Tuscan Chicken Tortellini Skillet Quick Dinner Delight

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- 2 cups cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh baby spinach, packed - ½ cup heavy cream - ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth - ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning blend To make a tasty Tuscan Chicken Tortellini Skillet, gather these fresh ingredients. Start with cheese tortellini. You can use fresh or frozen. Next, get boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Dice them into small pieces. This helps them cook fast. Extra virgin olive oil adds flavor and helps cook the chicken. Next, for flavor, use garlic, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach. Garlic gives a nice aroma. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness when cooked. Spinach adds color and nutrients. For cooking liquids, use heavy cream and low-sodium chicken broth. These make a rich sauce. Italian seasoning blend adds herbs and spices for extra flavor. This mix will create a creamy, savory dish that feels like a warm hug. Keep these ingredients handy, and you’ll have a quick and enjoyable dinner ready in no time! - First, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. - Once the oil shimmers, add 1 pound of diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the skillet. - Season the chicken with a pinch of salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. - Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes. Turn the pieces often until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. - After the chicken is ready, add 2 finely minced garlic cloves to the skillet. - Sauté the garlic for 1 minute. You want to release its fragrant aroma. - Pour in ½ cup of low-sodium chicken broth and ½ cup of heavy cream. Mix well. - Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, which helps the flavors blend together. - Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes until they soften. - Next, stir in 2 cups of cheese tortellini. If you like spice, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. - Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the tortellini are tender. - Finally, fold in 1 cup of packed fresh baby spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts, which takes about 1-2 minutes. - Taste your dish and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. - Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. - How to achieve the perfect sear on chicken Start with a hot skillet and add olive oil. Use bite-sized chicken pieces for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the pan; it can lower the heat. Cook until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. This step adds flavor and texture. - Tips for cooking tortellini Use fresh or frozen tortellini. Boil water in a large pot and add salt. Cook until tender, usually 3-5 minutes. Drain the tortellini before adding it to the skillet. This keeps them from becoming mushy in the dish. - Ideal serving temperature Serve your Tuscan chicken tortellini hot. This dish shines best when served right after cooking. The creamy sauce and fresh ingredients taste their best at this temperature. - Presentation tips for an elegant finish Use shallow bowls for serving. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add extra cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil for color. A sprig of fresh basil adds a nice touch and aroma. - Options for dairy-free cream Choose coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version. Both options provide a rich texture without dairy. They blend well into the sauce. - Alternatives for chicken or tortellini Use shrimp or sausage if you want a different protein. For a vegetarian option, try mushrooms or tofu. If you can’t find tortellini, use any pasta shape you like. {{image_4}} You can swap chicken for shrimp or sausage. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a sweet taste. Just sauté it in the olive oil until pink. Sausage gives a hearty flavor. Slice it and cook it until browned for a nice crunch. If you want a meat-free dish, mushrooms or tofu work great. Use portobello mushrooms for a meaty texture or firm tofu for protein. Cook them until soft and golden. To boost flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes. They bring a tangy sweetness. Chop them and toss them in with the garlic. You can also try different herbs. Fresh basil or thyme can add freshness. If you want heat, add more red pepper flakes. This will give your dish a nice kick. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free tortellini made from rice or corn. They taste great and cook similarly. For a low-carb choice, use zucchini noodles. Spiralize the zucchini and cook it briefly. This keeps the dish light and fresh while still being delicious. To keep your Tuscan Chicken Tortellini Skillet fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the skillet in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It will stay good for about three days. You can also freeze this dish. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Reheat your leftovers on the stove for the best texture. Use medium heat and add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Stir gently for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. If using a microwave, place the dish in a microwave-safe container. Cover it and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can store this dish in the fridge for three days. If frozen, it can last three months. Look for signs like off smells or mold. If it smells bad or shows any signs of spoilage, it’s best to throw it away. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. To prep, cook the chicken and sauce first. Then, store it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet. Add the tortellini and spinach just before serving to keep them fresh. This way, you save time on busy nights. If you don't have tortellini, there are tasty alternatives. You can use any small pasta like penne or farfalle. Even gnocchi works well! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. These options will still give you a great meal with similar flavors. To kick up the heat, add more red pepper flakes. You can also mix in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. If you want a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika. These choices will give your dish a satisfying spicy punch! This blog post shared a simple and tasty Tuscan Chicken Tortellini Skillet recipe. We covered key ingredients, from cheese tortellini to garlic and spinach. I provided step-by-step instructions for cooking the chicken and building a creamy sauce. You learned tips for great results, ingredient swaps, and healthy variations. Remember, you can make this dish yours by adding your favorite flavors. Enjoy cooking, serving, and sharing this delightful meal!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Craving a simple yet delicious dinner? Try my Tuscan Chicken Tortellini Skillet! This quick dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy tortellini in one pan. With fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes, it’s a flavor explosion you can whip up in just 30 minutes. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this weeknight favorite that’s sure to impress your family!

