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Plate filled bites of chicken and cheese-filled tortellini simmered in a light homemade tomato cream sauce infused with Italian herbs.
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One Pan Italian Chicken Tortellini

THE one pan wonder you need! Tender chicken, plump cheese-filled pasta, and a simple Italian-seasoned tomato cream sauce to tie it together.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main, Pasta
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Italian chicken tortellini
Servings: 6
Calories: 433kcal
Author: Monica Lensink

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces (about 1”) and place in a large bowl. Sprinkle with the cornstarch, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
    2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 2 Tablespoons cornstarch, kosher salt & black pepper
  • Set a large skillet, ideally one with a tight-fitting lid, over medium-high heat. Drizzle in enough olive oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan.
    1-2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • When the oil starts to shimmer, add half the chicken. Cook for 2-3 minutes without touching, until one side is golden, then turn frequently as it browns for another couple of minutes, until each piece is cooked through. Transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate, set aside, and repeat with remaining chicken.
  • When all the chicken is cooked and removed from the pan, add garlic, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30-60 seconds, just until fragrant.
    2-3 cloves garlic, 2 Tablespoons tomato paste, pinch red pepper flakes
  • Add the tomato sauce, broth, and Italian seasoning. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits, and stir well until the tomato paste is dissolved.
    1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Stir in cream or half and half, then sample and add more salt and pepper to taste.
    1/2 cup heavy cream or half and half
  • Stir in tortellini, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and cook for 5 minutes. Test a tortellini; if it is tender, remove from the heat and serve, but if it needs a few more minutes, return the lid and continue cooking as needed, checking every minute or so.
    18 ounces refrigerated tortellini
  • When the tortellini are cooked through, return chicken pieces to the pan. Stir well to warm through and coat with sauce.
  • Serve right away with grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley. Enjoy!
    fresh grated Parmesan and basil

Notes

  1. Storage: Either individual portions or a larger amount will keep well tightly-covered in the refrigerator at least 3-4 days.
  2. Reheating: Warm portions on 50% power in the microwave until warmed through, or if warming on the stovetop, use medium-low heat. If the sauce becomes too thick, add an extra splash of broth or water to loosen it back out.
  3. Yield: In our experience, this makes five to six fairly generous helpings.
  4. Sauce too Thick?: If the sauce becomes too thick while the tortellini are cooking, or while reheating, stir in another 1-2 tablespoons of broth or water as needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 433kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 831mg | Potassium: 579mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 465IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 162mg | Iron: 3mg