Creamy Chicken Tortellini Recipe Easy Dinner Idea

Picture this: the aroma of garlic sizzling in butter, tender chicken pieces simmering in a luscious creamy sauce, and soft, pillowy tortellini soaking up all the goodness—this is comfort food at its absolute finest. The first time I made this creamy chicken tortellini recipe, I knew it was something special. It was one of those meals where everyone at the table went back for seconds (some even thirds!). It’s hearty, flavorful, and feels like a warm hug after a long day. Honestly, I can’t believe I didn’t discover this sooner—it’s been a game-changer for weeknight dinners.

Years ago, I used to think making a creamy pasta dish was too much work. But then I stumbled upon tortellini during a grocery run, and it was like the universe was saying, “You need to make this happen.” The filling inside the tortellini adds so much flavor, and when paired with a rich, garlicky sauce and the tender chicken, it becomes pure magic. My family couldn’t stop sneaking bites from the pot while I was trying to set the table. Who could blame them?

Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or feeding a crowd, this creamy chicken tortellini recipe hits all the right notes. It’s dangerously easy to whip up, perfect for busy nights, and doesn’t require fancy ingredients. Bookmark this one—you’re going to want it on repeat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this is the ultimate dinner for hectic evenings.
• Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of the staples on hand already, and tortellini is a total game-changer.
• Perfect for Dinner: Whether you’re hosting friends or making a special family meal, this recipe delivers comfort without the fuss.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves creamy pasta! Kids, adults, picky eaters—you name it.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy tortellini is pure comfort food.

What sets this recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors. The garlic butter adds depth, the cream sauce is luxuriously smooth, and the tortellini brings a burst of cheesy goodness to every bite. It’s not just another creamy pasta—it’s the kind of dish that makes you pause after the first bite and appreciate the moment.

Plus, it’s versatile. You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs—more on that later! Whether you’re impressing dinner guests or enjoying a quiet night in, this recipe is one you’ll keep coming back to.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss. Many of these are pantry staples, making it even easier to throw together on a whim.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and sliced into bite-sized pieces.
• Tortellini: Refrigerated or frozen, your choice of filling (cheese-filled works wonderfully).
• Butter: Unsalted, for sautéing and adding richness.
• Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken perfectly.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for that irresistible aroma and flavor.
• Heavy cream: The base for the sauce—makes it creamy and indulgent.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth and enhances the flavor of the sauce.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for maximum flavor; don’t skimp here!
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings everything together.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, because seasoning is key!

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add a handful of spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor. And don’t worry—substitutions are super easy. For example, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken if you’re pressed for time.

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet: A non-stick or stainless steel skillet works perfectly for sautéing chicken and simmering the sauce.
• Pot: For boiling the tortellini.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the sauce without scratching your cookware.
• Sharp knife: For slicing chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Cutting board: A sturdy surface for prepping chicken and garlic.
• Colander: For draining cooked tortellini.

If you don’t have a large skillet, a medium-sized one will work—you may just need to cook the chicken in batches. And for grating Parmesan, a box grater or microplane is a must-have in my kitchen!

Preparation Method

1. Start by prepping your ingredients. Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, and set out your tortellini. Grate the Parmesan cheese if needed.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken in the creamy sauce.
7. Meanwhile, cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the chicken and sauce.
8. Mix in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Sear the chicken properly: Make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken to get that beautiful golden crust.
• Don’t overcook the garlic: Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it—it should turn golden, not brown.
• Simmer gently: The cream sauce thickens as it simmers. If the heat is too high, it might separate or scorch.
• Cook tortellini al dente: Avoid overcooking the tortellini—it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
• Use fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly, so take the time to grate it yourself.

I’ve learned these tips the hard way after a few cooking mishaps, like burning my garlic (oops!) or letting the sauce boil too aggressively. Trust me, a little patience goes a long way in creating the perfect creamy chicken tortellini.

Variations & Adaptations

• Vegetarian option: Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a veggie-packed twist.
• Low-carb adaptation: Swap the tortellini for zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi.
• Seasonal variation: Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted bell peppers for a pop of color and flavor.
• Spicy kick: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for heat, or use spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken.
• Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.

My personal favorite variation? Adding a handful of fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, summery twist. It’s so refreshing!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This creamy chicken tortellini is best served hot, straight from the skillet. Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to complete the meal. If you’re hosting, a glass of chilled white wine would complement the flavors beautifully.

Leftovers? No problem! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth before warming it on the stovetop to keep the sauce creamy. Freezing is not recommended for this recipe as the cream sauce may separate.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fat: 24g

Chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein, while Parmesan cheese provides calcium. If you opt for spinach or sun-dried tomatoes as add-ins, you’ll also get a dose of vitamins and antioxidants. Just be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching your calorie intake.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a creamy chicken tortellini recipe that’s easy, comforting, and downright delicious, this is it. The combination of tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and rich sauce is one of those meals that feels like a treat every time. I love how customizable it is—you can tweak it to suit your mood or dietary needs without compromising flavor.

Creamy Chicken Tortellini Recipe Easy Dinner Idea

Print Recipe

A comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich creamy garlic sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Amanda
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 package refrigerated or frozen tortellini (cheese-filled recommended)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, and set out your tortellini. Grate the Parmesan cheese if needed.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken in the creamy sauce.
7. Meanwhile, cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the chicken and sauce.
8. Mix in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

[‘Sear the chicken properly to get a golden crust.’, ‘Avoid overcooking the garlic as it burns quickly.’, ‘Simmer the cream sauce gently to prevent separation or scorching.’, ‘Cook tortellini al dente to avoid overcooking.’, ‘Use fresh Parmesan for better melting and flavor.’]

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 520
• Fat: 24
• Carbohydrates: 37
• Protein: 32

Keywords: creamy chicken tortellini, easy dinner, comfort food, pasta recipe, chicken recipe, weeknight dinner