Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken and Tortellini Skillet

This creamy tomato basil chicken and tortellini skillet is a one-pan meal packed with flavor. Juicy chicken and cheesy tortellini are simmered in a tomato basil cream sauce for a hearty yet easy dinner the whole family will love. Comfort food at its finest!

Ingredients

For the skillet:

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Tortellini (fresh or dried)
• Olive oil
• Yellow onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Fire roasted diced tomatoes
• Heavy cream
• Fresh basil, chopped
• Baby spinach
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Prep the Chicken and Tortellini

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into 1-inch chunks. This helps them cook quicker.

If using dried tortellini, cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prep Tips

• Cut chicken into even sized pieces for even cooking.
• Partially cook tortellini if using dried.
• Use fresh tortellini to save time.
• Have all ingredients prepped and ready to go.

Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and the diced chicken. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on the outside.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

Browning the Chicken

• Use medium-high heat to browned chicken.
• Cook until outsides are lightly browned.
• Remove chicken from pan once browned.

Cook the Onion and Garlic

Add a bit more olive oil to the skillet if needed. Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds more.

Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Onion and Garlic Tips

• Onion should be softened but not browned.
• Cook garlic briefly just until fragrant.
• Be careful not to burn the garlic.
• Add a splash of wine or broth to deglaze if needed.

Simmer the Sauce

Stir the fire roasted tomatoes, heavy cream and basil into the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Return the browned chicken pieces and any juices to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper.

Simmering the Sauce

• Use fire roasted tomatoes for extra flavor.
• Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and creamy.
• Add basil for a fresh taste.
• Be careful not to boil the sauce.

Add the Tortellini and Spinach

Nestle the cooked fresh or dried tortellini down into the sauce, spreading it out evenly. Top with the baby spinach.

Cover and simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until tortellini is heated through and spinach wilted.

Finishing Touches

• Gently stir tortellini and spinach into sauce.
• Simmer just until pasta is heated through.
• Spinach will wilt quickly.

Serving

Spoon the creamy tomato basil chicken tortellini skillet into bowls. Garnish with grated Parmesan.

Serve immediately while hot. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

• Crusty bread
• Fresh green salad
• Sauteed broccoli or zucchini
• With a chilled white wine

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through.

The skillet meal can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recipe Tips

Try these easy substitutions and additions:

• Use baby bella mushrooms instead of spinach.
• Substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage.
• Use regular diced tomatoes if fire roasted are unavailable.
• Try oregano, thyme or parsley instead of basil.
• Add sliced peppers or zucchini with the tortellini.

Food Safety Tips

Here are some key food safety tips when working with chicken and cream:

• Never defrost chicken on the counter.
• Cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
• Use cream and tortellini before expiry dates.
• Cook and stir the cream sauce gently, do not let it boil.

An Easy Yet Elegant Dinner

With juicy chicken, cheesy tortellini and a fresh creamy tomato basil sauce, this skillet dinner is comforting and delicious. The ingredients come together easily for a meal packed with flavor. Enjoy this quick yet elegant one-pan dinner any night of the week!

Frequently Asked Questions

What other pastas can I use?

Penne, rotini, farfalle or ravioli would also work nicely in place of tortellini.

Can I use jarred pasta sauce?

Yes, substitute 2 cups of your favorite pasta sauce instead of diced tomatoes and cream.

How long does this dish keep refrigerated?

It will keep covered in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently before serving again.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce a day ahead. Gently reheat and add tortellini and spinach just before serving.

What kind of chicken works best?

Boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders work well. Cut them into bite-size pieces.

Do I need to use fire roasted tomatoes?

Regular canned diced tomatoes will also work. Fire roasted adds a bonus flavor.

What sides go with this skillet meal?

A fresh salad or veggie side like roasted broccoli or greens would pair nicely.