Description

Creamy Chicken Tortellini is a cozy, flavorful, and satisfying dinner combining tender shredded chicken, soft cheese tortellini, and a rich creamy sauce made with shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal). This quick and easy meal is perfect for wholesome weeknight dinners and loved by the whole family.

Ingredients

Pasta and Protein

Fresh or frozen cheese tortellini – about 12 oz
Cooked chicken breast, shredded – 2 cups

Sauce

Shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) – 1 cup
Heavy cream or plant-based cream – 1 cup
Chicken broth – 1 cup
Olive oil or butter – 2 tablespoons
Garlic, minced – 2 cloves
Onion, finely chopped – 1 small

Greens and Seasoning

Fresh spinach or kale – 2 cups
Salt – to taste
Pepper – to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Cook chicken breasts by poaching or sautéing until fully cooked and tender. Shred the chicken using two forks to ensure even distribution throughout the dish.
Cook the Tortellini: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook tortellini according to package directions, usually 3-5 minutes. Drain, reserving one cup of pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency.
Make the Creamy Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil or butter. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add chicken broth and heavy or plant-based cream, stirring until combined and warmed through. Gradually add shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth and rich.
Combine Chicken, Tortellini, and Greens: Add shredded chicken and fresh spinach or kale to the sauce. Allow greens to wilt gently. Toss in cooked tortellini and stir well to coat all ingredients evenly. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce thickness as desired.
Final Seasoning: Season the dish with salt, pepper, and optional fresh herbs or spices. Stir again and remove from heat. Ready to serve.

Notes

Use chicken breast for lean protein; chicken thighs add juiciness if preferred.
Choose shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) for the ideal creamy texture and melt.
Undercook tortellini slightly to prevent mushiness when mixed with sauce.
Use reserved pasta water to loosen thickened sauce after cooling.
Add greens like spinach or kale just before serving to retain their vibrant color and freshness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: creamy chicken tortellini, easy dinner, comfort food, creamy pasta, chicken pasta recipe, weeknight meal, family-friendly dinner