Name: Chicken Tortellini
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound four cheese tortellini; 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (trimmed to bite-size pieces); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound skinless chicken breast (cut into 1- inch pieces, 2 large); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/2 cup yellow onion (small diced); 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 11/2 cups shredded three-cheese blend ( Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago, divided into 1 cup and ½ cup)

a white dinner plate with a serving of chicken tortellini

Creamy Chicken Tortellini is a quick, delicious dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for satisfying everyone at the table!

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Table of Contents

Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions
How to Make Chicken Tortellini
How to Serve Chicken Tortellini
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Recipe FAQ
Serving FAQ
Storage FAQ
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Table of Contents

Whip up a delicious Chicken Tortellini dinner that's sure to please the whole family! This creamy, cheesy pasta recipe is packed with flavor and comes together quickly. Perfect for busy weeknights, you'll love how easy it is to make this comforting pasta at home.

Follow the easy step-by-step guide below with photos and directions to make this Chicken Tortellini. Discover pro tips and tricks to perfect your dish, plus find answers to frequently asked questions right here.

overhead shot of Chicken Tortellini on a plate

More Recipes ⭐ Cowboy Pasta Salad | Taco Pasta Salad | Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

Get ready to make the best Chicken Tortellini that bakes in just 30 minutes! This creamy, cheesy pasta recipe is perfect for dinner, potlucks, or special occasions. It stands out with rich flavors and a satisfying, hearty texture that everyone will love. You’ll want to make this easy pasta recipe at home again and again because it’s quick, comforting, and absolutely delicious!

Ingredients

What you'll need to make this Chicken Tortellini recipe:

1 pound package of four cheese tortellini
3 cups of fresh broccoli florets, trimmed to bite-size pieces
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 pound (2 large) of boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
½ cup of yellow onion, small diced
1½ tablespoons of fresh garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of salt
½ teaspoon of black pepper
¼ cup of all-purpose flour
2 cups of chicken broth
1 cup of heavy cream
1½ cups of shredded three-cheese blend (Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago), divided into 1 cup and ½ cup

Substitutions and Additions

Personalize your Chicken Tortellini recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding delicious extras! These simple changes can make this American pasta dish uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:

Substitute Cream: Use Alfredo sauce or a lighter cream alternative to change up the richness of your Chicken Tortellini. These easy substitutions and additions can easily be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of this baked chicken pasta.

Substitute Chicken: Use Italian sausage or shrimp for a different flavor.

Substitute Tortellini: Swap cheese tortellini with spinach or mushroom tortellini to add a unique twist to the dish.

Add Vegetables: Toss in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and a healthy boost.

How to Make Chicken Tortellini

Follow along with our pictures, step-by-step instructions, and tips and tricks listed below. Let’s get started on your baked pasta adventure! You'll love how easy and delicious this recipe is to make at home.

FIRST STEP: Boil the four cheese tortellini in a large stock pot according to the package directions.

Pro Tip

Don’t forget to add salt to the water. It adds flavor to the pasta while cooking.

SECOND STEP: During the last two minutes of boiling, add the fresh broccoli florets to the pot of boiling tortellini. Drain the cooked pasta and broccoli florets. Set aside.

broccoli added to the pot of boiling tortellini

THIRD STEP: In a large skillet, on medium-high heat, add the olive oil and chicken pieces.

Cook for six to eight minutes or until the chicken pieces are cooked through and have some golden brown color to them.

chicken cooked in a skillet for 6-8 minute

FOURTH STEP: Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate while you make the sauce.

FIFTH STEP: In the same skillet, with the heat lowered to medium, add the unsalted butter, chopped onion, fresh minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Saute the onion and spices for one minute or until they are soft and fragrant.

SIXTH STEP: Whisk the flour into the butter until all the flour has been absorbed.

SEVENTH STEP: Slowly pour the chicken broth into the skillet.

Be sure you are constantly whisking to remove all lumps from the sauce.

EIGHTH STEP: Whisk the heavy cream into the sauce.

Allow the sauce to bubble and simmer for three to five minutes to thicken the sauce.

