Tuscan Chicken Tortellini brings fresh, flavorful Italian vibes right to your kitchen! If you’re dreaming of creamy, savory goodness packed into a dish that’s quick and easy to make, then you’re in for a treat. Imagine a cozy evening where you whip up a delicious dinner in just under 30 minutes, and everyone gathers around the table, eager to dig in. The best part? You can make this delightful meal all in one skillet, which means more time enjoying and less time cleaning up! The combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach creates a satisfying dish with rich Tuscan flavors, perfect for family meals or friendly gatherings. So, if you’re ready to indulge in a recipe that’s hearty yet simple, let’s dive into making this Tuscan Chicken Tortellini masterpiece together!
Why This Recipe Works
This Tuscan Chicken Tortellini recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy and savory flavors. The combination enhances the tortellini, giving it a rich taste that’s simply irresistible. Plus, the quick one-skillet preparation makes clean-up a breeze. Who doesn’t love a meal that doesn’t leave piles of dishes? You’ll also love how versatile the ingredients are; you can easily customize this dish while keeping the authentic flavors of Tuscany intact.
Why You’ll Love This Tuscan Chicken Tortellini
You’ll adore how hearty and comforting this dish is, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The delightful combination of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach not only adds freshness but also brings depth to each bite. What’s more, it feels indulgent, yet you can whip it up in under 30 minutes! It’s a winner for sure!
Ingredients for Tuscan Chicken Tortellini
To recreate this delicious dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, divided
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups (12 ounces) chicken broth
- ¾ cup (178.5 grams) heavy cream
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup (75 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (about 8 whole) sun-dried tomatoes, softened in warm water and chopped
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups (60 grams) fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped for garnish
Preparing the Chicken
Season the Chicken
To get started, take a small bowl and mix together ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, along with the salt and pepper. Once well combined, evenly season the chicken cubes with this mixture, ensuring every piece is flavorful!
Cook the Chicken
Now, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it’s hot enough, add in the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken turns golden brown and fully cooked (reaching a temperature of 165°F). Once that’s done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm by covering it with aluminum foil.
Making the Sauce
Sauté the Garlic
Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. The aroma will fill your kitchen as you add the minced garlic, cooking it for 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant. Garlic lovers will appreciate this step!
Create the Creamy Base
Next, pour in the chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing all those flavors to meld together. Reduce the heat to medium-low, then stir in the heavy cream and softened cream cheese. Whisk until it’s smooth and creamy.
Add Cheese and Tomatoes
Gradually add in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously to avoid any clumping, which can be a bit tricky but totally worth it! Once incorporated, stir in the remaining ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, along with the sun-dried tomatoes and optional red pepper flakes. Let this simmer for about 3-4 minutes, until the sauce slightly thickens.
Combining Flavors
Cook the Tortellini
Now it’s time to add the star of the dish! Toss the refrigerated cheese tortellini directly into the sauce, stirring gently to coat. Let it simmer for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and absorbs that delicious sauce.
Incorporate Chicken and Spinach
Finally, return the cooked chicken and fresh spinach to the skillet. Give everything a good stir to combine the flavors. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the spinach wilts down nicely, and that gorgeous color brightens the dish.
Serving Suggestions
When you’re ready to serve, dish it up hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh basil. For a complete meal, consider pairing this creamy delight with some crusty bread or a light salad!
Tips for Success
To really give your Tuscan Chicken Tortellini the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It melts better and enhances the overall taste. Don’t forget to ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly for food safety—no one wants to worry about undercooked chicken!
Variations
Feel free to get creative! You can substitute the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist or keep things vegetarian by adding in more seasonal vegetables. If you want to switch up the pasta, you could use different shapes like fettuccine or penne.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, do so on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to help revive that creaminess!
Pairing Ideas
For beverages, a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with this dish. A light mixed greens salad dressed with vinaigrette can also enhance your meal, adding a refreshing touch.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, then combine them with the tortellini just before serving for ultimate freshness.
2. What can I substitute for chicken broth?
For a vegetarian-friendly alternative, vegetable broth works perfectly!
3. Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can leave them out if you prefer a milder flavor.
4. Can I freeze Tuscan Chicken Tortellini?
Freezing isn’t recommended since the cream sauce may separate when you reheat.
5. What else can I add to this recipe?
Consider adding seasonal favorites like zucchini or peas for extra veggies and nutrition.
Savor the delightful flavors of this Tuscan Chicken Tortellini recipe, balancing convenience with authentic taste, making it a staple for your weeknight dinners. Enjoy each mouthful as you create a dish that feels indulgent, yet is quick to prepare in just one skillet!
Print
Tuscan Chicken Tortellini
This Tuscan Chicken Tortellini is a quick and delicious meal combining tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a creamy sauce. Perfect for family dinners!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, divided
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups (12 ounces) chicken broth
- ¾ cup (178.5 grams) heavy cream
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup (75 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (about 8 whole) sun-dried tomatoes, softened in warm water and chopped
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups (60 grams) fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
- Melt butter in the same skillet and sauté minced garlic.
- Add chicken broth, simmer, then stir in heavy cream and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes; let simmer until thickened.
- Add the tortellini and cook until tender, about 5-6 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and fresh spinach, simmer until the spinach wilts.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting.
Ensure chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for safety.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 36
- Saturated Fat: 17
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 33
- Cholesterol: 120
