Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a comforting yet flavorful meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Then look no further! This creamy Chicken Mozzarella Tortellini recipe is your answer. It's a perfect blend of cheesy goodness and savory chicken, making it a delicious and easy option for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. This healthy meal is surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks. Let's dive in!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous weeknight dinner.
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar of your favorite pasta sauce (marinara, Alfredo, or a creamy tomato sauce work wonderfully)
- 1 (9-ounce) package fresh cheese tortellini (mozzarella filled is recommended)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions: Easy as 1, 2, 3!
This homemade recipe is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect dish every time.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the pasta sauce and heavy cream to the skillet. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the cooked chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
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Add Tortellini: Add the cheese tortellini to the skillet. Stir gently to coat the pasta in the sauce. Cook according to package directions until heated through and tender, about 3-5 minutes.
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Cheese & Serve: Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Dish
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Don't overcook the chicken; it should be cooked through but still juicy.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for a few more minutes after adding the tortellini.
- Feel free to use different types of cheese, such as Parmesan or Romano.
Delicious Variations: Get Creative!
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with 1 cup of cooked vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy twist.
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: Add a handful of sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a burst of Mediterranean flavor.
This recipe offers many possibilities for customization; feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients!
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
This Chicken Mozzarella Tortellini is a satisfying, healthy meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Enjoy this delicious and easy recipe!