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 2 cups cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

– 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Flavor Enhancers

– 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 1 cup fresh baby spinach, packed

Cooking Liquids

– ½ cup heavy cream

– ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

– ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

To make a tasty Tuscan Chicken Tortellini Skillet, gather these fresh ingredients. Start with cheese tortellini. You can use fresh or frozen. Next, get boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Dice them into small pieces. This helps them cook fast. Extra virgin olive oil adds flavor and helps cook the chicken.

Next, for flavor, use garlic, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach. Garlic gives a nice aroma. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness when cooked. Spinach adds color and nutrients.

For cooking liquids, use heavy cream and low-sodium chicken broth. These make a rich sauce. Italian seasoning blend adds herbs and spices for extra flavor. This mix will create a creamy, savory dish that feels like a warm hug.

Keep these ingredients handy, and you’ll have a quick and enjoyable dinner ready in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

– First, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

– Once the oil shimmers, add 1 pound of diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the skillet.

– Season the chicken with a pinch of salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning.

– Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes. Turn the pieces often until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.

Building the Sauce

– After the chicken is ready, add 2 finely minced garlic cloves to the skillet.

– Sauté the garlic for 1 minute. You want to release its fragrant aroma.

– Pour in ½ cup of low-sodium chicken broth and ½ cup of heavy cream. Mix well.

– Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, which helps the flavors blend together.

Final Combining

– Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes until they soften.

– Next, stir in 2 cups of cheese tortellini. If you like spice, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes.

– Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the tortellini are tender.

– Finally, fold in 1 cup of packed fresh baby spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts, which takes about 1-2 minutes.

– Taste your dish and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.

– Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

– How to achieve the perfect sear on chicken

Start with a hot skillet and add olive oil. Use bite-sized chicken pieces for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the pan; it can lower the heat. Cook until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. This step adds flavor and texture.

– Tips for cooking tortellini

Use fresh or frozen tortellini. Boil water in a large pot and add salt. Cook until tender, usually 3-5 minutes. Drain the tortellini before adding it to the skillet. This keeps them from becoming mushy in the dish.

Serving Suggestions

– Ideal serving temperature

Serve your Tuscan chicken tortellini hot. This dish shines best when served right after cooking. The creamy sauce and fresh ingredients taste their best at this temperature.

– Presentation tips for an elegant finish

Use shallow bowls for serving. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add extra cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil for color. A sprig of fresh basil adds a nice touch and aroma.

Ingredient Substitutions

– Options for dairy-free cream

Choose coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version. Both options provide a rich texture without dairy. They blend well into the sauce.

– Alternatives for chicken or tortellini

Use shrimp or sausage if you want a different protein. For a vegetarian option, try mushrooms or tofu. If you can’t find tortellini, use any pasta shape you like.

Variations

Different Proteins

You can swap chicken for shrimp or sausage. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a sweet taste. Just sauté it in the olive oil until pink. Sausage gives a hearty flavor. Slice it and cook it until browned for a nice crunch. If you want a meat-free dish, mushrooms or tofu work great. Use portobello mushrooms for a meaty texture or firm tofu for protein. Cook them until soft and golden.

