Why You’ll Love Creamy Tortellini

Just picture yourself digging into a plate of tender pasta, each piece coated in a rich, velvety cream sauce bursting with flavor. The golden-seared chicken breast melts in your mouth, while its savory juices merge with the sauce—a delightful combination with hints of garlic and freshly grated Parmesan. Each bite offers a divine balance of creamy and cheesy goodness.

• Hearty Comfort Food: This is the kind of dish you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Who can resist cheesy pasta draped in a creamy sauce, adorned with sun-dried tomatoes?
• Effortless One-Pot Recipe: Cooking in one pot means minimal cleanup. Everything, including the pasta, comes together in one skillet!
• Family-Friendly: This pasta dish is a hit among kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s easy to customize according to your taste preferences.

Ingredients You Need

NOTE: The full list of ingredients with measurements is provided in the recipe card below.

• Chicken Breasts: For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. If you prefer, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but be mindful of the longer cooking time.
• Cheese Tortellini: Fresh cheese tortellini is my go-to, though you can opt for frozen varieties or even spinach tortellini for a slight twist.
• Onion: A white onion is ideal, but a yellow onion can work just fine too.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for the best flavor!
• Sun-dried Tomatoes: I prefer sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. Remember to drain them before adding! If using non-oil-packed, hydrate them in water first.
• Tomato Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought tomato sauce; it works perfectly here.
• Heavy Cream: This is essential for the creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is always best. Purchase a block and grate it yourself for maximum flavor.
• Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil enhances the dish before serving.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: This is my preferred cooking oil for this recipe.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter for a more controlled flavor.
• Seasonings: Don’t forget Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and fresh black pepper!

Recipe Tips, Variations, and Shortcuts

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an even quicker prep, feel free to use rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken you have.
• Substitute Pasta: While cheese tortellini adds great flavor and comfort, you can use penne, rigatoni, farfalle, or fettuccine—whatever you have on hand!
• Add More Veggies: Want to sneak in some greens? Toss in fresh baby spinach, diced zucchini, chopped broccoli, snow peas, bell peppers, or shredded kale.
• Thicken the Sauce: If your sauce isn’t thickening up as you’d like, let it simmer for a bit longer, or add more Parmesan cheese to achieve that creamy consistency.
• Incorporate Bacon: For an extra burst of flavor and protein, sprinkle in some crumbled, cooked bacon.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is hearty enough to serve 6 when portioned appropriately. For a well-rounded meal, jazz it up with a side Caesar salad or my famous cheesy bread!

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers of this creamy chicken tortellini taste just as amazing! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened, feel free to add a splash of water or heavy cream to get that silky consistency back.