One Pan Creamy Lemon Chicken Tortellini

If you’re craving a comforting yet fresh dinner that comes together quickly, look no further than One Pan Creamy Lemon Chicken Tortellini. This dish perfectly balances the richness of creamy cheese with bright, zesty lemon and tender chicken, all cooked in one skillet for minimal cleanup! Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend meal, this recipe is designed to satisfy your taste buds without fuss. Plus, the addition of vibrant baby spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition, making it a well-rounded dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless one-pan cooking: No need to dirty multiple pots or pans—everything cooks together for easy prep and cleanup.
• Bright and creamy flavors: The lemon juice adds a refreshing zing that balances the richness of the creamy cheese sauce.
• Quick and satisfying: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings when you want a homemade meal fast.
• Versatile and customizable: Easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
• Family-friendly: This recipe is sure to please kids and adults alike with its comforting pasta and tender chicken pieces.

What You’ll Need

• 1 boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons butter
• 3 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup water
• 10 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 4 ounces Neufchatel cheese, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 cups baby spinach leaves

Equipment & Tools

• Large skillet or sauté pan: Preferably non-stick or cast iron for even cooking and easy cleanup.
• Sharp knife: For cutting chicken and cheese into bite-sized pieces.
• Cutting board: A sturdy surface for prepping ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate quantities of liquids and seasonings.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: For stirring and scraping the pan without damaging the surface.

One Pan Creamy Lemon Chicken Tortellini: How It’s Done

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add them to the hot pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Lower the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same pan and allow it to melt. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth and Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring to combine and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini, spreading them out evenly in the pan. Cover and let the tortellini cook for about 3-5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Make It Creamy and Lemon-Infused

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Neufchatel cheese pieces and grated parmesan cheese, allowing them to melt into a creamy sauce. Add the fresh lemon juice, stirring well to combine and brighten the flavors.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Spinach

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and fold in the baby spinach leaves. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Serve your One Pan Creamy Lemon Chicken Tortellini hot, garnished with extra parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or crusty bread.

Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions

• Chicken: Swap chicken breast for chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
• Cheese tortellini: Use spinach or mushroom-filled tortellini, or even ravioli, depending on your preference.
• Neufchatel cheese: Substitute with cream cheese or mascarpone for a similar creamy texture.
• Butter: Use olive oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
• Spinach: Swap baby spinach for kale, arugula, or swiss chard for a different leafy green twist.
• Lemon juice: Use lime juice for a slightly different citrus note.

Frequent Missteps to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken: Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces and watch closely during searing to avoid drying it out.
• Not stirring enough: Tortellini can stick to the pan if not stirred occasionally while cooking in the broth.
• Adding cheese too early: Add the Neufchatel and parmesan after the pasta is tender and the heat is low to prevent curdling.
• Skipping seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice at the end to balance the flavors perfectly.

Cooling, Storing & Rewarming

Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish keeps well for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

Your Top Questions

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace the Neufchatel and parmesan cheese with your favorite dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and vegan Parmesan. Use olive oil instead of butter to keep the creamy texture without dairy.

What kind of tortellini works best?

Refrigerated cheese tortellini is perfect for this recipe because it cooks quickly and melts beautifully into the sauce. You can also experiment with spinach or mushroom-filled tortellini for added flavor.

Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?

You can cut and season the chicken and prep the cheese ahead, but it’s best to cook the dish fresh to maintain the creamy sauce’s texture. If needed, assemble the ingredients in the pan and refrigerate, then cook just before serving.

How can I make this dish more vegetable-packed?

Adding extra veggies like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers during the garlic sauté step works wonderfully. Feel free to increase the baby spinach or add kale to boost the greens.

Next Up in Your Queue

• Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Bowls – Another zesty, chicken pasta recipe bursting with fresh herbs and flavor.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini – A luscious, cheesy pasta dish perfect for when you want comfort food with a garlic kick.

Ready to Cook?

Gather your ingredients, heat up your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a delicious, creamy, and lemony pasta meal that’s packed with protein and vibrant greens. This One Pan Creamy Lemon Chicken Tortellini is your new go-to for quick dinners that don’t skimp on flavor or satisfaction. Happy cooking!

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