Flavor Profile Adjustments

To boost flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes. They bring a tangy sweetness. Chop them and toss them in with the garlic. You can also try different herbs. Fresh basil or thyme can add freshness. If you want heat, add more red pepper flakes. This will give your dish a nice kick.

Dietary Modifications

If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free tortellini made from rice or corn. They taste great and cook similarly. For a low-carb choice, use zucchini noodles. Spiralize the zucchini and cook it briefly. This keeps the dish light and fresh while still being delicious.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Tuscan Chicken Tortellini Skillet fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the skillet in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It will stay good for about three days. You can also freeze this dish. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. It can last up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating Tips

Reheat your leftovers on the stove for the best texture. Use medium heat and add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Stir gently for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. If using a microwave, place the dish in a microwave-safe container. Cover it and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Shelf Life

You can store this dish in the fridge for three days. If frozen, it can last three months. Look for signs like off smells or mold. If it smells bad or shows any signs of spoilage, it’s best to throw it away.

FAQs

Can I make Tuscan Chicken Tortellini Skillet ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. To prep, cook the chicken and sauce first. Then, store it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet. Add the tortellini and spinach just before serving to keep them fresh. This way, you save time on busy nights.

What can I substitute for tortellini?

If you don’t have tortellini, there are tasty alternatives. You can use any small pasta like penne or farfalle. Even gnocchi works well! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. These options will still give you a great meal with similar flavors.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To kick up the heat, add more red pepper flakes. You can also mix in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. If you want a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika. These choices will give your dish a satisfying spicy punch!

This blog post shared a simple and tasty Tuscan Chicken Tortellini Skillet recipe. We covered key ingredients, from cheese tortellini to garlic and spinach. I provided step-by-step instructions for cooking the chicken and building a creamy sauce. You learned tips for great results, ingredient swaps, and healthy variations. Remember, you can make this dish yours by adding your favorite flavors. Enjoy cooking, serving, and sharing this delightful meal!

