One Pan Creamy Lemon Chicken Tortellini
If you’re searching for a quick and delicious meal that’s sure to impress, look no further than this One Pan Creamy Lemon Chicken Tortellini. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked tortellini, all in one simple pan. With bright flavors from lemon and fresh spinach, it’s a dish that feels gourmet but can be whipped up in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to treat yourself to a delightful dinner without a lot of fuss!
What Sets This Recipe Apart
What makes this One Pan Creamy Lemon Chicken Tortellini truly special is its simplicity and flavor. The use of one pan means less cleanup, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal rather than washing dishes. The creamy Neufchâtel cheese adds a rich texture without weighing you down, while the lemon juice brightens the dish, making it light and refreshing. Plus, with the addition of baby spinach, you’re sneaking in some greens, making this dish not only delicious but also nutritious.
Ingredient Rundown
To create this delightful One Pan Creamy Lemon Chicken Tortellini, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces – A lean protein that cooks quickly.
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the chicken and adding healthy fats.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper – Essential for seasoning the chicken to perfection.
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons butter – To enhance the richness of the sauce.
- 3 teaspoons garlic, minced – Adds aromatic flavor that makes everything better.
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth – The base of your creamy sauce, providing depth of flavor.
- 1/4 cup water – To help cook the tortellini.
- 10 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini – The star of the dish, creamy and cheesy goodness.
- 4 ounces Neufchâtel cheese, cut into small pieces – For a creamy, luscious sauce.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the dish.
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice – Brightens the dish and enhances overall flavor.
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves – A nutritious addition that wilts beautifully into the sauce.
Recommended Tools
To make your cooking experience as smooth as possible, gather the following tools:
- Large skillet – For cooking everything in one pan.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring and ensuring nothing sticks to the pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
- Knife and cutting board – For chopping chicken and mincing garlic.
One Pan Creamy Lemon Chicken Tortellini — Do This Next
Ready to dive into making this scrumptious dish? Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Once the chicken is cooked, add the butter and minced garlic to the pan. Stir continuously for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Water
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and water, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. This will add incredible flavor to your sauce!
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
Stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Once the tortellini is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Add the Neufchâtel cheese pieces and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy.
Step 6: Finish with Lemon and Spinach
Stir in the fresh lemon juice and baby spinach leaves. Cook for an additional minute, just until the spinach wilts. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve your One Pan Creamy Lemon Chicken Tortellini warm, garnished with additional parmesan if desired. Enjoy the creamy, tangy flavors in every bite!
Allergy-Friendly Swaps
If you have specific dietary preferences or allergies, consider these swaps:
- Chicken: Substitute with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
- Neufchâtel cheese: Use dairy-free cream cheese or cashew cream for a vegan option.
- Parmesan cheese: Nutritional yeast can be used for a non-dairy cheesy flavor.
- Spinach: Kale or arugula can be substituted for a different green.
Testing Timeline
To ensure everything goes smoothly while making your One Pan Creamy Lemon Chicken Tortellini, here’s a quick timeline:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
If you have leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it can happen!), here’s how to best store them:
- Storing: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture of the tortellini may change slightly.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Your Top Questions
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini! Just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time to ensure they’re heated through.
What can I use instead of Neufchâtel cheese?
If you can’t find Neufchâtel cheese, cream cheese or a dairy-free alternative works perfectly in this recipe.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free cream cheese and nutritional yeast in place of the parmesan for a delicious dairy-free version.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add in some cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms for additional flavor and nutrition.
Serve with These
To complement your One Pan Creamy Lemon Chicken Tortellini, consider serving it with:
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce.
- Simple Garden Salad – A fresh side that balances the richness of the dish.
- A Glass of White Wine – To enhance the lemony flavors of the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables – A colorful and nutritious side option.
The Takeaway
One Pan Creamy Lemon Chicken Tortellini is not just a dish; it’s an experience. The combination of creamy textures, zesty lemon, and tender chicken creates a harmonious meal that’s sure to please anyone at your dinner table. Plus, the convenience of cooking everything in one pan saves time and effort, making it a perfect choice for any night of the week. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to indulge in a bowl of comfort that’s bursting with flavor!
Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. The next time you’re in need of a satisfying, quick meal, remember this delightful One Pan Creamy Lemon Chicken Tortellini, and enjoy every bite!
One Pan Creamy Lemon Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the butter and minced garlic to the pan. Stir continuously for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and water, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. This will add incredible flavor to your sauce!
- Stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes.
- Once the tortellini is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Add the Neufchâtel cheese pieces and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice and baby spinach leaves. Cook for an additional minute, just until the spinach wilts. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve your One Pan Creamy Lemon Chicken Tortellini warm, garnished with additional parmesan if desired. Enjoy the creamy, tangy flavors in every bite!
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
- Use dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan version.
- Consider adding cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for added flavor.
