Balsamic Chicken Tortellini: 5 Mouthwatering Weeknight Meals

Tired of serving the same boring chicken dinners week after week? I totally understand that frustration! This Balsamic Chicken Tortellini transforms ordinary chicken into something truly extraordinary tender, flavorful bites paired with pillowy pasta pockets, all coated in a rich, tangy balsamic glaze that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Hi, I’m Ethan Miller, the heart behind Foodydish! As someone who has spent years perfecting quick, family-friendly meals, I’ve found that balsamic chicken tortellini has become my go-to solution when I need something impressive that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this dish lies in its perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to create five variations of this versatile meal from selecting the juiciest chicken cuts to mastering that perfect balsamic reduction. Plus, I’ll share my time-saving prep methods that make these dishes perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the fuss.

Why This Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Recipe Works

• Uses affordable, easy-to-find ingredients you might already have in your pantry
• Requires just 30 minutes of active cooking time perfect for busy weeknights
• Creates five distinct flavor variations from one master recipe
• Combines protein, carbs, and vegetables in one satisfying dish
• Stores and reheats beautifully for meal prep and leftovers

Choosing the Right Chicken for Balsamic Chicken Tortellini

Best Cuts for Balsamic Chicken Tortellini

Chicken thighs are my top recommendation for this recipe. They stay juicy and tender during cooking and absorb the balsamic flavors beautifully. Their higher fat content means they’re practically fail-proof, even for beginners.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well too, especially if you’re watching fat intake. Just be careful not to overcook them slice them horizontally if they’re very thick to ensure even cooking.

Buying Tips

Look for chicken with a pinkish hue and no grayish tones. If possible, choose organic or free-range options for better flavor. When buying in bulk, separate portions before freezing so you can thaw exactly what you need.

Substitutions

If you’re looking to switch things up, try using:

• Boneless turkey cutlets (reduce cooking time slightly)
• Firm tofu slices for a vegetarian version (press well before cooking)
• Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for an ultra-quick meal (add during the final minutes)

Ingredients & Prep for Balsamic Chicken Tortellini

Chicken Prep Essentials

For the best balsamic chicken tortellini, start by patting your chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels. This ensures proper browning instead of steaming. If using chicken breasts, consider a quick 15-minute brine (1 tablespoon salt dissolved in 2 cups water) for juicier results.

Marinades/Rubs

For perfect balsamic chicken, use this quick marinade:

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Marinate for at least 20 minutes, though 2 hours will give you deeper flavor.

Pantry Staples

These essentials elevate your balsamic chicken tortellini:

• Quality balsamic vinegar (look for “di Modena” on the label)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh or dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
• Chicken broth
• Garlic
• Fresh refrigerated tortellini (cheese or spinach varieties work best)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Balsamic Chicken Tortellini

Pre-Cooking Prep for Balsamic Chicken

1. Remove chicken from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before cooking to take the chill off
2. Pat chicken completely dry with paper towels
3. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides
4. Prepare all other ingredients before heating your pan

Cooking Method for Balsamic Chicken Tortellini

1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
2. Cook chicken 5-6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F
3. Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil
4. In the same pan, add 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 cup chicken broth
5. Simmer 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced
6. Meanwhile, cook tortellini according to package directions, typically 3-5 minutes in boiling water
7. Slice chicken into strips and return to the pan
8. Add drained tortellini and toss everything in the balsamic sauce
9. Finish with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil

Doneness Check for Balsamic Chicken

Always verify chicken is fully cooked to 165°F with a meat thermometer. The meat should be opaque throughout with no pink areas. For tortellini, test a piece it should be tender but still slightly firm (al dente).

Resting Balsamic Chicken

Allow the cooked chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps all those flavorful juices inside the meat rather than running out onto your cutting board. The final dish benefits from a 2-minute rest after combining to allow the tortellini to absorb some of the sauce.