NINTH STEP: Whisk one cup of the shredded three-cheese blend into the sauce.

shredded three cheese blend whisked into the sauce

TENTH STEP: Turn off the heat to the skillet and return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet along with the tortellini cheese pasta and broccoli florets.

ELEVENTH STEP: Stir to coat all the pasta, chicken, and broccoli with the sauce.

Pro Tip

When combining the ingredients with the tortellini, make sure to stir carefully to ensure the pasta pockets don’t get broken.

TWELFTH STEP: Garnish the skillet of chicken broccoli tortellini with the remaining ½ cup of the three-cheese blend.

Pro Tip

This chicken broccoli tortellini should be served while it is hot. As this dish cools, the pasta sauce will thicken.

three cheese blend garnish on top of the Chicken Tortellini

How to Serve Chicken Tortellini

Chicken Tortellini is versatile and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special celebration. Here are three delicious ways to serve this recipe:

Family Dinners:
Serve this creamy Chicken Tortellini on a busy weeknight when you need a quick, comforting meal. Pair it with garlic bread and a fresh Caesar salad for a meal that everyone, including the kids, will enjoy.
Special Occasions:
Impress your guests at a holiday gathering or anniversary dinner with this rich, flavorful pasta dish. Complement it with a crisp white wine and a side of roasted vegetables for an elegant touch.
Potlucks and Parties:
Bring this crowd-pleaser to a potluck or party, and watch it disappear in no time! It’s hearty, satisfying, and pairs well with a side of antipasto or a simple caprese salad.

a close up shot of Chicken Tortellini on a skillet with a fork grabbing a piece

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Chicken Tortellini is a beloved favorite for several mouthwatering reasons:

Rich and Creamy Comfort:
This Chicken Tortellini combines tender chicken with creamy sauce and cheese-filled tortellini, creating a rich, comforting dish that satisfies every craving. The velvety sauce perfectly coats each bite, making it a true comfort food classic.
Quick and Easy to Make:
You’ll love how quickly this recipe comes together, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners. In just 30 minutes, you can serve up a delicious baked chicken pasta dinner that feels like it took hours to prepare.
Family-Friendly Favorite:
Kids and adults alike can’t get enough of this dish’s creamy, cheesy goodness. Its mild yet flavorful taste appeals to picky eaters and foodies, ensuring it’s a hit with the whole family.

Chicken Tortellini isn’t just a recipe; it’s a go-to comfort dish that delights everyone at the table!

a close up shot of Chicken Tortellini on a plate

Recipe FAQ

Can I use frozen tortellini for this Chicken Tortellini recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just follow the package directions for cooking before adding to the recipe.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Gradually add more cream or broth while cooking to keep the sauce at your preferred consistency.

What type of chicken works best for Chicken Tortellini?
Cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breast both work well, adding great flavor to the dish.

Can I make this Chicken Tortellini recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop when ready to serve.

Serving FAQ

What size portions should I serve for Chicken Tortellini?
Serve about 1 to 1.5 cups per person for a satisfying meal.

Can I serve Chicken Tortellini at a dinner party?
Yes, ii's a great choice for a dinner party. It's delicious, easy to make, and impressive.

How do I keep Chicken Tortellini warm during serving?
Use a covered dish or chafing dish to keep this baked chicken pasta warm without drying it out.

Should I garnish Chicken Tortellini before serving?
Yes, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley to enhance the flavor and presentation.

Storage FAQ

Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below for optimal storage of your Chicken Tortellini. From making it ahead to reheating, we’ve got you covered

Can I prepare Chicken Tortellini ahead of time?
Yes, cook the chicken and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to a day.

What's the best way to store leftover Chicken Tortellini?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to three days.

Is it possible to freeze Chicken Tortellini?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked Chicken Tortellini in an airtight container for up to one month for best results.

How do I thaw and reheat frozen Chicken Tortellini?
Thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently in a skillet, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Can I reheat Chicken Tortellini in the microwave?
Yes, reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between intervals to avoid overcooking.