Creamy Garlic Chicken Tortellini Skillet Easy Meal

October 21, 2025March 20, 2025 by Emma

Looking for a quick and tasty dinner idea? This Creamy Garlic Chicken Tortellini Skillet is your answer! It’s easy to make and full of flavor. You’ll love how fresh tortellini, tender chicken, and creamy sauce come together in just one pan. Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Dive into my step-by-step guide and learn how to whip up this delicious meal in no time!

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Why I Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich and Creamy: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan creates a luxuriously creamy sauce that coats the tortellini beautifully.
Flavor Packed: With garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh spinach, each bite is bursting with flavor.
Versatile Ingredients: This dish can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables or protein options for added variety.

Ingredients

List of Main Ingredients

– 2 cups fresh cheese tortellini

– 1 lb diced chicken breast

– 3 tablespoons olive oil

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

Other Ingredients

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 cup chicken broth

– 1 cup chopped spinach

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– Salt and pepper to taste

Garnishing Options

– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

The right ingredients are key to making creamy garlic chicken tortellini skillet shine. Start with fresh cheese tortellini. This gives your dish a nice texture. Use diced chicken breast for protein. Chicken cooks fast and stays juicy. Olive oil adds flavor and helps cook the chicken.

Minced garlic is a must. It brings a strong, tasty aroma. For the sauce, heavy cream gives it a rich and creamy finish. Chicken broth adds depth to the flavor. Spinach adds color and nutrients. Italian seasoning brings all the flavors together. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance the taste.

For garnishing, I love using grated Parmesan cheese. It melts beautifully and adds a nice bite. Fresh basil on top looks great and adds a fresh taste. This combination of ingredients makes a meal that is both simple and delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

– Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it hot enough to cook the chicken well.

– Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season it with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes. It should turn golden brown and be fully cooked. Use a spatula to stir it often for even cooking.

Making the Sauce

– Once the chicken is cooked, add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté them for 1-2 minutes. The garlic will smell amazing and add great flavor.

– Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir everything together to blend the flavors. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will help the sauce thicken a bit.

Cooking the Tortellini

– Now, add 2 cups of fresh cheese tortellini to the skillet. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

– When the tortellini is tender, stir in 1 cup of chopped spinach and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is well mixed. Enjoy the creamy goodness!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F. This keeps it juicy and safe to eat. Cook it until golden brown. This adds flavor and texture.

For a creamy sauce, don’t rush the simmering step. Allow the heavy cream and chicken broth to blend well. Stir often to prevent sticking. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. This helps keep it silky and smooth.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need an alternative for heavy cream, consider using half-and-half or coconut cream. This makes the dish lighter but still tasty. You can also try Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

When it comes to tortellini, fresh is best for this dish. However, if you have frozen tortellini, that works too. Just increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes. Always check the package for specific cooking times.

Serving Suggestions

Pair creamy garlic chicken tortellini with a simple side salad. A light green salad enhances the meal without overpowering it. Garlic bread is another great choice. It complements the flavors and adds crunch.

For storage, keep any leftovers in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, use low heat on the stove. This helps maintain the sauce’s creaminess.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Tortellini: Fresh tortellini offers a superior texture and flavor compared to dried. If you can find it, opt for fresh for the best results!
Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with additional chicken broth or use a light cream alternative.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added color and nutrition.
Leftover Storage: This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to prevent the tortellini from becoming mushy.

Variations

Protein Alternatives

You can switch up the protein in this dish. If you want to use shrimp, it cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. Just sauté the shrimp until they turn pink. Tofu is a great vegetarian option. Use firm tofu, and sauté it until golden. Both choices work well with the creamy sauce.

Sauce Variations

Want to make the sauce even richer? Add sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor. They bring a sweet and tangy taste that pairs well with the cream. You can also try different cheeses. Mixing in goat cheese or mozzarella can change the texture and taste. Experiment with what you have on hand!

Adjusting Flavor Profiles

To spice things up, add red pepper flakes. This will give the dish a nice kick without overwhelming it. You can also enhance the flavor with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. These herbs add a fragrant touch and elevate the dish. Remember to taste as you go, and adjust to your liking!

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Always let it cool down before sealing.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze, place the cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. You can keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Best Practices for Reheating

To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce creamy. Stir it gently to avoid a watery sauce. You can also microwave it but stir every minute for even heating.

FAQs

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or coconut cream. Half-and-half gives a creamy texture but has less fat than heavy cream. Coconut cream works well too, adding a slight coconut flavor. Both options keep the dish rich and delicious.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. Cook the chicken and make the sauce. Then, store them separately from the tortellini. When ready to eat, cook the tortellini and combine everything. This method keeps it fresh and tasty.

How long does creamy garlic chicken tortellini last in the fridge?

This dish lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Always store it in an airtight container. Check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. If it looks or smells strange, throw it away.

This blog covered a delicious creamy garlic chicken tortellini recipe. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and handy tips for success. You learned about ingredient substitutions, variations, and how to store leftovers properly.

Cooking should be fun and simple. I hope you feel ready to try this recipe. Enjoy making this tasty dish, and don’t hesitate to get creative with flavors! Your kitchen adventures awai

$- 2 cups fresh cheese tortellini - 1 lb diced chicken breast - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup chopped spinach - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil for garnish (optional) The right ingredients are key to making creamy garlic chicken tortellini skillet shine. Start with fresh cheese tortellini. This gives your dish a nice texture. Use diced chicken breast for protein. Chicken cooks fast and stays juicy. Olive oil adds flavor and helps cook the chicken. Minced garlic is a must. It brings a strong, tasty aroma. For the sauce, heavy cream gives it a rich and creamy finish. Chicken broth adds depth to the flavor. Spinach adds color and nutrients. Italian seasoning brings all the flavors together. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance the taste. For garnishing, I love using grated Parmesan cheese. It melts beautifully and adds a nice bite. Fresh basil on top looks great and adds a fresh taste. This combination of ingredients makes a meal that is both simple and delicious. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it hot enough to cook the chicken well. - Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season it with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes. It should turn golden brown and be fully cooked. Use a spatula to stir it often for even cooking. - Once the chicken is cooked, add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté them for 1-2 minutes. The garlic will smell amazing and add great flavor. - Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir everything together to blend the flavors. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will help the sauce thicken a bit. - Now, add 2 cups of fresh cheese tortellini to the skillet. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - When the tortellini is tender, stir in 1 cup of chopped spinach and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is well mixed. Enjoy the creamy goodness! To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F. This keeps it juicy and safe to eat. Cook it until golden brown. This adds flavor and texture. For a creamy sauce, don’t rush the simmering step. Allow the heavy cream and chicken broth to blend well. Stir often to prevent sticking. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. This helps keep it silky and smooth. If you need an alternative for heavy cream, consider using half-and-half or coconut cream. This makes the dish lighter but still tasty. You can also try Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. When it comes to tortellini, fresh is best for this dish. However, if you have frozen tortellini, that works too. Just increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes. Always check the package for specific cooking times. Pair creamy garlic chicken tortellini with a simple side salad. A light green salad enhances the meal without overpowering it. Garlic bread is another great choice. It complements the flavors and adds crunch. For storage, keep any leftovers in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, use low heat on the stove. This helps maintain the sauce's creaminess. Pro Tips Use Fresh Tortellini: Fresh tortellini offers a superior texture and flavor compared to dried. If you can find it, opt for fresh for the best results! Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with additional chicken broth or use a light cream alternative. Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added color and nutrition. Leftover Storage: This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to prevent the tortellini from becoming mushy. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. If you want to use shrimp, it cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. Just sauté the shrimp until they turn pink. Tofu is a great vegetarian option. Use firm tofu, and sauté it until golden. Both choices work well with the creamy sauce. Want to make the sauce even richer? Add sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor. They bring a sweet and tangy taste that pairs well with the cream. You can also try different cheeses. Mixing in goat cheese or mozzarella can change the texture and taste. Experiment with what you have on hand! To spice things up, add red pepper flakes. This will give the dish a nice kick without overwhelming it. You can also enhance the flavor with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. These herbs add a fragrant touch and elevate the dish. Remember to taste as you go, and adjust to your liking! Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Always let it cool down before sealing. To freeze, place the cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. You can keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce creamy. Stir it gently to avoid a watery sauce. You can also microwave it but stir every minute for even heating. You can use half-and-half or coconut cream. Half-and-half gives a creamy texture but has less fat than heavy cream. Coconut cream works well too, adding a slight coconut flavor. Both options keep the dish rich and delicious. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. Cook the chicken and make the sauce. Then, store them separately from the tortellini. When ready to eat, cook the tortellini and combine everything. This method keeps it fresh and tasty. This dish lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Always store it in an airtight container. Check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. If it looks or smells strange, throw it away. This blog covered a delicious creamy garlic chicken tortellini recipe. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and handy tips for success. You learned about ingredient substitutions, variations, and how to store leftovers properly. Cooking should be fun and simple. I hope you feel ready to try this recipe. Enjoy making this tasty dish, and don't hesitate to get creative with flavors! Your kitchen adventures await!$