Description
Spicy Southwest Ranch Chicken Tortellini Skillet Recipe is a bold, creamy one-pan meal featuring seasoned chicken breast, cheese tortellini, sliced bell peppers, onions, and rich Southwest ranch sauce for a hearty and flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken breast provides lean protein and absorbs seasoning beautifully. Thin slicing helps it cook quickly and evenly.
Frozen cheese tortellini adds creaminess and transforms the skillet into a hearty meal rather than just a protein and vegetable dish.
Green bell peppers contribute freshness, color, and mild sweetness that balances the spice.
Onion enhances the savory base and releases natural sweetness during cooking.
Olive oil helps sauté ingredients and enhances the richness of spices.
Southwest Ranch sauce delivers creamy, spicy, and smoky flavor that ties the entire dish together.
Water allows vegetables to steam and ensures tortellini cooks properly without sticking.
Chicken seasoning:
Salt sharpens overall flavor.
Black pepper adds mild heat.
Paprika provides smokiness and color.
Cumin creates warm Southwest flavor.
Onion powder deepens savory taste.
Garlic powder enhances aroma and richness.
Red pepper flakes add a gentle spicy kick.
Vegetable seasoning:
Salt highlights natural sweetness of vegetables.
Black pepper adds mild warmth.
Garlic powder strengthens savory balance.
Instructions
Prepare all ingredients by slicing the chicken breast, onions, and bell peppers into thin strips.
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and the sliced onions and bell peppers. Season the vegetables with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Pour in about ½ cup of water and cover the skillet. Let the vegetables steam until they have softened.
On another section of the same skillet, or in a separate pan if needed, add another drizzle of olive oil and the chicken strips. Season the chicken thoroughly with the salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
Reduce the heat to low and stir the cooked chicken together with the softened vegetables on the skillet.
Clear a space on the skillet and add a touch more olive oil. Place the frozen cheese tortellini into this space. Pour in about ½ cup of water and cover the skillet. Let the tortellini cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and heated through. If using shelf-stable tortellini, you may need to add a little more water to ensure they cook properly.
Once the tortellini are cooked, drizzle the Buffalo Wild Wings Southwest Ranch sauce over them to your desired taste and stir to coat. Then, mix everything together—the chicken, vegetables, and tortellini—until it is all evenly combined and heated through.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American