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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian