Southwest Ranch Chicken Tortellini
This Southwest Ranch Chicken Tortellini is a southwest chicken tortellini dinner recipe made with juicy chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a creamy southwest ranch sauce that brings everything together. A comfort food pasta recipe that is bold, a little spicy, and smoky, that cooks in one pan.
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It’s perfect for weeknight dinners and casual family meals. It also works really well for simple gatherings or potlucks because it stays creamy and flavorful even after sitting for a bit.
If you have tortellini in your pantry and are wondering what to make with it, this recipe is perfect. This Cold Tortellini Pesto Salad is also one of the easiest ways to use your tortellini.
How to Make Southwest Ranch Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe
Step-by-Step Guide
1. In a large bowl, add the sliced chicken and seasonings. Stir until the chicken is fully coated.
2. Heat oil in a large high-walled skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, bell peppers, and onions. Cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are soft.
3. While the chicken cooks, boil the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain well.
4. Add the cooked tortellini into the skillet with the chicken and veggies. Pour in the southwest ranch sauce and stir everything together until fully coated and creamy.
Serve & Enjoy!
Important Recipe Notes
- Try to slice the chicken into similar bite-size pieces so everything cooks at the same time and stays juicy.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Cook just until the chicken is no longer pink inside. Overcooking can make it dry, especially since it’s cut small.
- If you like a little crunch, don’t cook the bell peppers and onions too long. If you prefer them soft, let them cook the full 10 minutes.
- Cook tortellini separately: Boil it in a separate pot so it doesn’t soak up too much sauce or get mushy.
- Drain tortellini well: Too much water can make the sauce watery, so make sure it’s fully drained before adding it to the skillet.
- Adjust the spice level: Add more or less red pepper flakes depending on your family’s taste. You can also skip it if cooking for kids.
- If you can’t find Southwest ranch sauce, you can mix ranch dressing with a little hot sauce and smoked paprika for a similar flavor.
- This dish is best served after cooking. If reheating, add a splash of milk or extra sauce to bring back the creaminess.
Southwest Ranch Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into bite size pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 bell peppers sliced, any colors you like
- 1 onion sliced
- 16 oz bag frozen cheese tortellini
- 1/2 cup Buffalo Wild Wings southwest ranch sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the sliced chicken and seasonings. Stir until the chicken is fully coated.
- Heat oil in a large high-walled skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, bell peppers, and onions. Cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are soft.
- While the chicken cooks, boil the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain well.
- Add the cooked tortellini into the skillet with the chicken and veggies. Pour in the southwest ranch sauce and stir everything together until fully coated and creamy. Serve warm and enjoy!
Check Out More Chicken Recipe Ideas!
Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bowl
Creamy Chicken Stock Potato Soup Bowls
