Disgustingly Delicious Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet: 30

Ugh, weeknights. Am I right? Between school, sports, and just…life, sometimes dinner feels like a Herculean task. That’s when I reach for recipes that are fast, easy, and (most importantly) that my whole family will actually *eat*. And let me tell you, this Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet? It’s a lifesaver!

Seriously, if you’re looking for simple chicken recipes, this is it. We’re talking minimal prep, maximum flavor, and only one pan to wash – hallelujah! It’s my go-to when I need a quick dinner idea that doesn’t involve ordering takeout (again!). The creamy sauce, the cheesy tortellini, the tender chicken…it’s just pure comfort food. Plus, I’ve been cooking this for my crew for years, tweaking it until it’s absolutely perfect. Trust me, even your pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds of this creamy chicken tortellini skillet!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet

Okay, so why is this Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet such a winner? Let me break it down for you:

• Ready in just 30 minutes! Seriously, from fridge to table that fast.
• One-pan cleanup? Yes, please! More time for Netflix, less time scrubbing.
• Totally kid-friendly. My kids devour this, and yours will too. Trust me!
• Super customizable. Add your favorite veggies, swap out the cheese…make it your own!
• Uses simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. No fancy grocery store trips needed.
• Perfect for those crazy busy weeknights when you need a quick dinner idea.

Basically, if you’re searching for simple chicken recipes that deliver big flavor with minimal effort, look no further!

Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet Ingredients

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet. Don’t worry if you’re missing something, the beauty of this recipe is you can adapt!

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into about 1-inch bite-sized pieces. I like using breasts, but thighs work great too!
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – the secret weapon for that classic Italian flavor.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – because everything’s better with garlic!
• ¼ teaspoon salt – or more, to taste!
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground is always best, if you have it!
• 1 (19-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini – I usually grab the Bertolli brand, but any kind works!
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained – Rotel is my go-to for a little kick!
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened – full-fat cream cheese is best for that super creamy sauce, but low-fat will work in a pinch.
• ½ cup milk – I use whole milk for extra richness, but 2% is totally fine too.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – freshly grated is *always* better, trust me!
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, for garnish – adds a pop of fresh flavor and makes it look fancy!

How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet

Okay, ready to get cooking? This Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet is so simple, you’ll be amazed! Just follow these easy steps, and dinner will be on the table in no time.

Cooking the Chicken for Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet

First things first, let’s get that chicken cooked! Grab your large skillet and drizzle in the olive oil. Crank the heat to medium-high. Once the oil is shimmering (careful, it can splatter!), toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces. Now, don’t overcrowd the pan, okay? Give them some room to brown properly. Sprinkle on that Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully browned – about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s no longer pink inside. Set the chicken aside for a sec. We’ll add it back in later!

Combining Ingredients to Make Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet

Now for the magic! Reduce the heat to medium. Throw in the tortellini, diced tomatoes and green chiles (don’t drain them!), cream cheese, and milk into the skillet. Give it a good stir to combine everything. The cream cheese will take a little coaxing to melt, but don’t worry, it’ll get there. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook until the tortellini is tender and the cream cheese is completely melted into a luscious, creamy sauce – about 5-7 minutes. Make sure you stir it occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom. Nobody wants burnt tortellini!

Finishing the Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet

Almost there! Stir the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the tortellini and creamy sauce. Then, sprinkle in that glorious Parmesan cheese. Give it another good stir until the cheese is melted and everything is nicely combined. Finally, garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil. And that’s it! Serve immediately and watch everyone’s faces light up. Seriously, this Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet

Want to make this Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet *amazing*? Of course, you do! Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned along the way:

• Don’t overcook the tortellini! Mushy tortellini is a no-go. Cook it just until it’s tender, not falling apart.
• Use good quality cream cheese. Trust me, it makes a difference in the sauce! The cheaper stuff just doesn’t melt as well.
• Adjust the seasoning to *your* taste. Like it spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes! Want more garlic? Go for it!
• If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of pasta water (before you drain the tortellini!) or a little extra milk to thin it out.

Follow these tips, and you’ll be a Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet pro in no time!

Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet Variations

Okay, so you’ve made the basic Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet and loved it? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and try some fun variations! The possibilities are endless, really, but here are a few of my faves:

• Add a bunch of spinach or other veggies! Seriously, throw in a handful or two of baby spinach right at the end. It wilts down super quick and adds a healthy boost. Bell peppers, mushrooms, even chopped broccoli would be delicious!
• Switch up the cheese! Instead of just Parmesan, try adding some shredded mozzarella or provolone for extra gooeyness. Or, for a sharper flavor, a little bit of Asiago would be amazing!
• Spice it up! If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch (or more!) of red pepper flakes to the skillet. Or, use a can of Rotel with hotter chiles for an extra kick!
• Use ground chicken! If you don’t have chicken breasts on hand, ground chicken works perfectly! Just brown it in the skillet the same way you would the chicken pieces. Easy peasy!

Seriously, don’t be afraid to experiment and make this Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet your own!

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet

Alright, so you’ve got this amazing Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet ready to go…but what do you serve with it? Honestly, it’s pretty darn good on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out the meal:

• A simple side salad. Something light and fresh to balance out the richness of the skillet.
• Garlic bread! I mean, come on, who can resist garlic bread with pasta?
• Steamed vegetables. Broccoli, green beans, asparagus…whatever you’re in the mood for!

Basically, anything that complements the flavors of the Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet will work. But honestly? Just grab a fork and dig in!

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet

Got questions about this Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet? I bet you do! Here are a few of the most common ones I get asked. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Can I use frozen tortellini in Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet?

Yep, you totally can! But keep in mind, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Just keep an eye on it and make sure the tortellini is cooked through and tender before you dig in. Nobody wants crunchy frozen bits!

Can I make Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet ahead of time?

Okay, so technically, you *can* make this Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet ahead of time, but honestly, it’s best served fresh. The tortellini can get a little mushy if it sits in the sauce for too long. But if you’re short on time, go for it! Just be sure to store it properly in the fridge and reheat it gently. It still tastes pretty darn good!

What kind of chicken should I use for Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are my go-to for this recipe. They cook quickly and evenly, and they’re super versatile. But hey, if you’ve got leftover baked chicken or even ground chicken on hand, those will work too! Just use what you’ve got – that’s the beauty of simple chicken recipes like this one!

Storing and Reheating Your Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop your Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just microwave it until it’s heated through, or warm it up in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk if it seems a little dry! Easy peasy!

Nutritional Information for Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet

Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s a *very* rough estimate of the nutritional info for one serving of this Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet. Keep in mind, these are just estimates, and they can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use. But hey, it’s good to have a general idea, right?

• Calories: ~450
• Fat: ~25g
• Protein: ~20g
• Carbs: ~35g

So, yeah, it’s not exactly a “diet” food, but it’s packed with protein and flavor! And honestly? Sometimes you just need a little comfort food in your life. Enjoy!

Enjoy Your Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet

Okay, my friend, it’s your turn! Go whip up this Creamy Chicken Tortellini Skillet and tell me what you think! Seriously, leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Did you add any fun variations? Don’t forget to give it a rating, too! And hey, if you snap a pic, share it on social media – tag me so I can see your masterpiece!

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