Greens and Cheese: Stir in the chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese until the spinach wilts and the cheeses melt. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh or frozen tortellini; adjust cooking time slightly if using fresh.
  • For a spicier dish, increase the red chili flakes according to your taste.
  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the skillet simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes before adding spinach and cheese.
  • Leftovers should be refrigerated and consumed within 2 days for best quality.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian