Pin it
My Love-At-First-Bite Chicken Tortellini has turned into a household favorite. The real wow factor comes when juicy chicken chunks mix with stuffed pasta pockets, all bathed in a rich sun dried tomato cream blend. I've cooked this so many times now and it never fails to turn an ordinary evening into something worth celebrating.
Why This Dish Stands Out
I'm crazy about how this meal transforms everyday items into something that tastes like you spent hours at a high-end eatery. The sauce gets amazing flavor from those oil-packed sun dried tomatoes, while the tortellini and wilted spinach make it hearty enough on its own. And guess what? You'll only dirty one pan making it.
Key Components
- Chicken: I chop mine into chunks with Italian seasoning sprinkled all over—it cooks up so juicy and packed with taste.
- Cheese Tortellini: The ones from the fridge section or fresh varieties both shine in this creation.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These tiny taste explosions packed in olive oil totally transform the sauce.
- Spinach: Tender baby spinach brightens everything up and makes the meal feel more wholesome.
- Heavy Cream: It's what gives us that dreamy, smooth sauce texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Block cheese you grate yourself tastes worlds better than the pre-shredded stuff.
Cooking Instructions
- Season and Dredge Chicken:
- Slice chicken into equal bite-sized chunks, add your seasonings, then toss lightly in flour.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Warm up butter with a splash of olive oil and brown those chicken pieces until they turn golden.
- Build the Sauce:
- Toss in your flavorful bits with those sun dried tomatoes, stir in tomato paste and broth while scraping the tasty stuck-on parts.
- Simmer Tortellini:
- Dump the pasta straight into your bubbling sauce, pop a lid on and let it soften.
- Finish and Serve:
- Return chicken to the pan with handfuls of spinach, pour in cream and shower with Parmesan, then scatter fresh basil on top.
Insider Tricks
Don't skimp on buying real Parmesan—it completely changes the taste. Cut your ingredients roughly the same size for balanced bites. I sometimes swap in spicy sausage or throw in extra veggies like sliced mushrooms. A tiny sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds just enough heat to wake up your taste buds.
Storage Advice
This dish stays good in your fridge for around five days. The tortellini will drink up some of that sauce overnight, so when warming it up, just add a tiny bit of water to bring back its creaminess. Low heat on the stove works way better than the microwave.
FAQs
Can I make this gluten-free? For sure—swap in your go-to gluten free pasta and use rice flour for the chicken. Want it vegetarian? Just leave out the chicken, use vegetable stock instead, and you'll still have an amazing meal. Storing leftovers? Stick them in a sealed container and they'll last nearly a week, but remember to add a splash of water when heating them back up.
Perfect Pairings
We usually eat this with a basic green salad or some oven-roasted broccoli on the side. Don't miss the chance to grab some crusty garlic bread for mopping up that incredible sauce. Pour yourself a cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc to really set the mood.
The Crowd Pleaser
This meal hits all the right notes—luscious sauce, tender chicken pieces, stuffed pasta and bright green spinach all coming together without tons of pots and pans. It's fancy when you need to impress but simple enough for a weeknight dinner, and that's why everyone keeps asking for it.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What's the best way to reheat it?
- Add a bit of water when heating to keep the sauce creamy since tortellini tends to soak it up.
- → Can I use more or less tortellini?
- Yes, just tweak the broth amount depending on how much tortellini you use.
- → Why cut the chicken small?
- Smaller pieces cook evenly and much faster, cutting your total cook time.
- → Can I switch out the veggies?
- Sure! Quick-cooking options can replace spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, depending on your taste.
- → What pan works the best?
- A big nonstick or cast iron skillet does a great job keeping things even and prevents sticking.