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If your family is anything like mine, weeknight dinners need to check a few important boxes: quick, filling, kid-approved, and easy to clean up. That’s exactly why this Chicken Tortellini Skillet has earned a spot in our regular dinner rotation.
Tender bites of seasoned chicken, cheesy tortellini, a creamy tomato sauce, and plenty of melty mozzarella all come together in one skillet in about 25 minutes. It’s rich, comforting, and tastes like something you’d order at your favorite Italian restaurant—but it’s surprisingly simple enough for a Tuesday night.
As much as I love cooking, I don’t love washing a sink full of dishes afterward. That’s why one-pan meals like this are always a win in our house. Plus, everyone gets excited when tortellini is on the menu, so I know dinner will actually get eaten without complaints.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tortellini Skillet
There are so many reasons to add this recipe to your weekly meal plan.
- Ready in about 25 minutes
- Everything cooks in one skillet
- Creamy, cheesy comfort food the whole family enjoys
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Minimal cleanup
- Easy to customize with vegetables or extra seasonings
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it uses simple ingredients you can easily grab during your weekly grocery trip.
- Olive oil
- Chicken breast
- Minced garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Diced tomatoes
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Cheese tortellini
- Mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Before getting started, you’ll need:
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large skillet with lid
- Spatula
How to Make this Chicken Tortellini Skillet
Step 1: Cook the chicken.
Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is nearly cooked through.
Step 2: Add the veggies and broth.
Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir well and bring everything to a boil.
Step 3: Now it’s time for the tortellini.
Add the cheese tortellini and stir so the pasta is coated in the liquid. Cover the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add cheese and simmer.
Remove the lid and stir in the mozzarella cheese along with ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese. Simmer uncovered for another 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
Step 5: Serve.
Remove from the heat. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for the Best Chicken Tortellini Skillet
- Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces so it cooks quickly and evenly.
- Use freshly grated parmesan. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than the pre-shredded variety!
- Keep an eye on the tortellini while it cooks so it stays perfectly tender.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, simply stir in a splash of chicken broth.
- Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan just before serving for the best flavor.
Easy Ways to Make It Your Own
This recipe is incredibly versatile.
- Add fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Stir in sliced mushrooms or diced zucchini.
- Use rotisserie chicken to make dinner even faster.
- Swap mozzarella for an Italian cheese blend.
- Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Chicken Tortellini Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 pound of chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of pepper
- 15 ounces of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 12 ounces of Cheese Tortellini
- 1 cup of mozzarella
- 1/3 cup of grated parmesan, divided
- Parsley, optional to garnish
Instructions
INGREDIENTS:
- Dice the chicken into small bit sized pieces.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium/high heat and add the chicken, minced garlic and seasonings.
- Cook until the chicken is almost done, turning the chicken as it cooks.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream then bring to a boil over high heat.
- Add the tortellini, stir to cover the tortellini in the liquid. Cover and boil for 5 minutes.
- Turn the heat down to medium. And stir in the mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of the grated parmesan cheese. Simmer uncovered for 3 minutes or until the sauce thickens to preferred consistency.
- Remove tortellini from heat and sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese and chopped parsley (optional). Serve and enjoy!
Notes
I used the Barilla brand cheese tortellini from the dry pasta aisle. It’s mini sized tortellini.
What to Serve with Chicken Tortellini Skillet
This hearty meal is filling on its own, but it’s even better with a few simple sides.
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Steamed green beans
- Breadsticks
- A simple garden salad
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
I don’t recommend freezing this recipe since cream-based sauces can separate after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use refrigerated tortellini?
Absolutely! Refrigerated tortellini cooks even faster, so reduce the cooking time slightly and check for doneness after about 3 minutes.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This recipe is best served fresh, but leftovers make a delicious lunch the next day.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay extra juicy.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely. Spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers all pair well with the creamy tomato sauce.
You’ll Want This on Repeat
When dinner needs to happen fast but you still want something homemade, this Chicken Tortellini Skillet is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s creamy, cheesy, loaded with flavor, and comes together in one pan with minimal effort—exactly the kind of meal busy families can appreciate.
Whether you’re feeding picky kids, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a cozy comfort food dinner, this skillet recipe delivers every single time.
Enjoy!
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