Chicken tortelloni begin with a rich tomato-forward sauce that perfectly complements the spinach and juicy chicken. The tortellini pillows offer not just a delightful flavor but also pack a healthy punch with nutrient-dense veggies, making each mouthful both delicious and beneficial.
This dish is a wonderful fusion of comforting and yummy elements, blending lean protein with satisfying carbohydrates. It’s a creamy meal that delivers on both taste and nutrition and ideal for a family dinner.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless cuts, chicken tenderloins, or chicken thighs.
- Seasonings: Use smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to enhance the flavor.
- Flour: A dusting of all-purpose flour helps thicken the sauce and coats the chicken beautifully.
- Butter and oil: Butter adds richness while oil increases the smoke point during cooking.
- Shallot and garlic: Sauté shallot and garlic to infuse a mild delicate flavor.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes marinated in olive oil for a tangy touch.
- Tomato paste: A bit of tomato paste creates a concentrated, creamy tomato sauce.
- Chicken broth: Use chicken broth (or vegetable broth) as the base of the sauce.
- Cheese tortellini: Add fresh, refrigerated, frozen, or dried cheese tortellini.
- Heavy cream: A splash of heavy cream (or whipping cream, double cream) enriches the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.
- Spinach: Toss in fresh spinach for color and a nutrition boost.
- Parmesan cheese: Finish with freshly grated parmesan cheese from a block.
MAKE CHICKEN TORTELLINI: STEP BY STEP
Preparing the Chicken
- First, grab your chicken breasts and cut them into cubes. In a bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Add your chicken, shake to cover, and tap off the excess flour.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add your chicken. Cook until it’s golden brown and ensure it’s cooked through. Then, set aside the chicken on a plate.
Crafting the Sauce
- In the same skillet, toss in minced garlic, shallots and sun dried tomatoes. Let them sizzle a bit. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty bits. Stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, and thyme.
- Let everything simmer until it thickens slightly—this is where all the flavors meld together.
Combining with Tortellini
- Lastly, add frozen tortellini to the skillet. This part is my favorite because it’s when everything starts to come together. Cook until the tortellini are tender and well coated in that deliciously creamy sauce.
- The magic of this dish is in how the simple ingredients marry together. It’s a dish that brings comfort and a touch of gourmet to your dinner table, especially on those chilly evenings!
What to Serve with This Chicken Tortelloni
Simplicity is key. Side salad and Garlic Bread are excellent choices as they complement without overwhelming the main course. These sides balance the creaminess of the tortelloni well, especially if you’re serving a group of hungry people who love to eat. Ideally, aim for reasonable portions to satisfy everyone without overdoing it.
For More Recipes
Why You will Love This Chicken Tortelloni
- Chicken Tortelloni is a true crowd pleaser for your guests.
- Quick and satisfying, ideal for a busy weeknight meal.
- Ideal for a romantic dinner on a cozy date night.
Helpful Tips
- Cook your chicken tortelloni until the internal temperature reaches 165º to ensure it’s both safe and tender.
- Lower the sodium content in your creamy pasta sauces by using unsalted butter and unsalted chicken broth.
- For better texture, grate parmesan cheese from a block. It melts seamlessly into the sauce.
- Enhance the flavor with minced garlic and crumbled bacon.
- Increase the spice with extra red pepper flakes if desired.
Leftover Storage
Store leftovers for 5 days in an airtight container. Add a handful of water when you reheat it. This will adjust the sauce consistency as the tortelloni absorbs the sauce.
