If you’re in search of a hearty and comforting dinner that doesn’t require numerous dishes, the Creamy Chicken and Tortellini Skillet might become your go-to weeknight meal. This dish includes tender, seasoned chicken, cheese tortellini, sweet onions, and garlic, all mixed in a smooth Parmesan cream sauce. It offers lean protein and spinach, making it a complete meal that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity; everything cooks in one skillet, providing great flavor with little effort and easy cleanup. The chicken is seasoned and coated in flour to help thicken the sauce without needing to make a roux separately. You can add the frozen tortellini directly to the skillet without precooking it. The cream is added after cooling the broth slightly to maintain a smooth sauce, and it’s left a bit loose since the tortellini will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, which is great for leftovers.
Frozen spinach is an economical addition to this recipe, as it can be added directly from the freezer without any chopping, allowing for a restaurant-quality meal without high costs or extensive prep time. For those who prefer a vegetarian option, the chicken can be omitted and the chicken broth substituted, or you can try a spinach tortellini skillet instead.
Here are some tips for success: using a mix of butter and olive oil is beneficial. The olive oil coats the skillet for sautéing, while butter adds rich flavor to the sauce. It’s important to keep the heat at medium, as butter can burn when heated with oil. Make sure the chicken is cut into even, generous pieces, as smaller bits may dry out during cooking. The chicken should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Use the tortellini straight from the freezer; do not thaw or boil it beforehand. This recipe is designed to work with frozen tortellini, and thawing can result in a different cooking time and mushy pasta. Cooking times may vary by brand, so ensure the tortellini is tender throughout before serving.
Once you add the heavy cream and Parmesan, keep the heat at medium-low for a gentle simmer. You want small bubbles, as too much heat can reduce the sauce too quickly or make the cheese grainy. Stir gently to keep the tortellini intact.
Feel free to customize your skillet by adding peas or swapping spinach for them. Asparagus or broccoli florets would also be tasty options for extra flavors or substitutes.
What are your favorite ingredients to add to a creamy skillet dish?
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Source: Budget Bytes, by Jess Rice