chicken tortellini with veggies

This recipe for a Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Veggies tastes absolutely delicious!

It’s a meal that’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion.

With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a medley of colorful veggies, it’s bound to become a family favorite dinner.

Give it a try, and let your taste buds thank you!

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Tortellini with Veggies

To complement your Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Veggies and create a well-rounded meal, consider these serving suggestions:

Garlic Bread:

  • Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread or garlic knots to soak up the creamy sauce. You can make your own by spreading a mixture of butter, minced garlic, and parsley on sliced bread, then toasting it in the oven.

Green Salad:

  • A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs well with the richness of the tortellini. Consider a simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, topped with a balsamic or lemon vinaigrette.

Roasted Vegetables:

  • Serve with a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. Roasting enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables and adds a nice contrast to the creamy pasta.

Wine Pairing:

  • A light white wine such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay complements the flavors of the dish. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a splash of lemon or lime is refreshing.

Antipasto Platter:

  • Start the meal with an antipasto platter featuring a variety of cheeses, cured meats, olives, artichokes, and roasted red peppers. This adds a festive touch and provides a variety of flavors and textures.

Soup:

  • A light soup like minestrone, tomato basil, or Italian wedding soup makes a great starter. It can be a comforting and delicious way to begin the meal.

Caprese Salad:

  • A simple Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and balsamic glaze adds a refreshing and colorful element to the meal.

Fruit Salad:

  • A fresh fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can be a light and refreshing dessert to balance the richness of the tortellini.

Herb Garnish:

  • Garnish the dish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added color and flavor. You can also sprinkle a bit of extra grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Breadsticks:

  • Serve with homemade or store-bought breadsticks. These are perfect for dipping in the creamy sauce and add a crunchy texture to the meal.

By incorporating these serving suggestions, you can elevate your meal and enjoy a delightful dining experience with your creamy chicken tortellini with veggies. Enjoy!

close up chicken tortellini with veggies

Cooking Tips

Here are some cooking tips to help you make the best Chicken Tortellini with Veggies:

Perfectly Cooked Tortellini:

  • Al Dente: Cook the tortellini just until al dente according to the package instructions. Overcooking can make them mushy, especially when combined with the sauce and veggies.
  • Drain Properly: After cooking, drain the tortellini well to prevent excess water from diluting the creamy sauce.

Flavorful Chicken:

  • Season Well: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before cooking to infuse them with flavor.
  • Cook Evenly: Cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Cook over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through.

Veggie Preparation:

  • Even Slices: Cut the vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking. Dice bell peppers and slice zucchini into half-moons.
  • Sauté at High Heat: Sauté vegetables over medium-high heat to get a nice char and maintain a slight crunch.

Creamy Sauce:

  • Thickening the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes to thicken. If it’s too thin, let it reduce a bit longer; if too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream.
  • Combine Ingredients Gradually: Add the cream and Parmesan cheese gradually to the sauce, stirring continuously to ensure a smooth texture.

Balancing Flavors:

  • Lemon Juice: Add lemon juice to the sauce for a bright, fresh note that balances the richness of the cream.
  • Taste and Adjust: Continuously taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning as needed.

Combining Ingredients:

  • Warm Tortellini: Ensure the tortellini is warm when adding it to the sauce. Cold tortellini can lower the temperature of the dish and affect the consistency of the sauce.
  • Gentle Tossing: Toss the tortellini, chicken, and veggies gently in the sauce to avoid breaking the tortellini or crushing the vegetables.

Fresh Herbs and Garnishes:

  • Fresh Herbs: Use fresh basil or parsley for garnishing just before serving to add color and a burst of fresh flavor.
  • Extra Parmesan: Have extra grated Parmesan on hand for serving to add a final touch of savory goodness.

Time Management:

  • Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables and grate cheese ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
  • Simultaneous Cooking: Cook the chicken and veggies simultaneously in separate pans if you’re comfortable multitasking. This can save time.

Leftovers:

  • Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.
  • Refreshing the Dish: If the dish becomes too thick after storing, add a bit of chicken broth or cream while reheating to restore the creamy consistency.

By following these cooking tips, you’ll ensure your Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Veggies turns out delicious, well-balanced, and visually appealing every time.

Enjoy your cooking!

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components in advance and assemble them just before serving. It also stores well in the fridge for a couple of days.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the tortellini for another type of pasta like penne or fusilli.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy milk alternative like almond milk. Just keep in mind that it might alter the creaminess of the sauce.

chicken tortellini with veggies

Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Veggies

This creamy chicken tortellini with veggies is a delightful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and a medley of colorful vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce.
Perfect for a satisfying dinner!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 653 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken and Tortellini:

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 package 20 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Veggies:

  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper diced
  • 1 medium zucchini sliced into half-moons
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Tortellini:
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Cook the Chicken:
    While the tortellini is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
    Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • Sauté the Veggies:
    In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
    Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
    Add the diced bell peppers and zucchini. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften.
    Add the cherry tomatoes and spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are slightly softened, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
    In the skillet with the veggies, push them to one side and add the butter to the other side of the skillet.
    Once the butter is melted, add the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
    Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
  • Combine Everything:
    Add the cooked chicken and tortellini to the skillet with the veggies and sauce. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
  • Serve:
    Serve the creamy chicken tortellini with veggies hot. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

Notes

Tips & Tricks:

  • Chicken Alternatives: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time.
  • Vegetable Variations: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables such as broccoli, mushrooms, or asparagus.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken and veggies ahead of time and refrigerate. Combine with cooked tortellini and sauce just before serving.
  • Creamy Sauce: For a richer sauce, increase the amount of heavy cream. For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead.
Keyword Chicken Tortellini and Veggies, Chicken Tortellini with Veggies

One Comment

  1. 5 stars
    All I can say is this…MAKE IT. I added some Voodoo Season from Meat Church which is always fab. I also used half and half but added cornstarch slurry to thicken the side OMG yussssss…

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