This creamy Italian chicken cheese tortellini is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s filled with tender chicken and cheesy tortellini, all smothered in a rich, creamy sauce.
I love how quickly this dish comes together. Just cook, mix, and serve! Plus, it’s a great way to impress family or friends with minimal fuss—who doesn’t love a cheesy pasta dish?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is the star here. Fresh is fantastic for a quick meal, but if you have frozen on hand, that works great too. You could also use whole wheat or gluten-free tortellini if needed!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy and quick to cook. If you’re in a hurry, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred it and mix it in later!
Heavy Cream: This adds richness, but if you want a lighter option, try half-and-half or even whole milk. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream or a plant-based cream could do the trick.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan makes a difference in taste! If you don’t have any, Pecorino Romano is a good substitute. Nutritional yeast can be used for a vegan option.
How Do I Get the Sauce to Thicken Perfectly?
Thickening your sauce is all about letting it simmer! Here are a few tips:
- After adding the broth and cream, bring it to a gentle simmer. This helps it reduce properly.
- Keep whisking in the Parmesan cheese slowly to ensure it blends well into the sauce.
- Don’t rush it! Let it bubble on low heat for a few minutes to reach that creamy, velvety consistency.
Just remember, if the sauce seems too thin, let it simmer a bit longer until it thickens to your liking. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Creamy Italian Chicken Cheese Tortellini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 pound (450g) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy Italian chicken cheese tortellini takes about 30 minutes total! You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and cooking the chicken, then another 15-20 minutes cooking the dish, mixing everything until deliciously creamy. Super quick for a comforting meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the cheese tortellini. Follow the package instructions for cooking, usually about 3-5 minutes until they’re tender and al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you work on the sauce.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. While it heats, season the diced chicken pieces with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook the chicken, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet (no need to clean it, that’s where all the flavor is!), add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to mix them well. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Combine and Thicken:
Now, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and if you like a bit of heat, the crushed red pepper flakes. Let this bubble softly for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken up nicely.
5. Bring It All Together:
Time to reunite everything! Add the cooked chicken and tortellini back into the skillet. If you decided to use fresh spinach, toss it in now and stir until it wilts, about 2 minutes. Everything should be covered in that wonderful creamy sauce.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Give your creamy tortellini a taste and adjust the seasoning with a little more salt or pepper if needed. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving. Enjoy your deliciously creamy Italian chicken cheese tortellini warm!
FAQ for Creamy Italian Chicken Cheese Tortellini
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp, ground turkey, or even cubed tofu for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it’s fully cooked through.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’d like a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream or an unsweetened non-dairy alternative works well, adding a slightly different flavor profile.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to restore creaminess.
