Description
This One Pot Buffalo Chicken Cheesy Tortellini is a flavorful, quick, and comforting meal combining tender buffalo-seasoned chicken, creamy cheeses, and cheesy tortellini all cooked together in a single skillet. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that packs a spicy punch with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins & Dairy
- 1 lb chicken breasts (cut into 1 inch pieces)
- 2 oz cream cheese (cubed)
- ½ cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 tbsp butter
Pantry & Seasonings
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (divided)
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the skillet: Add the butter to a large skillet over medium heat and allow it to melt completely to create a rich base for cooking the chicken.
- Season the chicken: Toss the cubed chicken pieces with half of the buffalo sauce (½ cup) to evenly coat them with the spicy flavor before cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Once the butter has melted, add the buffalo-coated chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until the chicken begins to brown and is mostly cooked through.
- Add tortellini and spices: Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the skillet along with the paprika, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the remaining buffalo sauce (½ cup) and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 7-8 minutes until the tortellini is cooked and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Add cheeses: Remove the lid, then add the cubed cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mixture.
- Finish and melt: Stir the mixture to combine the cheeses evenly, allowing them to melt fully into the sauce over 3-4 minutes to create a creamy, cheesy consistency.
Notes
- Use refrigerated cheese tortellini for best results; fresh or frozen may require different cooking times.
- Adjust buffalo sauce amount based on your preferred spice level.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it.
- Can substitute chicken breasts with thighs if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Serve with a side of celery sticks or ranch dressing to balance the spicy buffalo flavor.
