Skillet Chicken Tortellini Dinner Recipe

A Cozy Skillet Supper

Hello, my dear! Let’s make a cozy dinner together. This one is all cooked in one big skillet. That means less washing up for you later. I love that.

We will cook chicken and little pasta pillows called tortellini. They swim in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Doesn’t that sound wonderful? It is pure comfort in a pan.

The Chicken’s Cozy Coat

First, we give the chicken cubes a little coat. We toss them in flour with some spices. This makes the chicken golden and tasty when it cooks.

I learned this trick from my mother. She said it seals in the goodness. I still do it today. Why does this matter? That simple coat gives the chicken a wonderful texture. It makes every bite better.

A Story in the Sauce

After the chicken is done, we make the sauce. We use the same pan. All those little brown bits from the chicken are flavor gold! We cook onions and tomatoes in there.

The smell that fills your kitchen is amazing. It reminds me of my grandson’s face when he walks in. He always says, “Grandma, what’s the good smell?” That makes my heart happy. What smells make you feel happy and cozy?

The Magic of Cheese

Now for the best part. We add the broth, cream, and cheese. The cheese melts and makes everything silky. I use two kinds for extra flavor.

*Fun fact*: Gruyere is a cheese from Switzerland. It has a lovely, nutty taste. Stirring the sauce until it’s smooth is so relaxing. Why does this matter? Cooking with care turns simple ingredients into a special meal. It shows love.

Bringing It All Together

While the sauce simmers, cook the frozen tortellini. They are like little doughy hugs filled with cheese. Then, we put everything back in the big skillet.

The chicken, the pasta, and that gorgeous sauce all get cozy together. Let it sit for five minutes. This lets the flavors become best friends. Do you have a favorite “one pot” meal like this?

Your Turn in the Kitchen

And there you have it! A beautiful, hearty dinner. It looks like you spent all day cooking. But it comes together so easily.

This is a great dish to share. I love making it when family visits. What dish do you love to make for the people you care about? Tell me all about it.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts	1 pound	Cut into 1-inch cubes
All-purpose flour	1/2 cup (62.5 g)
Kosher salt (for chicken)	1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper	1/2 teaspoon
Paprika	1/2 teaspoon
Garlic powder	1/2 teaspoon
Olive oil	2 tablespoons
Unsalted butter	2 tablespoons
Yellow onion	1 small	Finely chopped
Cherry tomatoes	1 pint	Halved
Sun-dried tomatoes	1/2 cup (55 g)	Softened in hot water, drained, and chopped
Garlic	2 tablespoons	Minced
Chicken broth	1 cup (240 g)
Heavy cream	1 cup (238 g)
Gruyere cheese	1/2 cup (56.5 g)	Shredded
Parmesan cheese	1/2 cup (50 g)	Grated
Red pepper flakes	1 teaspoon
Italian seasoning	1 teaspoon
Kosher salt (for sauce)	1 teaspoon
Frozen cheese tortellini	1 bag (20 ounces)

A Cozy Skillet Supper for Busy Nights

This recipe always reminds me of my grandson, Leo. He calls it “fancy pasta.” I love how everything cooks in one pan. It feels like a big, warm hug from the kitchen.

The smell of chicken cooking with paprika is just wonderful. It fills the whole house. Then the creamy cheese sauce comes together. I still smile when I make it.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheese (such as mozzarella or Italian blend)
• 1 package (20 oz) cheese tortellini

Instructions

Step 1: First, let’s get our chicken ready. Toss those little chicken cubes in the flour and spices. Just shake them up in a bag. It gives the chicken a lovely golden coat. (A hard-learned tip: shake off the extra flour over the sink. It keeps the pan from getting too pasty.)

Step 2: Now, heat up your oil and butter in a big skillet. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown all over. Don’t rush this part. That golden color means so much flavor. I always think of my old cast iron skillet here.

Step 3: In that same yummy pan, we cook our onions and tomatoes. The cherry tomatoes get all soft and sweet. The sun-dried ones add a little tang. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Stir in the garlic for just 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready.

Step 4: Time for the creamy sauce! Pour in the broth and cream. Then add all that glorious cheese. Stir slowly until it’s all melted and happy. This sauce is pure comfort.

Step 5: While the sauce simmers, cook your tortellini. Just follow the directions on the bag. It’s the easiest part. Then, bring that beautiful chicken back to the skillet. Add the cooked tortellini too. Give everything a good stir to coat it in that sauce. Let it all get cozy together for five minutes. The wait is the hardest part!

Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Category: Dinner

Let’s Mix It Up!

This recipe is like a good friend. It’s happy to change with your mood. Here are a few fun twists we can try. They are all so simple.

• Veggie Lover’s Dream: Skip the chicken. Add sliced mushrooms and zucchini with the onions. It’s just as hearty and delicious.
• Extra Spicy Kick: Love a little heat? Double the red pepper flakes. Maybe add a pinch of cayenne too. It will warm you right up.
• Summer Garden Fresh: Use fresh spinach and basil. Stir them in right at the end. The green color makes the dish look so cheerful.

Serving Your Masterpiece

This dish is a full meal in a pan. But I love to add a little something on the side. A simple green salad with a lemony dressing is perfect. The crispness cuts through the rich sauce. Some garlic bread is always a good idea too. Who can say no to that?

For a drink, a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio pairs nicely. For the kids, or for me on a quiet night, sparkling apple cider is my pick. It feels so festive.

Keeping Your Tortellini Dinner Tasty Later

This meal keeps well for a happy lunch tomorrow. Let the dish cool completely first. Then store it in a sealed container in the fridge. It will stay good for about three days.

You can also freeze it for a busy night. I use a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat, add a splash of broth or cream to a skillet. Warm it over medium-low heat. Stir it gently until it is hot all the way through. I once reheated it too fast and the sauce broke. A little patience makes it perfect.

Batch cooking this saves so much time. Making a double batch means a future dinner is ready. This matters because a good meal waiting for you feels like a hug. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Easy Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups

Is your sauce looking a bit thin? Let it simmer for a few more minutes. The heat will help it thicken up nicely. You can also add a little extra grated cheese.

Be careful not to burn the garlic. I remember when I got distracted and mine turned bitter. Always add it last and cook for just 30 seconds. This matters because good flavor starts with care.

If your chicken is browning too fast, turn down the heat. Cooking it gently keeps it juicy and tender. Getting this right builds your cooking confidence. You will feel so proud of your dish. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Cooking Questions Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free flour and tortellini.

Q: How can I make it ahead?
A: Prepare the entire dish and refrigerate it. Reheat it just before serving.

Q: What if I don’t have Gruyere cheese?
A: Swiss or mozzarella cheese will work nicely instead.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely. Just use a very large skillet or cook in two batches.

Q: Is the red pepper flake necessary?
A: No, it is optional. Leave it out if you do not like spice. Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love this cozy tortellini dinner. It always makes my kitchen smell wonderful. Cooking for people is a way to show you care.

I would be so delighted to see your creation. Sharing food connects us all. Fun fact: The first recipe I ever learned was for biscuits from my own grandma.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! I love seeing your family meals. Thank you for cooking with me today.

Happy cooking!
—Fiona Brooks.