Imagine a mouthwatering meal that combines tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and vibrant vegetables - all prepared in just one skillet with minimal cleanup! This incredibly easy and delicious Chicken Tortellini Dinner is about to become your new weeknight superhero, transforming ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-quality feast in just 30 minutes. Whether you're a busy parent, a working professional, or simply someone who loves incredible flavor without complicated cooking techniques, this recipe is your ticket to an instant family favorite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 package cheese tortellini
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cutting chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes, halving cherry tomatoes, and measuring out the chicken broth and tortellini.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breast and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned and nearly cooked through.
- Pour the chicken broth into the skillet with the chicken. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, ensuring the broth covers most of the chicken pieces.
- Add the cheese tortellini directly into the skillet with the chicken and broth. Stir gently to combine and ensure the tortellini are mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and have absorbed most of the broth.
- Uncover the skillet and add halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Stir gently to incorporate and allow the spinach to wilt, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the remaining liquid to be absorbed and flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, garnishing each portion with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The dish should have a creamy, slightly saucy consistency.
Tips
- Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Use medium-high heat initially to achieve a nice golden brown on the chicken, which adds depth of flavor.
- Make sure to stir gently when adding tortellini to prevent breaking the delicate pasta.
- Don't rush the cooking process - letting the tortellini absorb the broth creates a creamy, rich sauce naturally.
- Fresh ingredients make a huge difference: use fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes for maximum flavor.
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh right before serving for the most vibrant taste and melting potential.
- If the dish seems too dry, you can always add a splash more chicken broth to maintain moisture.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to fully develop and sauce to thicken.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
