Chicken Tortellini Recipe – American Special
This Chicken Tortellini recipe brings together tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh veggies in a creamy garlic-herb sauce that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. With spinach wilted just right, cherry tomatoes that pop, and Parmesan melting into every bite, it’s hearty yet simple. Ready in around 30 minutes, this dish shines with flavor from basil, oregano, and garlic, offering comfort food that comes together without fuss.
- Prep Time15 min
- Cook Time15 min
- Total Time30 min
Chicken Tortellini Recipe Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (diced or shredded)
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
- 2 cups spinach (fresh or frozen, chopped if large)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook the Tortellini:
Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 2-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken:
If using pre-cooked chicken, dice or shred it into bite-sized pieces. If cooking fresh chicken, season it with salt and pepper, cook in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil until fully cooked, then dice or shred.
Cook the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
Add the spinach and cook until wilted (about 2 minutes).
Combine Ingredients:
Stir in the cooked chicken, cooked tortellini, and chicken broth.
Add the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through.
Finish and Serve:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot.
Recipe Notes:
Chicken Choice & Prep: Use cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover works) to cut down time, or cook fresh chicken in skillet until golden and juicy.
Pasta Doneness: Cook the tortellini just until al dente; overcooking makes it mushy when combined with sauce.
Vegetable Variations: Swap or add vegetables like roasted red peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for more color and nutrition.
Sauce Adjustments: If you prefer a richer sauce, stir in heavy cream; for lighter, use more chicken broth or omit cream altogether.
Cheese Finish: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and brings more flavor than pre-grated; save a bit for topping.
Serving & Leftovers: Serve hot so cheese stays melty. Store leftovers in an airtight container in fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out tortellini or chicken.
