Luscious Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Veggies Recipe

My secret weapon for weeknight dinners involves this creamy chicken tortellini that guarantees smiles around the table.

Comfort meets convenience in a single skillet of deliciousness.

Pasta lovers will appreciate how quickly these flavors come together without complicated techniques.

Fresh vegetables add vibrant colors and nutrition to each delectable bite.

Cheese-coated tortellini nestled with tender chicken creates a meal everyone craves.

Weeknight cooking just became wonderfully simple and seriously satisfying.

Let’s make magic happen in your kitchen tonight!

Ingredients For Chicken Tortellini With Veggies

• Chicken: Tender protein adding flavor and substance to the dish.
• Tortellini: Pasta pockets filled with cheese for a hearty base.

• Bell Peppers, Zucchini: Colorful vegetables adding freshness and texture.
• Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach: Bright ingredients providing extra nutrition and color.

• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Creamy base creating rich and smooth sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty cheese enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth sauce texture.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat for sautéing ingredients.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient providing depth of flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the creamy sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend bringing traditional Mediterranean taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for enhancing overall taste.

• Basil, Parsley: Fresh herbs for additional flavor and visual appeal.

Simple Instructions For Chicken Tortellini Dish

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Get a big pot of water bubbling with salt.

Toss in the tortellini and cook until they’re perfectly tender.

Drain and set them aside for later magic.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Salt
• Pepper
• Italian seasoning

Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.

Scoop out and keep warm.

Step 3: Dance with Vegetables

In the same skillet, splash in more olive oil.

Toss in garlic and let it sizzle for a quick moment.

• Bell peppers
• Zucchini

Sauté until they start to soften.

Tumble in cherry tomatoes and spinach, cooking until spinach wilts and tomatoes get slightly tender.

Step 4: Create a Luxurious Sauce

Nudge the veggies to one side of the skillet.

Melt butter on the other side.

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Stir in Parmesan cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice, and Italian seasoning.

Season with salt and pepper.

Let the sauce bubble and thicken slightly.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Reunite the cooked chicken and tortellini with the veggie-sauce party.

Toss everything until it’s heated through and beautifully combined.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Plate up your creamy masterpiece while it’s hot.

Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like basil or parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

Cooking Tips For Creamy Chicken Tortellini

• Cook tortellini just until al dente to maintain a perfect chewy bite without becoming mushy or falling apart during mixing.
• Cut bell peppers and zucchini into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged for a more robust, authentic taste that melts smoothly into the creamy sauce.
• Swap chicken with grilled shrimp or tofu for a different protein option that adapts to various dietary preferences while maintaining the recipe's delicious essence.
• Simmer sauce slowly and stir frequently to prevent separation and achieve a silky, rich coating that clings perfectly to tortellini and vegetables.

Storage Advice For Chicken Tortellini Meals

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal the container tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish's flavor.
• Portion the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with cream-based sauces, as they may separate when thawed.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture if needed.
• Warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little chicken broth or cream to prevent sticking and maintain sauce consistency. Stir gently and frequently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

What To Serve With Chicken Tortellini

• Harmonize Flavor Profiles: Pair this creamy chicken tortellini with a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay that complements the dish's rich, velvety sauce without overpowering its delicate ingredients.
• Create Textural Contrast: Serve alongside a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's creaminess and provide a fresh, peppery counterpoint.
• Elevate with Bread Pairing: Add crusty garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the luxurious sauce, enhancing the meal's overall Mediterranean-inspired flavor experience.
• Match Regional Inspiration: Select a medium-bodied Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio, which echoes the dish's Italian tortellini roots and balances its creamy, herbaceous notes.

Flavor Twists For Chicken Tortellini Recipes

• Vegetarian Tortellini Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein cubes, seasoned similarly and pan-fried until golden brown for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Swap traditional wheat tortellini with gluten-free cheese or spinach tortellini, ensuring all other ingredients remain the same for celiac-friendly meal.
• Low-Carb Veggie Alternative: Substitute tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi, maintaining the creamy sauce and vegetable components for a lighter option.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Remix: Add crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and swap Italian seasoning with oregano and fresh dill to create a Greek-style flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time and ensure it’s fully thawed before adding to the dish.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich and creamy.

• Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

Not naturally. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini and ensure all other ingredients like chicken broth are certified gluten-free.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The overall cooking method remains the same.

Why This Chicken Tortellini Dish Is So Creamy

• Loaded with colorful bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and spinach, this dish delivers a powerful punch of vitamins and nutrients while keeping things deliciously satisfying.
• Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or casual gatherings, this creamy tortellini recipe adapts to any occasion and pleases even picky eaters with its irresistible flavor combination.
• Requiring just one skillet and simple ingredients, this recipe simplifies mealtime without sacrificing taste, making it ideal for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Veggies Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken tortellini with veggies brings comfort and elegance to weeknight dining, blending Italian-inspired pasta with hearty ingredients. Cheese-filled tortellini swim in a silky sauce, surrounded by tender chicken and colorful vegetables that promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 package (20 ounces/567 grams) cheese tortellini
• 2 cups fresh spinach

Vegetables:

• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 1 medium zucchini
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook tortellini following package directions until perfectly tender, approximately 3-4 minutes. Drain and reserve.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, roughly 6 minutes. Transfer to a separate plate.
3. In the identical skillet, introduce remaining olive oil. Quickly sauté minced garlic until aromatic, approximately 30 seconds. Introduce bell peppers and zucchini, cooking for 4-5 minutes until edges become slightly caramelized.
4. Incorporate cherry tomatoes and spinach into the vegetable mixture. Cook until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften, around 2 minutes.
5. Create sauce by melting butter in the skillet’s empty section. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking smoothly. Integrate Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper. Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Return cooked chicken to skillet. Fold in reserved tortellini, ensuring every element is thoroughly heated and generously coated with creamy sauce.
7. Plate immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired. Serve piping hot for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by marinating chicken in Italian herbs and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking for deeper taste profiles.
• Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter, lower-calorie version without compromising creamy texture.
• Customize vegetable mix by adding seasonal produce like asparagus, mushrooms, or roasted butternut squash for varied nutrition and color.
• For gluten-free option, replace tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini or swap with zucchini noodles to maintain dish’s delicious essence.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 150mg