Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. This one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, combining tender chicken with rich cheeses and soft tortellini for a satisfying experience. Its creamy texture and savory garlic sauce make it a standout choice that everyone will love.
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just one pot, saving you time on both cooking and cleanup.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of Velveeta, cream cheese, and mozzarella creates a luscious sauce that coats the tortellini perfectly.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this dish can adapt to various occasions.
- Kid-Friendly: With its cheesy goodness and pasta, itβs a hit among children and adults alike.
- Customizable: Feel free to add vegetables or adjust spices to make it your own!
Tools and Preparation
To create this delicious Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce, youβll need a few essential tools. They will help streamline the cooking process while ensuring perfect results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Knife set
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for cooking everything in one place, ensuring even heat distribution.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware.
- Measuring cups: Essential for accuracy in ingredient quantities, leading to consistent results.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
For the Tortellini
- 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
For the Sauce
- 3 cups whole milk
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- In a large pot over medium heat, add the cubed chicken.
- Cook until browned on all sides and no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Tortellini
- Stir in the refrigerated tortellini into the pot with the chicken.
- Pour in the whole milk, then bring to a simmer.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
- Add the cubed Velveeta and softened cream cheese to the pot.
- Stir continuously until melted and well combined.
Step 4: Incorporate Cheeses
- Mix in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese gradually.
- Continue stirring until all cheeses are melted into a creamy sauce.
Step 5: Serve
- Once everything is heated through and creamy, remove from heat.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.
Enjoy this delicious Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce as an easy weeknight meal that your whole family will adore!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Whether youβre hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.
Family Style
- Serve the tortellini in a large bowl, allowing everyone to help themselves. This creates a warm and inviting atmosphere at the table.
With Fresh Herbs
- Garnish each plate with fresh basil or parsley for an added burst of flavor and color. The herbs complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
Alongside Garlic Bread
- Pair this dish with crispy garlic bread for a satisfying crunch. Itβs perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.
As a Lunch Leftover
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy them for lunch the next day. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave for a quick meal.
How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
Perfecting this dish is easy with a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions for an even creamier and tastier result.
Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh chicken and high-quality cheeses for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference.
Use the Right Milk: Whole milk provides a rich texture, but you can substitute with 2% if you prefer something lighter without sacrificing too much creaminess.
Cook Tortellini Properly: Follow package instructions carefully to avoid overcooking. Al dente pasta holds up better in creamy sauces.
Balance Flavors: Taste your sauce before serving. You can adjust seasoning by adding salt or pepper as needed to enhance overall flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
Pairing side dishes with Creamy Chicken Tortellini can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:
Steamed Broccoli β A healthy addition that adds vibrant color and nutrition; its slight bitterness contrasts nicely with the rich tortellini.
Caesar Salad β Crisp romaine lettuce with tangy dressing adds freshness to balance the creamy dish; add croutons for extra crunch.
Roasted Vegetables β Seasonal veggies roasted to perfection provide earthy flavors; consider using carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes β Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic offer another layer of richness; theyβre also great for soaking up excess sauce.
Caprese Salad β Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with olive oil make a refreshing contrast to creamy pasta.
Grilled Asparagus β Lightly seasoned and grilled asparagus brings a smoky flavor that pairs well; drizzle with lemon juice before serving.
Antipasto Platter β A variety of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables makes for an exciting starter before diving into your main dish.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts β Roasted until crispy, Brussels sprouts add texture and flavor; toss them with balsamic glaze for an added zing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoiding overcooking the tortellini. This can lead to a mushy texture. Follow package instructions for cooking time.
- Not using fresh ingredients. Using older ingredients can affect the flavor. Always check the freshness of your chicken and dairy before cooking.
- Ignoring the sauce consistency. A thick sauce is key for a delicious dish. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of milk to adjust.
- Skipping seasoning. Not seasoning your dish properly can result in bland flavors. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
- Overcrowding the one-pot. This can prevent even cooking and mixing of flavors. Cook in batches if necessary.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container. This helps maintain freshness.
- Best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal taste.
Freezing Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
- Freeze in individual portions using freezer-safe containers.
- Can be stored for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
- Oven: Preheat to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, adding a little milk if needed, until warmed throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce?
This dish features tender chicken and cheese tortellini in a rich, creamy sauce made with mozzarella and garlic.
Can I customize my Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
How do I make my sauce thicker for Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce?
You can add more cream cheese or a cornstarch slurry to achieve the desired thickness.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is a delightful one-pot dinner thatβs both comforting and satisfying. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it appealing to everyone at the table. Donβt hesitate to customize this dish by adding your favorite veggies or spices!

Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
- Author: Madison
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken with cheese-filled tortellini, all enveloped in a rich and creamy mozzarella garlic sauce. This one-pot meal is not only quick to prepare but also perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. The luscious sauce, made from a blend of cheeses and whole milk, coats each piece of tortellini beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. With its kid-friendly appeal and versatility, you can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. Delight in this delectable dish that the entire family will love!
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 cups whole milk
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook cubed chicken until browned and no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in the tortellini and pour in the whole milk; bring to a simmer.
- Add Velveeta and cream cheese, stirring continuously until melted.
- Gradually mix in mozzarella and Parmesan until all cheeses are melted into the sauce.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor. Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition. Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more cream cheese or a splash of milk.