Pro Tips for Perfect Balsamic Chicken Tortellini

Avoiding Tough/Dry Chicken in Tortellini Dishes

• Don’t overcrowd your pan cook chicken in batches if necessary
• Use a timer rather than guessing cooking times
• For boneless breasts, consider using the “touch test” properly cooked chicken feels firm but still has some give
• Add a splash of chicken broth if your sauce reduces too much

Tool Recommendations

• Cast iron or stainless steel skillet for proper searing
• Instant-read digital thermometer for perfect doneness
• Silicone-tipped tongs for easy chicken handling
• Large pot with pasta insert for cooking tortellini

Storage & Reheating Balsamic Chicken Tortellini

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent dryness. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, or gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat.

Looking for more kitchen inspiration? Check out my Pinterest page where I’ve gathered hundreds of weeknight dinner ideas just like this one!

Flavor Variations for Balsamic Chicken Tortellini

Creamy Balsamic Chicken Tortellini

Add 1/3 cup heavy cream to the sauce after reducing the balsamic vinegar. Simmer until slightly thickened and finish with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for a luxurious twist.

Mediterranean Balsamic Chicken Tortellini

Add 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, and 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese to the finished dish. Garnish with fresh oregano and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Roasted Vegetable Balsamic Chicken Tortellini

Toss 2 cups of diced zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion with olive oil and roast at 425°F for 15-20 minutes until caramelized. Add to the finished dish for extra color, texture, and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions for Balsamic Chicken Tortellini

Complete your balsamic chicken tortellini meal with these perfect accompaniments:

• A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a peppery contrast
• Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for soaking up the delicious sauce
• Steamed or roasted asparagus for a green vegetable component
• A glass of Pinot Noir or light Chianti complements the balsamic flavors beautifully

For a complete meal plan, serve a small portion as a first course before a simple grilled fish main, or offer it as the star of the meal with just a light salad alongside.

FAQs About Balsamic Chicken Tortellini

Can I make balsamic chicken tortellini ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce up to 2 days ahead. Store refrigerated, then reheat gently on the stovetop. Cook fresh tortellini just before serving and add to the warmed chicken and sauce.

What’s the best way to prevent tortellini from sticking together?
Cook tortellini in plenty of salted water and stir occasionally. Drain well but don’t rinse. Add a small drizzle of olive oil and toss gently if not adding to the sauce immediately.

Can I use dried tortellini instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Dried tortellini works fine but requires longer cooking time (check package instructions). The texture is slightly firmer, which some people prefer.

How can I make this recipe lighter?
Use chicken breasts instead of thighs, reduce the olive oil to 1 tablespoon, and choose a whole wheat or protein-enriched tortellini. You can also increase the vegetable content for more volume with fewer calories.

What can I substitute for balsamic vinegar?
In a pinch, you can use red wine vinegar with a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup added, though the flavor won’t be identical to true balsamic vinegar.

Conclusion

Balsamic chicken tortellini has become my go-to solution for those nights when I want something impressive without hours of effort. With its perfect balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, it’s a dish that feels special enough for company but easy enough for weeknights.

I hope you’ll try at least one of these five variations and discover a new family favorite. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility once you master the basic technique, you can customize it endlessly based on what you have on hand or what your family enjoys.

Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag Foodydish I love seeing how you make these recipes your own! And if you’re looking for more dinner inspiration, check out my other popular weeknight recipes right here on the site.

Happy cooking!

Balsamic Chicken Tortellini: 5 Mouthwatering Weeknight Meals

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• Author: Ethan Miller
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A delicious and easy pasta dish featuring tender balsamic-glazed chicken, cheese tortellini, and sautéed vegetables tossed in a tangy balsamic cream sauce for a perfect weeknight meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups baby spinach

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook tortellini according to package instructions; drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

3. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned and cooked through.

4. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Pour in balsamic vinegar and let it reduce slightly while coating the chicken.

6. Stir in cherry tomatoes and spinach; cook until spinach is wilted.

7. Reduce heat and add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.

8. Add cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.

9. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

Notes

Use refrigerated or frozen tortellini depending on availability.

Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies.

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the cream or use grilled chicken leftovers.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 710mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 37g
• Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: balsamic chicken, tortellini pasta, creamy balsamic sauce, easy weeknight dinner