- 2 cups cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh baby spinach, packed - ½ cup heavy cream - ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth - ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning blend To make a tasty Tuscan Chicken Tortellini Skillet, gather these fresh ingredients. Start with cheese tortellini. You can use fresh or frozen. Next, get boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Dice them into small pieces. This helps them cook fast. Extra virgin olive oil adds flavor and helps cook the chicken. Next, for flavor, use garlic, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach. Garlic gives a nice aroma. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness when cooked. Spinach adds color and nutrients. For cooking liquids, use heavy cream and low-sodium chicken broth. These make a rich sauce. Italian seasoning blend adds herbs and spices for extra flavor. This mix will create a creamy, savory dish that feels like a warm hug. Keep these ingredients handy, and you’ll have a quick and enjoyable dinner ready in no time! - First, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. - Once the oil shimmers, add 1 pound of diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the skillet. - Season the chicken with a pinch of salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. - Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes. Turn the pieces often until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. - After the chicken is ready, add 2 finely minced garlic cloves to the skillet. - Sauté the garlic for 1 minute. You want to release its fragrant aroma. - Pour in ½ cup of low-sodium chicken broth and ½ cup of heavy cream. Mix well. - Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, which helps the flavors blend together. - Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes until they soften. - Next, stir in 2 cups of cheese tortellini. If you like spice, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. - Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the tortellini are tender. - Finally, fold in 1 cup of packed fresh baby spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts, which takes about 1-2 minutes. - Taste your dish and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. - Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. - How to achieve the perfect sear on chicken Start with a hot skillet and add olive oil. Use bite-sized chicken pieces for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the pan; it can lower the heat. Cook until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. This step adds flavor and texture. - Tips for cooking tortellini Use fresh or frozen tortellini. Boil water in a large pot and add salt. Cook until tender, usually 3-5 minutes. Drain the tortellini before adding it to the skillet. This keeps them from becoming mushy in the dish. - Ideal serving temperature Serve your Tuscan chicken tortellini hot. This dish shines best when served right after cooking. The creamy sauce and fresh ingredients taste their best at this temperature. - Presentation tips for an elegant finish Use shallow bowls for serving. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add extra cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil for color. A sprig of fresh basil adds a nice touch and aroma. - Options for dairy-free cream Choose coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version. Both options provide a rich texture without dairy. They blend well into the sauce. - Alternatives for chicken or tortellini Use shrimp or sausage if you want a different protein. For a vegetarian option, try mushrooms or tofu. If you can’t find tortellini, use any pasta shape you like. {{image_4}} You can swap chicken for shrimp or sausage. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a sweet taste. Just sauté it in the olive oil until pink. Sausage gives a hearty flavor. Slice it and cook it until browned for a nice crunch. If you want a meat-free dish, mushrooms or tofu work great. Use portobello mushrooms for a meaty texture or firm tofu for protein. Cook them until soft and golden. To boost flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes. They bring a tangy sweetness. Chop them and toss them in with the garlic. You can also try different herbs. Fresh basil or thyme can add freshness. If you want heat, add more red pepper flakes. This will give your dish a nice kick. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free tortellini made from rice or corn. They taste great and cook similarly. For a low-carb choice, use zucchini noodles. Spiralize the zucchini and cook it briefly. This keeps the dish light and fresh while still being delicious. To keep your Tuscan Chicken Tortellini Skillet fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the skillet in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It will stay good for about three days. You can also freeze this dish. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Reheat your leftovers on the stove for the best texture. Use medium heat and add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Stir gently for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. If using a microwave, place the dish in a microwave-safe container. Cover it and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can store this dish in the fridge for three days. If frozen, it can last three months. Look for signs like off smells or mold. If it smells bad or shows any signs of spoilage, it’s best to throw it away. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. To prep, cook the chicken and sauce first. Then, store it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet. Add the tortellini and spinach just before serving to keep them fresh. This way, you save time on busy nights. If you don't have tortellini, there are tasty alternatives. You can use any small pasta like penne or farfalle. Even gnocchi works well! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. These options will still give you a great meal with similar flavors. To kick up the heat, add more red pepper flakes. You can also mix in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. If you want a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika. These choices will give your dish a satisfying spicy punch! This blog post shared a simple and tasty Tuscan Chicken Tortellini Skillet recipe. We covered key ingredients, from cheese tortellini to garlic and spinach. I provided step-by-step instructions for cooking the chicken and building a creamy sauce. You learned tips for great results, ingredient swaps, and healthy variations. Remember, you can make this dish yours by adding your favorite flavors. Enjoy cooking, serving, and sharing this delightful meal!

Tuscan Chicken Tortellini Skillet

Savor the deliciousness of this Tuscan Chicken Tortellini Skillet, a quick and easy meal that'll impress your taste buds! Made with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and filled with fresh veggies, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's a flavorful twist that the whole family will love. Don’t wait—click through to discover the full recipe and bring this Italian delight to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh baby spinach, packed

½ cup heavy cream

½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicier kick)

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions
 

In a spacious skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully add the diced chicken. Season with a generous pinch of salt, cracked black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until it turns a lovely golden brown and is cooked through.

    Once the chicken is done, add the minced garlic into the skillet, allowing it to sauté for 1 minute, or until its delicious aroma envelops your kitchen.

      Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, mixing thoroughly to combine both liquids. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, ensuring everything melds together.

        Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, cooking for approximately 3 minutes until they begin to soften and burst slightly, releasing their juicy sweetness.

          Gently stir in the tortellini and the optional red pepper flakes for some heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for about 5-7 minutes or until the tortellini are tender and heated all the way through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

            Finally, fold in the baby spinach, stirring until it wilts down, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.

              Serve the dish hot in shallow bowls, garnished with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for that extra layer of flavor.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve with additional cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil on top. A sprig of fresh basil can also enhance visual appeal and freshness!

                    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?